Noah and Erma Stoll (Aylmer, ON)



Address:
52118 College Line, Aylmer, ON
Website:
About:
We first met Noah back in 2012 when we received a phone call inquiring as to whether we’d be interested in Duck eggs. At that point, we’d never tasted a duck egg before and were suitably intrigued. Noah had selected ducks and duck eggs as a potential niche source of income for his small family farm. It’s that innovative spirit that we truly appreciate in the sustainable farming community. Since that day, with some encouragement and opportunity, Noah and Erma have branched out into experimental growing in passive solar hoop houses to be able to harvest vegetables earlier and later in the season. As they note, it’s still a learning process.
How did you get your start in farming?
I grew up on a dairy farm. I have fond memories of our family together milking our 17 cows by hand every morning and eve. My parents also instilled in us a passion for growing veg. Some of my earliest memories are of being in the strawberry patch, potato patch, and cucumber and watermelon fields. So to answer your question, farming really is a lot of what I am.
Why is organic important to you?
The conventional methods of farming today are, in my mind, not sustainable. Having said that, I feel we have a lot to learn as of yet when it comes to actually being sustainable in our organic farming practices. But, I feel positive in that it is going in the right direction.
What is the most challenging aspect of farming organically?
Keeping ahead of the weeds is out single greatest challenge.
What is your favorite vegetable?
This is a tough question, as I am a fan of almost any veg. If I must be specific, I would probably pick the tomato with many others coming in a close tie.