Farming comes from the heart at Apple Springs Orchards. Fourth-generation farmer Kyle Ardiel and his parents Shane and Gail consider planting apples more than just a job; apples are a passion, rooted in decades of family expertise. Shane began planting apples on the family farm in 1985, and has modernized the farm with high-density orchards, allowing the Ardiels to plant and harvest more apples on the same amount of land. The family is always looking for new innovations that can improve their harvest, and were early adopters of new apple varieties such as Gala and Honeycrisp.
Every day brings something new on Apple Springs Orchards. That’s why, come rain or shine, Kyle would always rather be out on the farm with his parents tending to their fruit. It’s hard but fulfilling work keeping Canada’s fruit aisles stocked, and the Ardiels wouldn’t have it any other way.
Find out why this duo will always consider their orchards the apple of their eye.
SHANE
Dad Shane reveals what his favourite apple is and explores the heritage of Apple Springs Orchards…
If you could eat only one kind of apple for the rest of your life, which would it be and why?
The Ambrosia apple – we grow them on our farm. Why? Because it’s very crunchy and sweet!
Is our taste in apples changing?
Yes, I think as our society’s demographics have changed, our tastes have begun to gravitate towards sweeter apples.
Your family has a rich history in apple farming. How did you come to run the farm?
We bought the property from my father – who initially had 30 acres of orchard – and began converting to newer planting methods. Since the property has several natural springs on it, we named our farm Apple Springs Orchards.
What’s the proudest moment you’ve had as a father working alongside your son?
When I realized Kyle’s passion and eagerness to learn all about growing apples from a young age.
KYLE
Apple farming has always been part of son Kyle’s life. But what makes waking up on the farm every day worthwhile?
What’s your earliest childhood memory of working on the farm?
I started to help out on the farm when I was 10. My dad used to ask me to pick up fallen apples from under the trees as a chore – it was the first thing I looked forward to when I was getting off the bus after school.
Where did you begin learning about plant science and how it impacts farming?
I learned a lot through working with my father and going on an apple grower trip to New Zealand in university. Cool Fact? Most people think apple trees are grown from seeds… but they aren’t. To obtain the exact variety of an apple, a bud or piece of wood from the variety you choose must be graphed onto rootstock to get the exact same trees. Every seed from apples will produce a new variety, so much like having children, each seed will be unique and a mixture of both parents.
What’s the greatest piece of advice you’ve ever received from your father?
My father’s best advice was to get out of Clarksburg and learn. He wanted me to see other countries and speak to other plant science enthusiasts from around the world to learn more about how we could become wiser farmers ourselves.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
What makes the tough times worthwhile is the finished product. Seeing the high-quality fruit we’ve grown make its way into the packaging houses, knowing that our apples will eventually get to feed our local community – that makes it worth it.
GAIL
Mom Gail grew up as a city girl but found belonging in the beauty and space of the country.
What’s the best thing about waking up on the farm every day?
I love waking up to the fresh air, the quiet and the raw beauty of my surroundings – it’s a place I feel I belong. I lived in the city for the first half of my life and felt as though I had no real space to call my own, living in an apartment building and going for walks down busy streets. Here my green space is instant, my views are spectacular and I couldn’t think of a better place to live.
What are you most proud of in your son Kyle?
I’m very proud of Kyle for all his achievements to date. He has shown initiative by implementing new ideas for the farm that neither his father or I would have seen. Kyle’s generation looks to innovation and science for advancement in the agriculture industry. Kyle has proven this time and time again.
Outside of farming, what’s your favourite way to spend the day?
We like to head to a cottage near Parry Sound, which is on Lake Huron. We get some good family time over there with fishing, swimming and delicious food.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
The best advice was from my parents: work hard, use common sense and never give up.