Behind every healthy crop is a person who noticed the small signs early, made the right call under pressure, and kept the whole system moving. Laura, the head grower at Shackan Indian Band, describes her role as far more tan plant care. It involves hiring, planning, logistics, and constant problem-solving.
Labor: The Biggest Challenge
According to Laura, labour shortages overshadow nearly every other issue in greenhouse operations. Growing is physically demanding, mentally taxing, and high time-sensitive, realities that are often invisible from the outside. As Laura describes the job:
“Being a grower is incredibly hard work. You’re the first one in, the last one out, and when things go wrong, whether it’s weather, pests or timelines, it all lands on you.”
Remote locations, long hours, and the intensity of greenhouse work make recruitment especially challenging, even when the opportunity itself is quite meaningful and can be a very fulfilling position.
Why Automation is Not the Solution
Automation can reduce pressure and prevent losses, but it also adds complexity. Laura believes technology can support skilled growers but not replace them. Hands-on decision making remains essential, particularly with diverse crop systems.
Laura’s hope is to turn the nursery into a learning center, welcoming students, apprentices, and anyone interested in gaining real greenhouse experience instead of only theoretical knowledge. She sees partnerships with universities, trade schools, and Indigenous communities as key to rebuilding the labour pipelines. Something as simple as a six month training course would allow trainees to experience a full crop cycle: propagation, transplanting, spacing, trimming, pest management, hardening off, and storing. It’s enough time to understand the basics of the work, and understand where you might want to specialize in the growing cycle.
Training For the Future
Laura’s advice to every head grower is to always mentor someone to eventually take your place. Succession planning isn’t a luxury; it’s how growers avoid burnout and build operations that last. The pride she takes in her role is something for all growers to learn from. Laura not only put in the work to see success of the greenhouse but is taking all the steps to ensure that something long-lasting is being created for the community.
