33 Story Idea? Email Paul.Nolan@Farms.com Better Farming | April 2024 22_0470_Gloves_GrowSelect_HalfHoriz_US_MXsp Mod: January 19, 2024 9:13 AM Print: 01/19/24 page 1 v2.5 COMPLETE CATALOG 1-800-295-5510 uline.ca πGROWING SELECTION OF GLOVES LEATHER PALM COOLFLEX™ ULTRA PVC DOT KNIT ORDER BY 6 PM FOR SAME DAY SHIPPING UP CLOSE What has your biggest challenge been in farming? In our area, it’s probably urban and rural relations. Dealing with drivers on the road is the most stressful part. I probably look behind me more than I look in front of me because you get passed all the time on the road. How do you manage teamwork? Our farm relies on lots of teamwork. Communication is big. What technology would you like to add to your farm? We like to keep things as simple as possible on our farm. The fewer things that can break, the better. There’s nothing we are really looking to add right now. What do you do in your time off? I enjoy spending time in Junior Farmers. I have a good group of friends through that, so that’s the No. 1 thing I enjoy doing. Otherwise, I like scrapbooking, hanging out with the animals, and driving tractors – but I don’t know if that’s considered time off. How do you measure success? The obvious answer is if there’s money in the bank at the end of the day and all the animals are healthy. And when doing a job, if there were very little to no breakdowns, that would be ideal. How will urban growth affect your farm? The Greenbelt goes through where our farms are, so certain farms right now are protected. I don’t have much confidence in the Greenbelt being here forever, but it kind of makes all the urban areas around us grow up instead, so I don’t know how that will all play out. If you have farmers with the right attitude and if you want to stay in the area, you will probably be okay as long as you aren’t forced out. What is your favourite thing about being a farmer? My favourite thing is the sense of community that we have. Everybody knows everybody and is willing to lend a helping hand if needed. In terms of farming, every day is different and that is what makes it fun. And with crops, seeing something that you put into the ground and put time and money into producing – it is very satisfying to see how that crop turns out later in the season. What advice would you give other young farmers? Take all the opportunities that are presented to you. I’m fortunate that I have a supportive family. If I want to go do something, they can fill in while I’m away. Every opportunity will teach you something in some form, so take any chance you can get. BF
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