Canada – Daily Operations

In the heart of Canada’s greenhouse country, Michael DelCiancio is finding new ways to honor his family’s farming legacy while embracing the possibilities and nurturing trust in technology. As a third-generation grower, Michael has witnessed firsthand how much the industry has changed, and he’s led DC Farms in combining age-old farming values with data-driven tools that support sustainable growth.

When we met with Michael in the Leamington Kingsville area to explore the different futures of greenhouse climate control, it was clear that his commitment to his local community, family, and the land is at the heart of his approach to farming. Growing the best produce possible - every single day. Because nature doesn't stop, operations can't miss a single beat. When nature fluctuates, we need to bring balance and continuity.

“My name is Michael DelCiancio,” he begins with a smile.

“I am 41 years old and a third generation family farmer in the Leamington Kingsville area. My family has been farming this land since 1979 and in greenhouse farming since 1995. You could say I grew up driving tractors, carrying tomato crates and selling produce to our community. It's quite special to continue the values your family set forth, to work with your parents and son. It's a luxury I wouldn't have elsewhere.

Farming wasn't the straightforward choice for me after school, I studied music business and philosophy for a time. Growing up, people say: follow your passions, and sometimes I believe that you can create a passion if you're in it long enough. Something I love about this industry is dealing with something living, breathing and perishable - you become a Jack of all trades.”

“Nature doesn't do downtime. It keeps on going, 24 hours a day, so our operations can't miss a beat. Consistency is key.”

As a father, farmer, and community member, Michael’s days start early.

“My typical day starts at 5.30. I'm used to waking up at this time naturally or when my son comes to wake me up.” he shares with a laugh. A quick workout helps him clear his head before heading to the greenhouse, where he begins each day with a quiet walk among the plants. “Now, last week we had our first very hot weather. As a grower, in the winter you're usually worried about your boiler and the heating, in the summer you're worried about irrigation.”

Michael’s connection to his team is essential to his approach. “I work closely with my employees to make me aware of any issues they notice. Dealing with my employees is everything. Really, I wouldn't be here without them and neither would this entire industry.” Many on his team have returned year after year, and together they form a close-knit group that supports one another through the demands of the season.

For Michael, consistency is crucial.

“Continuity in our business is very crucial. We are dealing with plants and mother nature, both can fluctuate very much, so the human element and balance we can bring with technology are very important. My plants can feel it and my employees can feel it.” But maintaining this balance wouldn’t be possible without technology, which has become a quiet but powerful partner at DC Farms.

Starting small, Michael first integrated technology into his operations with a selective approach, carefully choosing tools that would offer the most return. He uses Priva Connext, a greenhouse control system that monitors and adjusts crop inputs like CO₂, light, water, and nutrients.

“I have been using Machine Learning technology for autonomous growing in combination with Priva Connext for the last two and a half years. In year one, I started off with applying the Machine Learning technology on one acre and compared it to an acre I ran myself. I started learning about data collection and transfer. It was interesting to see the slight difference in the decision we took ourselves and with the Machine Learning technology, slowly building trust in the end results. Moving forward, my plan is to keep a close eye on the fine tuning differences in predictive growing software and hardware, to find the ideal fit for my farm and growing style".

The impact of predictive growing has extended to his team as well.

“The growers are quite experienced with years returning, and it's great to have that consistency. I'm responsible for my team and their families. We have to be tight-knit, everybody feels like they have each other's back, and I've had many employees return year after year, up to double digits. But some positions are challenging to fill when someone leaves. Predictive cultivation has definitely helped me in training new growers. Now I can trust that behind the scenes the fine-tuning decisions are being made, that's nice to know.” Technology has enabled DC Farms to uphold the quality and reliability that keep customers coming back, while also making life a little easier for the people on the ground.

Looking to the future, Michael is both a realist and a dreamer. “I can see a world where the data we collect here and around the globe could help grow food in challenging areas,” he muses. “To keep up with an ever-changing world, data-driven technology is going to be essential for all of us in horticulture in the not-too-distant future.”

For Michael, DC Farms is more than a business; it’s a living testament to the resilience and adaptability of family farming. His dedication to balancing tradition with forward-thinking solutions is a reminder that farming is as much about people and community as it is about plants and technology. With every early morning, every decision, and every season, Michael DelCiancio is carrying forward the legacy of DC Farms—one crop, one day, and one innovation at a time.