When most people think of Northern Ontario, they picture endless boreal forest, quiet lakes, and long stretches of highway. But just four and a half hours north of our main farm in Bradford, another picture is taking shape, one that’s redefining what’s possible for agriculture in the region. Gwillimdale North isn’t just an expansion of our farm; it’s an investment in food security, sustainability, and the future of farming. With rich black soil, vast open land, and a vision rooted in innovation, we’re proving that Northern Ontario has the potential to be a powerhouse in Canadian agriculture.
A Journey That Started With Soil
Our story in New Liskeard began nearly a decade ago, when our president, John Hambly, noticed something familiar while visiting family along the Highway 11 corridor, the same deep, fertile earth that has supported generations of farming in Bradford. That discovery planted a seed, and in 2016, Gwillimdale Farms purchased 2,000 acres in New Liskeard.
The early years were all about groundwork:
- 2016: Land purchased
- 2017: First potato crop planted
- 2018: Construction of our northern storage facility
- 2019: Introduction of cereal grains and acreage expansion
- 2020: Innovative land development practices implemented
- 2021: Northern team expanded
- 2022: Potato acreage developed further
- 2023: Continued tile drainage (a yearly commitment)
- 2024: Irrigation systems installed
- 2025: Tamarack wood project launched to build vegetable pallet boxes
Year after year, this land has transformed to flourishing fields. Today, about 95% of our northern acreage is tile drained.
A Farm Built on Innovation
Gwillimdale North has become a model for innovation in the district of Temiskaming. That dedication was recognized this year when John Hambly was named the 2026 recipient of the Innovative Northern Farmer Award from the Northern Ontario Farm Innovation Alliance.
The awards committee highlighted several pioneering achievements, including:
- Becoming the first large-scale commercial vegetable grower in the region
- Implementing modern irrigation systems
- Developing land sustainably and strategically
- Using tamarack wood from cleared land to build vegetable boxes, a project that closes the loop on resource use
Innovation isn’t just a philosophy for us; it’s a daily practice. Whether we’re introducing new technologies, optimizing crop rotations, or improving water and soil management, the goal is simple: grow the highest-quality produce while safeguarding the land for the next generation.
2025: A Strong Year in the North
This past season, our potato harvest in New Liskeard has shown tremendous promise. Our fingerlings were a standout crop, vibrant, healthy, and ready for market. Red varieties faced some heat-related challenges, but early morning harvests helped maintain quality and keep the fields productive.
Our northern operations rely on a small but committed team of four full-time employees and five to six seasonal workers, all playing a vital role in the success of each growing season. And as with all our farming, every crop grown at Gwillimdale North is fully CanadaGAP-certified, ensuring rigorous food safety standards from field to fork.
Why the North Matters
Agriculture in Northern Ontario is entering a new phase, one defined by opportunity, innovation, and growth. With its fertile land, fresh water, and increasing investment, the region has enormous potential to strengthen Canada’s agricultural sovereignty. As the NOFIA awards committee put it, tomorrow’s leaders must be innovative, sustainable, and forward-thinking. Those values are at the core of everything we do at Gwillimdale Farms.
Join Us on the Journey
Gwillimdale North is still growing, and so is our vision. If you’re interested in learning more about our northern expansion, agricultural innovation, or opportunities to collaborate, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact us at:
FAQ and Contact – Gwillimdale Farms
Opportunities – Gwillimdale Farms
Together, we’re cultivating the future of farming in Northern Ontario.