When Jay Willmot pitched his parents on an advanced automation system for the family’s farm, it was a hard sell. The technology, made by Finland-based Green Automation, was relatively new in Canada, and Kinghaven Farms was still better known for raising racehorses than growing vegetables. The family was also busy experimenting with new ventures, including honey hives.
After some convincing, Willmot’s bet on AI paid off. He and his brother have taken over daily operations running the farm in King City, Ont., from his parents. In early 2025, Willmot planted the first seeds in the automated greenhouse; today, the family…