ELGIN - Word is spreading about Cairnbrae Elevator, a large point of delivery for corn and soybeans in Eastern Ontario.

 

The new grain elevator offers eight large bins (1,350 tonnes each), two flow dryer bins, two unloading pits, a 90-foot scale and 11,000 tonnes of storage space. The elevator was designed and constructed by long-time area farmers Jim and Pam Cairncross. The sprawling operation, completed in 2012, is located beside their family farm at 421 Summer Road, just outside of Elgin in Rideau Lakes Township. Cairnbrae is unique in that it operates off the grid using a generator.

 

"Our client base has tripled in four years," says Alfie Klein-Gunnewiek, head grader at Cairnbrae. Clients receive weight and documentation on grade and moisture level of their product on site. 

 

"I feel it's getting better and better each year," says Pam Cairncross, adding their customers come from as far west as Napanee, Sydenham and Inverary, north to Perth and Balderson, and east to Jasper. Local farmers have been very supportive, she says.

 

"We pride ourselves on our customer service before and after delivery," says Alfie. With grain analysis on site, Pam and Alfie say they can provide data to farmers so they can continuously improve product quality. The operation provides sophisticated record keeping and strong client communications.