Burnbrae Farms celebrates the opening of its first solar-powered farm
GeneralNothing but sunny skies as Burnbrae Farms celebrates the opening of its first solar-powered farm in Oxford County
Mississauga, ON - October 4, 2019 - Earlier today, Burnbrae Farms announced the official opening of its first solar-powered facility based in Oxford County. The farm is the largest solar-powered egg laying farm in Canada producing more power than it uses and sharing power with the adjoining farm. The grand opening of Burnbrae’s new farm is part of the company’s mission to reduce greenhouse emissions by five per cent by 2020 and demonstrates its commitment to increase the use of sustainable green energy throughout its many locations across Canada.
Burnbrae Farms Solar Egg Farm, watch now: https://youtu.be/sRRYyoOPxGw
Burnbrae Farms has been a part of the Oxford County and Township of Norwich community for over 20 years and is honoured to work closely with the county to open and run a farm that aligns with the company’s vision for balance among economic, community and environmental interests ultimately promoting the wellbeing of current and future generations.
Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Ernie Hardeman attended the grand opening to demonstrate his support for the new solar-powered farm. Other special guests included David Mayberry, Past Warden of Oxford County/Mayor of South-West Oxford, Keith Currie, President of OFA (Ontario Federation of Agriculture), and Barry Ruby, President, Ruby360. Ruby360 was commissioned by Burnbrae to develop a sustainable energy solution for this farm. Guests at the grand opening were given a tour of the facility including the barns and the first official look at the solar panels.
“This farm opening is such an important milestone for the Oxford County community and is another example of our commitment to sustainable farming practices within the region,” said Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “This project is the first of many for the county and I’m excited to see more companies investing in these types of operations.”
Quick facts:
● The farm consists of four barns; one starter pullet barn, one free run layer and two free range layer barns.
● The barns utilize high efficiency motors, lighting and ventilation systems to ensure the farm is using as little power as possible to run the equipment.
● The farm creates excess power that is transported to a neighbouring Burnbrae farm.
● The farm operates off the grid and is powered by the sun with solar panels on the roof of three barns on the farm.
● For the protection and safety of the hens, the farm has a backup generator to ensure power is always available on the farm.
● The farm is equipped with battery storage that stores energy for use overnight or during extended cloudy periods where there is limited sun.
“This farm is such a milestone for us and as our first fully solar powered farm, we are learning so much from the process and we will continue to innovate our operations for future sustainability projects. We’re grateful to have the support of the Oxford community as well, it was a collaborative effort from everyone,” comments Margaret Hudson, President of Burnbrae Farms.
About Burnbrae Farms Burnbrae Farms is a 6th generation family owned and operated Canadian company that has been producing eggs for over 75 years. With egg grading, breaking, and farming operations in five provinces across Canada, it has been privately owned and operated by the Hudson family since it was founded in 1891. To learn more visit burnbraefarms.com.