8th-Generation Trueman Farms Merges Taste and Tradition

Nestled on the border of Nova Scotia in Aulac, New Brunswick, Trueman Blueberry Farms represents the enduring legacy and deep-rooted passion of the wild blueberry industry in this region. 8th-generation farmer Thomas Trueman leads this family farm, where they grow the wild blueberries that have been a staple food across the province for hundreds of years.

“We’ve been growing blueberries since I could walk,” Thomas recalls. “One of the first chores I had on the farm was to go out and pick berries.”

Trueman Blueberry Farms covers several hundred acres, each meticulously managed to produce wild blueberries. New Brunswick’s climate and soil are perfect for wild blueberries, but it’s the dedication of farmers like Thomas that truly sustains the industry.

“It’s kind of a disease, a little bit—farming, it’s an affliction,” he said with a laugh. “It’s hard to be a farmer four days a week.”

His days often start at 5:30 a.m. and stretch late into the evening. Despite the demanding work and numerous challenges, his passion for farming remains.

“Most people that do it enjoy it,” Trueman said. “They don’t stay doing it otherwise.”

But, Trueman Blueberry Farms is much more than just a place to buy wild blueberries. The farm is a destination. A truly unique feature at Trueman Blueberry Farms is the two-foot gauge train that takes visitors through the farm.

“We built the track last summer,” Thomas explained. “It was a big job but not insurmountable. It’s a fun thing to do, and there’s not a lot of places you can go ride a little train.”

The addition of the train is part of Thomas’s effort to share the farm experience, blending agricultural tradition with tourism – agritourism. The train, originally from Upper Clements Amusement Park, now offers a scenic tour through blooming wild blueberry fields, tulip patches, and sunflower rows. During the picking season in late July and early August, guests can board the train with baskets, spend an afternoon picking berries, and then ride back.

“The you-pickers today aren’t picking to fill their freezer,” Thomas notes. “They’re picking for the experience. They bring their kids out, and if they go home with a couple of pounds of berries, that’s all they really want.”

Trueman Blueberry Farms sells both fresh and frozen wild blueberries, alongside homemade pies, ice cream, and jams This approach ensures they make the most of their crop while focusing on quality and customer experience.

As the seasons change, so do the tasks on the farm. During pollination season, managing their honeybees becomes crucial.

“We pollinate with our own honeybees, and we also take the honey crop for our retail operations,” Thomas says. The success of the crop depends on weather conditions during pollination and the right amount of rain through June and July. “Farming is now equal parts hard work and good luck,” he adds.

Thomas sees great potential in New Brunswick’s wild blueberry industry despite the challenges.

“There’s always growing pains, but we keep working at it. It’s important that what we’re producing is high quality and consistent supply.”

He hopes to pass this legacy to future generations, ensuring the deep ties between the land, the blueberry, and the community continue to thrive.