Better Farming - October 2016

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Better Farming October 2016 Farm News First > 33
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I have the right variety in the right
side because we sometimes split the
planter with two different varieties.
So as I'm planting, I'm watching the
monitor and can see every row and
how many seeds are planted per row.
Any favourite apps?
Google maps, the calculator, weather.
Of course I have my Kobo books on
everything. I do use Twitter a little bit.
I have Grain Farmers of Ontario’s app.
Does your phone ever turn off?
Yeah, but it will turn back on if you
need it. I do have to have my charging
cord for the tractor and combine
because (my phone) doesn’t stay
charged as long as I do.
How often do you travel?
I don’t travel that much, although this
year was a bit of an exception. I went
to Alberta, New York City and
Thunder Bay.
What do you like best about farming?
I really like the fact that you are
independent and can make decisions
and then see the outcome of those
decisions, whether it’s good or bad. So
there’s always learning. You don’t have
to go through layers and layers and
layers of people to get a decision made.
I like to see things grow.
The natural environment has
always been a big concern of mine, so
I really enjoy being able to be a
steward of the land that we have and
to try to do things in a way that will
improve it and leave it better than
how we found it.
What do you like least?
I have kids (Luke, 20, Wes, 18, and
Dianne, 16) and I’m a single mom,
and I find it really challenging in the
busy times when I have those 16- to
18-hour days. I don’t like being away,
especially for meal times for my kids.
Now that they’re teenagers, they don’t
care. But that’s always been really
difficult (for me).
What is the single most important lesson
you've learned?
My dad, he always manages to see the
good side or to see things in a positive
light. I try to do that but I think he’s
better at it than I am. I try to remem-
ber to be optimistic when things are
looking worrisome.
What’s your guiding management principle?
Be respectful of the land and treat it
well. The other thing that’s always
been important to me is the people,
taking care of the people. The farm
should be about the people and not
the other way around. It’s sad to see
people sacrifice themselves and their
families for their farms.
What are your volunteer efforts?
Chair, Maitland Conservation
Foundation; board member, Huron