OUR SUSTAINABILITY COMMITMENT AND COMPANY POLICIES
Habelman Bros Company is dedicated to sustainable agriculture. We have taken many steps throughout our process to reduce our ecological footprint.
Sustainable agriculture is a set of goals or objectives for agricultural systems. It is about maintaining the land with a healthy ecological balance and a sensitivity to the land’s capabilities, using technologies and practices which have minimal environmental impact whilst maintaining farm production and profitability.
In simple terms, sustainability rests on the principle that we must meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
There are two main strategies that Habelman Bros Company focuses on when addressing sustainable agriculture. They are Preservation of Natural Resources and Implementation of Plant Production Practices.
Preservation of Natural Resources
Water Management
Water is the principal resource that has helped agriculture and society to prosper, and it has been a major limiting factor when mismanaged. Habelman Bros Company has instituted several practices to manage their water use. As related to use, Habelman Bros has instituted the following practices, updating irrigation systems, soil moisture measurements, and tailwater recovery. Additionally, Habelman Bros ensures water quality by instituting robust Integrated Pest Management and Nutrient Management programs.
SPCC Plan was developed with the help of an engineer. We have done a thorough review of our farms fuel program. We have implemented many measures to deal with spills and/or leaks including cement containment, double walled storage tanks, cement parking pads w/ containment, spill kits, monthly and annual inspections.
Wildlife
Wildlife is dependent on water and land resources to maintain their habitat and natural ecosystems. Habelman Bros firmly supports conservation efforts which is shown by the over 3000 acres of undeveloped support land that surrounds the growing locations. By maintaining these natural areas, diversity of natural ecosystems is enhanced and aids in agricultural pest management by diverting pests and other wildlife away from the crop and giving them a diverse flora area to inhabit.
In addition, Habelman Bros has instituted an environmental sustainability program that encompasses its woodlands and wetlands. The program includes many activities including housing for ducks, bees, bats and blue birds. Habelman Bros has also planted acres of wildflowers, “pollinator gardens”, to support our local pollinator populations. These habitats support a wide range of plants, wildlife and aquatic ecosystems.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Habelman Bros Company participates in recycling programs to include cardboard, waste oil and empty pesticide containers.
By reusing wood bins and recycled cardboard boxes in the packing house, we can reduce the consumption of new resources.
In addition, lighting in the packing house has been replaced with high efficiency LED lighting to reduce energy use.
Picture to left: Bees, Picture below: Bats and Bees
Plant Production Practices
Topography, Climate and Local Availability of Inputs
Site evaluations are performed to determine that proper soil substrates are available in the proposed growing location. Habelman Bros Company ensures the site is well suited to the cranberry crop in that there are necessary resources readily available such as water and sandy soil and that climates are supportive of crop growth. Habelman Bros supports the efforts of UW-Madison and fellow researchers who continue to study frost management, heat stress, and sustainable water use as it relates to climate change.
Soil Characteristics
The cranberry crop requires sandy soil to ensure maximum production. Habelman Bros Company has in place a Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) which studies the soil quality and plant health through soil and tissue samples. These studies help management determine which fertilizer products will be applied to the crop to enhance and maintain soil and plant health.
Pests
Habelman Bros Company works closely with Integrated Pest Management experts to ensure we are making responsible and reasonable decisions. Through prevention, observation and intervention, we can reduce the amount of pesticides used on our farms. We continue to use safe alternatives to manage pest populations such as spring bug floods.
Our Strategy
By adhering to these management practices, Habelman Bros Company is ensuring that the role they play in sustainable farming is a positive one. We strive to protect our environment and resources through sustainable production practices. By conserving water and its quality, enhancing wildlife habitats, controlling soil erosion, managing soil quality and responsible use of inputs; we can sustain the environment and its resources to a level we are proud of.