Hopcott Farm’s net income. The addition of a 14-acre cornmaze
in 2000 launched the family into the agri-tourismbusiness. Then, in 2006, they built a 6,000 square-foot retail space and openedHopcott Premium Meats tomarket their specialty beef and other local food products. The market sells roughly 15 head of cattle a day, and demand is growing steadily. It has also created new opportunities for Bob and Debbie’s children to find their own niches in the family business. Daughter Jennifer works as the
market’s operationsmanager. The youngest son, Brad, works with his father on the cattle operation, and in themeat shop cutting roomand sausage department. Son Travis works with his father on
the cranberries andmanages the produce department for themarket, as well as the farmlabourers.He has also made his ownmark on the farmby adding fresh berry production to the mix. Standing tall between the timber-
framemarket building and cranberry fields are four covered tunnels housing amix of strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and tayberries. Travis established the tunnels while working as the local representative for Hargrove Ltd., an English company that specializes in growing tunnels. “These are all freshmarket berries,”
says Travis, adding that they are sold through theHopcottMeats retail store. “People come here for quality, so that’s what we are going to put all our time into.” Travis describes the polytunnels as
“greenhouse growing on a field scale.” They extend the growing season by up to three weeks, and remove some of the weather-related production variables. “What I really enjoy about the
tunnels is that it allows for better supplymanagement. A day of rain doesn’tmatter,” he explains. “Being under cover, you getmore grade-A fruit. The plastic cover is a highly diffuse plastic so when the light hits it, it spreads the light out so it gets deeper in the canopy and you get a better established plant without getting sun-scorched berries.” According to Travis, only about 20
growers in the Fraser Valley are using tunnels right now, as opposed to England, the Netherlands andmuch of Europe, where growing in tunnels or
greenhouses is becoming the norm. “Particularly when it comes to your
cane berries, tunnels are a no-brainer when you are dealing with such a fragile fruit,” says Travis. Much like his father, the University of Fraser Valley graduate is looking for
new opportunities to grow and expand. Next season he is planning to introduce potted raspberries and tabletop strawberry production to the operation. As a family business, the
Hopcotts are keeping their eyes on the horizon. During the past year they have been working with JimSoldan at the Family Furrow/The Canadian Family Business Institute to develop a succession plan for the farm. With not one, but three families in this generation actively involved in the business, dealing with the business structure and family dynamics are critical factors for success. “The challenge ismaking
sure that there’s a place for everyone to be involved, and at the same tomaintain a successful business across the different areas,” says Travis. “It takes a lot of time, but it’s worth it.” “People have got to eat, so
TAMARA LEIGH we’re not going to go out of
business,” he adds. “When you have the reputation we have, where customers know us and can put a face to our products, they are going to go to us before the big chains whenever our products are available. The opportunities are tremendous.”
SOUTHERN IRRIGATION
1-800-663-2615
www.southerndrip.com
British Columbia Berry Grower • Fall 2013 9
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