What if growing fresh, local vegetables could be done in a way that’s smarter, cleaner, and better for the planet? At Gwillimdale Farms, we’re more than just growers; we’re always looking for better ways to farm. Through sustainable practices and new technology, we’re working to bring high-quality, locally grown root vegetables to Canadian families while doing our part to care for the environment. This year, we took a major step forward by integrating Ecorobotix, one of the most advanced technologies in precision agriculture, into our farm operations.
Introducing Ecorobotix: Where Precision Spraying Meets Smart Farming
The Ecorobotix ultra-high precision sprayer is a game-changer in modern agriculture. It’s precise, it’s sustainable, and it’s intelligent! Equipped with cutting-edge AI technology, high-resolution optics, and unmatched accuracy, it enables targeted spraying that only sprays the weeds.
The result of this solution is:
1. Improved crop quality – Healthier crops
2. Lower input costs
3. Improved soil and environmental health
4. Greater operational efficiency
It’s a smaller environmental footprint, all while preserving the health of our soils, our root vegetables and increasing our efficiency. With this technology and innovation, we’re redefining what it means to grow responsibly for today, and for the future.
This smart sprayer was deployed across multiple crops this season, including our carrots, onions, and beets. Its versatility is a key factor in its value to our farm operations, allowing us to integrate it seamlessly into diverse commodities. Its adaptability to both mineral and muck soils proved essential for success in diverse field conditions.
” Although it has been a learning curve, I’ve found it easy to operate. It delivers highly accurate application and performs with impressive precision. I’m sure next year will be even better as we continue learning.”
— Isaiah Galbraith, Equipment Operator at Gwillimdale Farms
As a vertically integrated operation working in fresh produce, Gwillimdale manages every step of the journey from growing to washing, packing, and shipping. With over 2,000 acres of root vegetables grown across Bradford and New Liskeard, Ontario, we take pride in producing high-quality Potatoes, Carrots, Onions, Beets, and Parsnips. Ensuring our produce reaches Canadians fresh and full of flavour all year round.
Each crop is grown with care, guided by sustainable practices and a commitment to quality. Our values: excellence, innovation, sustainability, and unity, are rooted in everything we do. We continuously research, attend global agricultural events, and embrace emerging technologies to remain at the forefront of the industry. The decision to purchase the Ecorobotix system was driven by our commitment to sustainability and innovation. Integrating the system represents a significant step forward in smart farming. Reflecting our dedication to reducing chemical exposure, increasing yields, and minimizing environmental impact. Even in cases where weeds weren’t fully eliminated, the sprayer effectively suppressed their growth, reducing the need for manual labour and hand-weeding.
In our first season this solution has precisely targeted weeds while significantly reducing chemical use. This not only preserved crop health and yield but also improved overall efficiency and sustainability across multiple crops.
Looking Ahead: Smarter Packing, Smarter Farming
The future of agriculture lies in precision and adaptability. We’re now exploring AI-driven technology to enhance our packing line operations, particularly for grading onions and carrots. This is an exciting area of innovation that we look forward to implementing.
By reducing chemical use, cutting CO₂ emissions, and increasing crop quality, we are working toward a more sustainable future in farming.
This season’s implementation of Ecorobotix is just the beginning of our journey into high-tech agriculture. We continue to invest in the tools and technologies that allow us to farm smarter—not harder. The machine is operating effectively, and we will continue to make adjustments to optimize performance.
