11 Better Farming | January 2025 Follow us on @BetterFarmingON Today, it is a business and a science.” Dave, Lambton County: “I learned from a long, hard childhood of working. With the occasional beating for being lazy. Twenty minutes, you could leave the barn to get the bus for school; 15 minutes when you got home to get back to work. Sure, Dad made me a farmer, but at what cost to me? It would have been better to help me grow as a person, not a workhorse. I woke every day to work.” Marina, Bruce County: “I have to give all the credit to my husband for making me the farmer I am today. When I met him, I knew nothing about agriculture, and slowly through the years, he’s had the patience to teach me everything – from how to drive the equipment to picking different crop varieties. As young farmers, we are growing to be better together.” Joe, Kent County: “Dr. Don Huber opened my eyes. Graeme Sait was teaching me how to start the change.” Troy, Wentworth County: “My grandfather was a great inspiration for me growing up. His passion for farming and example of a healthy family/work life balance always stood out. My grandfather started the family farm from almost nothing two generations ago, and now I can be on it today and farm it with my young family. “Growing up, I had the opportunity to work alongside my father and grandfather. They taught and showed me the importance of being good stewards of the land, being resourceful with what you have and being the best shepherd you can be to your livestock. “I now hope to inspire my kids and others as I strive to be a better farmer myself.” Bill, Elgin County: “There was no ‘one’ individual. I just watched and learned.” Ron, Essex County: “My grandfather. I started at five years old with my grandfather when my dad was growing tomatoes for Heinz with baskets. My grandfather put me on the seat of the tractor to drive when they were loading the baskets.” Tom, Prince Edward County: “My older next-door neighbour farmer was quiet, very intelligent, well-read, and successful. We would often talk, and he would give you ‘his experience,’ especially if you asked. He would frequently bring me books about agriculture that he thought were worth reading, but at a level above periodicals. They required thought. “You knew it was time to cultivate, seed, or bale if he was in the field. His crop yields would always be the best in our area despite poor weather. His dairy cattle were export quality. “He was always ready to give new ideas a try. “After he retired, we often looked at crop fields around us and wondered what he could have achieved with the new genetics and technology available at that time if he was still farming. We often say, ‘outstanding in their field’ – he was, and he did.” Joan, Wellington County: “I’ve had many people inspire me to learn and improve at whatever I work. Being open to lifelong learning has been critical as I entered full-time farming after completing another career. I find a lot of value in listening to speakers at conferences. Two come to mind: Temple Grandin (FarmSmart Conference) and Dr. Kip Lukasiewicz (Canadian Beef Industry Conference). They influenced how I effectively handle cattle on our beef farm.” Lloyd, Bruce County: “Grandfather. He had patience and an interesting farm. And college was essential for me.” Larry, Haldimand County: “I have had a few mentors who have taught me lots since I started farming on my own in 1999. My grandparents and parents always inspired me for the sacrifices they made, so I would have the opportunity to farm. “I can only imagine how many struggles they experienced throughout their farming careers, from the introduction of the dairy quota, to transitioning from Holsteins to Jerseys, to experiencing the high interest rates in the 1980s, and poor crop prices. I am forever grateful to them, and I wish my grandparents were still here today to see the advancements and success I’m having due to their struggles and dedication to our family farm.” Luke, Huron County: “My neighbours taught me the most about farming. From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a farmer. I didn’t grow up on a farm but lived in a small farming town. “When I was 19, my parents helped me buy a country property with a barn and some land. “When I got to know the neighbouring farms around me, they taught me how they farm and care for livestock. This inspired me to start my beef operation. It’s nice to have people around you to help and answer questions.” Allan, Peel Region: “My father had a huge impact, and a neighbouring farmer also affected me. My father always pushed me constantly to keep improving from the year before, from crops to cows, and if not, he’d ask why, and why we didn’t adapt quicker to the situation. My neighbour, who also had a grain elevator, allowed me to try new things and was a great person to bounce ideas off of. Never stop asking questions.” Doug, Middlesex County: “My best mentor is a friend I have known for 30 years. He knows me and my operation, pushes me to see things differently, and relates his experiences. When I was younger, my father was my mentor and role model. He gave me the guidance and encouragement I needed.” BF Digging Deeper Doing something interesting on your farm? With crops, machinery or livestock? We want to know! Paul.Nolan@Farms.com TELL US WHAT YOU’RE UP TO
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