“Seaweed might seem like an unlikely farming tool, but its natural resilience is inspiring innovative ways to help crops handle stress and thrive. This post explores what I (first-generation farmer) learned about seaweed’s surprising potential—and why staying curious is key to sustainable growth.” by Chad
Let’s talk farming and plants this week.
Remember—Jeana and I didn’t grow up on farms. Our first exposure to agriculture was through FFA in high school, mostly working with animals. Now we’re first-generation farmers growing wine grapes, apples, flowers, pumpkins and more. I’ve spent all my “working” years learning about plants.
Our hope is to use what we’ve learned to help our farm thrive—but also to share it with you. Whether it’s wine, farming, or just learning new things, we love opening the door and welcoming you in.
Now, let’s talk about seaweed.
Have you ever had a totally unexpected learning moment with plants?
The more I learn, the more I realize how much there is to know (just like wine). But here’s a twist: have you ever thought about how resilient seaweed is? It’s almost wild. Who first thought, “You know what my crops need? Seaweed.”
This week, I was on a work trip with Syngenta and got to learn more about it. For the gardeners or farmers following along—this might be something worth checking out.
But no, we’re not all running down to the nearest saltwater beach to collect it.
There’s real science here.
What fascinated me was learning how seaweed—especially the kind attached to the sea bottom near the shoreline—is incredibly tough. It gets pounded by waves, exposed to wild temperature swings, and survives tidal movement day in and day out.
Researchers are isolating the “mechanisms” that make seaweed so resilient and turning those into products for farmers. Syngenta Biologicals is working on something special. Their products contain seaweed-based ingredients designed to help crops: handle stress, improve resilience, increase yield and more.
To me, it’s really exciting—new, unique ways to help farmers. It’s amazing to imagine the foresight behind capturing seaweed’s power and translating it into something usable for vineyards, gardens, and farms.
And the science isn’t slowing down. What’s being developed to help farmers is promising. I feel like I can speak firsthand to the need for new tools—because I’ve felt the lack of them.
Now, I don’t want what I’ve written to sound like a sales pitch. On our farm, we’re organic as much as possible. But I’m equally passionate about this: our way isn’t the only way.
It’s humbling, watching 60% of your apple crop disappear because of coddling moth—two years in a row. Mother Nature keeps us on our toes. It doesn’t look like we’re all going to jump right back into “hunting and gathering” anytime soon. Farming here to stay, so we’ve got to find new, creative, sustainable ways to grow food.
I’m hopeful and excited. I’m encouraged by the innovation headed farmers’ way. I’m happy to answer questions about seaweed. Just keep in mind: I’m still learning, too.
