Photo (Left to right): Judi Stevens, Charles Stevens and their daughter Courtney Stevens. Photo Source: https://www.wilmotblueberries.com/about
Like a tin soldier standing solitary and aimed skyward on the hillside of Wilmot Orchards sits the Hail Cannon, ready to take on unpredictability, danger and threat. It sits quiet on this warm summer day, an investment made years ago by Charles and Judi Stevens that has saved the fruit trees at least once through its science of molecular disruptors hurling sound waves toward the heavens to displace inclement weather.
It’s foresight, a drive toward innovation, advancement and investment that can just as easily define the Stevens family, with each one bringing passion, skill and grit to Wilmot Orchards and the future of agriculture. Nestled just east of the urban sprawl in Clarington, sits the Stevens farm. Wilmot Orchards is a popular destination for the refined palate providing fresh blueberries, and culinary delights in the café during the growing season. The family welcomes over 30, 000 visitors to the orchard in just over 22 days during peak season. Among their many contributions to community they have given generously to the Rural Ontario Institute’s Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP), helping to provide valuable resources, opportunities, and experiences that will empower the next generation of agriculture leaders.
“We gave because of what the industry has given to us,” says Charles about their generous gift. “Without it I don’t think we would be as successful as we are. That’s what AALP does: train leaders.”
As Wilmot Orchards grew over time, Charles and Judi worked to learn more, gain more experiences that would positively impact their business. One of the ways they did this was through AALP, as one of the first couples to participate in the program.
“Taking what they learned back to Wilmot Orchards they expanded both their apple and blueberry crops, as well as, getting involved in the community and industry,” says daughter Courtney Stevens.
Charles, Judi and daughter Courtney have led the future of their farm through cropland protection, production efficiencies, sustainable irrigation, culinary expansion, succession planning and market readiness. The family invests in this future with courage, care and they give from the heart sharing their expertise with the industry, their harvest with local food programs, their product, time and stewardship. The same way they have built their farm from the ground up, with hard work, passion and a dedication that goes beyond the farm gate to advancing agriculture in the community, the province and industry. This passion continues into the next phase of the farm with their young production managers, Ian Parker and Ian Martin along with daughter Courtney.
“Agriculture today can be a fragmented industry. The thing about AALP is it brings together different perspectives. There are always two sides to an issue,” says Judi. “AALP creates opportunities for people they wouldn’t otherwise get, venture into doing things they wouldn’t otherwise do and the confidence to try things. There’s nothing like AALP,” adds Charles.
Judi is an Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program alumna (AALP), class of 1997 (Class 7) and author of a spirited AALP paper about the financial viability of women running a farm. This at a time when few women were involved in agriculture.
“To farm… women have to be proactive. Become active. One of the biggest keys to the success of a business is having the right people around you,” says Judi.
AALP Class 5 Group Photo
AALP Class 7 Group Photo
Charles, AALP grad Class of 1993 (Class 5), is also the past chair of the Ontario Apple Growers and former chair of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association.
“If you really want to do stuff and make a difference, stick up your hand,” says Charles. “Even if you are young or scared. Only 10% of people will adopt new technologies in the first 10 years. I’m an early adopter to most things,” he remarks.
Judi and Charles’ journey ignited at the University of Guelph where the two met during work and studies. Not long after, they began building the family legacy that is now Wilmot, selling over 100,000 pounds of blueberries today. With Judi’s market savviness and Charles determination “We started with 81 acres and grew over time to what you see here today,” Charles states. “Diversification and financial growth doesn’t come only from production it comes from marketing,” adds Judi.
Charles was raised on a farm, later sold by his father in the 1970’s, but not before he invested in his own 81-acre farm where Wilmot Orchards sits today. He travelled the country and the world to expand his knowledge and seek out new and innovative approaches, while Judi masterfully led the day-to-day management of the farm.
“We made relationships, in Ottawa and the food and agriculture organization of the United Nations. We negotiated with 30 other countries around the world for crop protection. We managed to farm and build the business while doing all this,” said Charles and Judi.
Today the Stevens are succession planning and preparing for the next chapter of Wilmot Orchards. Courtney has taken an active ownership role in the farm and is key in leading its future along with her business partners. There is no slowing down for the Stevens. In fact, being a family of early adopters and innovators, they are again diversifying and maximizing their crop production as well as expanding the on–farm café. Courtney, the driving force behind the success of the café, has thoughtfully brought blueberry inspired cuisine prepared by an inspiring executive chef to sold-out supper clubs. The family also produces extensive ready for market products from their blueberries, including fine chocolates and preserves.
“I wanted to bring some elegance to agriculture and Courtney has just taken that to the next level,” says Judi. “We have accomplished a lot because of the relationships we have both made,” added Charles.
Make a difference in a leader's life
Your gift will make a lasting impact—supporting individuals who will help to shape the future of the agricultural sector for years to come.
0 Comments