Chad the Machine: How Innovation, Tradition, and Sustainability Meet at Elmido and Brightside Farms

In the heart of Chilliwack’s farmland, where the mountains rise in the distance and dairy cows graze under open skies, technology and tradition meet in an unexpected way. On Elmido Farms, Farmer Jesse introduces us to Chad a machine with a personality, a purpose, and a big impact on the future of farming.

Meet Chad – The 360 RAIN Machine

Chad isn’t just another piece of equipment parked in the yard. Officially called the 360 RAIN machine, Chad slowly rolls across Elmido’s fields, pulling a long hose and delivering bands of water directly to the roots of plants. Unlike traditional irrigation systems that soak entire fields, Chad is precise, using far less water while keeping plants healthier and more resilient. With GPS guidance and cellular connectivity, Chad can deliver up to 2 million gallons of water in a week, the equivalent of an inch of rain across 80 acres. But more importantly, he does it in a way that conserves water, making every drop count. In a community where water is one of our most valuable resources, this kind of conservation is a game-changer.

More Than Water: Feeding the Soil

Chad’s role doesn’t stop with irrigation. He also delivers nutrients, like nitrogen, sulfur, and boron, directly to the soil. Even more remarkable is how Elmido Dairy and its sister farm, Brightside Eggs, have created a closed-loop system by repurposing chicken manure as natural fertilizer. This partnership ensures that nothing goes to waste. What begins in the barns at Brightside returns to the fields at Elmido, enriching the soil, fueling microbial life, and growing healthier crops. It’s a perfect example of sustainability in action, right here in Chilliwack.

Tradition Meets Innovation

For Farmer Jesse, Chad represents more than technology. He represents a balance between generations of family farming practices and modern innovation. Elmido Farms has always cared for its land, but with Chad, they can farm smarter. In fact, test plots show that fields receiving even a few inches of water from Chad yield up to 32% more per acre, proving that sustainability can strengthen both the environment and the economy.

Why This Matters for Chilliwack

When local farms like Elmido and Brightside innovate, the benefits ripple far beyond the fields.

• Water conservation means our rivers and aquifers are protected for future generations.

• Sustainable soil practices mean healthier crops, fewer chemicals, and stronger food security.

• Local food systems keep families connected to the land and ensure that Chilliwack’s community continues to thrive.

Every time you pick up local milk or eggs, you’re not just buying food, you’re supporting farming families who are working hard to ensure Chilliwack thrives for decades to come.

Quick Facts: Chad at a Glance

• 2 million gallons of water per week delivered – equal to 1” of rainfall over 80 acres.

• Uses 75% less flow capacity than traditional irrigation, saving water while feeding crops.

• Up to 32% higher yields in test plots when crops receive water and nutrients from Chad.

• Closed-loop system: Elmido Dairy and Brightside Eggs repurpose chicken manure as natural fertilizer.

• Community benefits: smarter farming practices protect local water, enrich the soil, and secure Chilliwack’s food future.

The Bigger Picture

The story of Chad is about more than a machine with a nickname. It’s about farmers who see the land as something to protect, not just produce from. It’s about innovation that helps conserve resources while boosting yields. And it’s about a community that values local food, local families, and local sustainability.

At Chilliwack Farm Story, we’re proud to showcase farms like Elmido Dairy and Brightside Eggs—farms that prove sustainability isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a practice that nurtures the soil, conserves water, and feeds a stronger community.