Ironwood Farms
Rupert Jannasch, of Avonmouth Farms, wishes for a day when the work of farmers is fully appreciated and when someone might ask something like "who's your farmer?" in the same fashion as we ask, "who's your doctor?" –– in the recognition that health and healthy food are pillars of human life.
Situated at the mouth of the Avon River in Hants County Nova Scotia, with a quaint 1850's farmhouse, a large greenhouse, a smaller mixed garden and a brightly coloured, vibrant highbush-blueberry field, Avonmouth Farm is a place to take time to "smell the roses" (so to speak). Looking around the farm and gardens is a chance to notice the little details that show the generations of care invested in the farm. In the distance, lush forest surrounds the open acres of farmland; a little closer a happy cat slowly makes its way through clusters of small trees that act as a windbreak for the new crops of high-bush blueberries; even closer still - a squash happily dangles from the branch of a tree that shades the farmhouse. Avonmouth Farm is a place to slow down and notice the little, delightful aspects of farm life. And you're bound to find some sort of treat: like raspberries ripening in late October –– tricked by the Indian summer.
Rupert did not grow up on a farm, however he has been involved in agriculture for as long as he can remember. Rupert revisited his European roots after high school and worked as an apprentice on a German farm. He traveled and worked on farms across Europe, as well as Israel & New Zealand, where he followed his interest in sheep farming. Later, he received his Masters degree at the Agricultural College in Truro.
Rupert purchased Avonmouth Farm in 2004 from an elderly friend. He grows ten varieties of highbush blueberries, raspberries, squash, different varieties of grape tomatoes (available seasonally in Sobeys supermarkets, other stores, and the Halifax Farmers Market) and greenhouse and heirloom tomatoes.
Rupert is committed to operating an "ecological farm," which is largely self-sufficient. As part of this plan, he is starting a small livestock enterprise to supply manure and compost. He looks forward to his farm becoming an integral part of his community and is well on his way! Rupert's ideals and farming philosophy have already influenced many of the farmers in Nova Scotia, and it is starting to spread to local consumers, occasionally to the point where people are beginning to ask:
"Who's your farmer?"
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