Anyone who works in agriculture can arguably attest to the fact that there is a high probability of having to work alongside family, specifically if you’re working on a farm. Many farms are operated by a variety of family members, and my own family and our farm are no exception to this likelihood. I started … More The reality of working with family
As much as my family and I anticipate Winter and the slower pace it presents here on our farm, we simultaneously dread it in the sense that we are aware that the time is approaching during which we must say our goodbyes to our migrant workers. Some people might read that sentence and find it … More Adios Amigos
Allow me to stipulate that I used a short form in my title if you’re pondering what in the heck The Royal is. The Royal in question refers to The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair that takes place annually in Toronto, Ontario, and it has been something my family and I have frequented since my sister … More Have you been to The Royal?
Agriculture, like any other sector of the business world, has its highs and lows. Regardless if you’re a cash cropper or involved with livestock, you’re going to have days that are great, and you’re inevitably going to have days that are pure shit. Sometimes I can’t help but speculate as to whether or not the … More The importance of challenging agricultural misconceptions
A few weeks ago, in an attempt to formulate a topic idea for a blog post, I found myself Googling absolutely arbitrary things to provoke some inspiration. Eventually, and not surprisingly, I started looking up some farming facts and statistics, and believe me or not when I say I truly had no clue how dangerous … More Do you know just how dangerous farming can be?
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair has a special place in my family’s heart. We have been going for years, since my sister and I were babies, and have kept the tradition going strong for many years. I will admit that I haven’t been to The Royal in a hot minute – my mom and sister … More Have you been to the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair?
When I was trying to find some inspiration for today’s post, I found myself visiting a mental note I made earlier in the day regarding the fact that I am out of face wipes at our chicken barn. I use these wipes to clean my face and respirator each and every time I visit the … More Farm girl hacks 101
I sat down to write this post just prior to leaving to attend this year’s Harvest Party. If you are unfamiliar with the term ‘Harvest Party,’ I certainly would not be surprised. It is a term that is arguably used and well-known within farm families, and it is a get-together with all of the individuals … More Thank you, temporary foreign workers
For as long as I can remember, my parents have had a small plaque on one of the dressers in their bedroom reading what is commonly known as ‘A Farmer’s Prayer.’ I used to read it just about each time I was in my parents room when I was a child; the only bathroom on … More Are you familiar with ‘A Farmer’s Prayer’?
I have to begin this post by acknowledging my dad – this one is for him, and any other dads out there who raised their daughters to be firm and stand their ground. If my previous sentence didn’t give it away, I consider myself a strong woman. By strong, I mean physically, to an extent; … More Understanding strong, assertive women
Yesterday’s post discussing ginseng hopefully provided anyone who read it with a firmer understanding of how exactly it is produced. I didn’t mention each and every step involved in the complete process of growing ginseng, from start to finish, but I did provide you with the gist of the method. For today’s post, I thought … More What health benefits does ginseng offer?
I recently had a tutoring session with a client I have been working with for quite a while now. My client and I, in working together for almost two years, have become good friends, despite not having the opportunity to meet in person as they are not local to me. During our last session, they … More Let’s talk about ginseng
I’ve been working alongside my Dad on our family farm for a few years now. I’ve always worked with him/for him, but in the last five years or so, I’ve become more involved with the operation, and in doing so, I’ve found myself spending a lot more time with him. I love my dad something … More Dislike versus misunderstanding: a fickle concept
This past weekend, Blaine and I and his mom and dad attended a lovely wedding in Flamborough, Ontario. The groom is a friend and co-worker of Blaine’s, as well as Blaine’s dad, and we had been looking forward to the celebration since our invitation arrived in the mail. The now newlyweds chose The Earth to … More Looking for a wedding venue? Read this
I’ve made mention of my family’s farming operation here on my blog many times, and I will probably mention it many more times still. Farming is a central component of my own life, my family’s, and our ancestors, so it is arguably something I’m going to discuss here and there. Our farm produces tobacco, ginseng, … More Do you know where your chicken comes from?
Temporary foreign migrant workers are an absolutely essential component of the Canadian economy and our supply and demand chain when it comes to agriculture. Workers from various geographical locations travel to a foreign country annually for a significant duration of time to assist with farm work and the agricultural industry, and truthfully, we would not … More Another year, another goodbye
Farming, I hope we are all aware, is one of the most significant professions in existence in terms of what it helps to achieve. Without farmers, there wouldn’t be a whole hell of a lot of anything; they produce food and crops to feed the world, to create materials and other resources, and, they’re some … More PSA: farmers need our help
This past Thursday evening, my family and I reluctantly said goodbye to three of our seasonal migrant workers before they headed to Toronto Pearson Airport to catch a flight to go home to Mexico. I say reluctantly because as happy as we are for these men that they are able to return home and see … More The reality of saying goodbye to seasonal migrant workers
As of late, I would argue that the concept of ‘farm to table’ meals has gained tremendous popularity. Perhaps this stems from a desire from the general public to have a better understanding of how and where food is produced and prepared, and if so, I think an increase in this meal concept is a … More Looking for a unique dinner experience? Check out Thrive Norfolk
The agricultural industry is a tough one. Farming consists of a significant amount of time, work and effort, and is unfortunately often times at the mercy of Mother Nature. This year has been exceptionally tough for members of the ag industry. Between COVID-19 and the setbacks and complications caused by it and a tremendously dry … More Have you thanked a farmer recently?
For those of us who reside in Canada, gardening becomes a central component of spring and summer activities once the weather warms up. Many people plant gardens in hopes of being able to abstain from having to purchase certain vegetables and instead providing for themselves, and honestly, gardening is an all-around great practice to engage … More Have you heard of winter gardening?
In the agricultural industry, temporary foreign workers are crucial. Their help is essential in producing a variety of crops here in Ontario, but furthermore across North America. Our migrant workers begin to arrive in April and continue to come in segments into July. Some leave in October, others in November and even December depending on … More Appreciating temporary foreign workers more than ever
Here in Ontario, the month of May typically means the arrival of fresh, local asparagus. It’s something I always look forward to as asparagus is one of my favourite veggies, and I imagine a lot of other folks can relate. The asparagus season is a brief one, and even more so this year. The frost … More Get your asparagus on
I mentioned in a post a little while ago that a lot of us are finding ourselves having to contribute a little more than usual to certain things in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. Perhaps these contributions are voluntary, or maybe they’re mandatory, but either way, a lot of us have had to pick … More Gaining knowledge on the farm
The thought of working alongside family members is, for some people, terrifying. I’ve spoken with numerous individuals who positively refute the concept of working with family, their reluctance to do so typically being a result of their fear of clashing with their loved ones. If I’m being realistic, working with your family can get a … More The reality of working with family
For many farmers across Ontario, Autumn signifies a time during which things on the farm begin to slow down, depending on the crops being grown. And, for those farmers who are beginning to reduce their workload with the approaching colder weather, they’re likely getting ready to bid farewell to their employed migrant workers if they … More A tribute to migrant workers
A couple of evenings ago, the Brant County Federation of Agriculture held its annual meeting at my family’s farm. It was a pretty neat experience considering it was the first agricultural meeting I’ve ever attended, and I was able to meet some new people involved in the industry that I hadn’t been familiar with prior. … More Are you an agvocate?
To be passionate about something is, in my opinion, a privilege not all of us are privy to. Having the opportunity to find something that brings us true joy isn’t something we’re all fortunate enough to experience, but it really is an incredible concept. I’ve been thinking a lot about my own passions as of … More Exploring your passion
Summertime in Ontario signifies the joyful start of fresh, seasonal produce. Whether it be asparagus, strawberries, plums or sweet corn, having access to locally grown items can be a gamechanger, both in terms of taste and overall quality. And while you may be under the impression you’re buying as much local product as possible, it … More Are you buying as local as you could be?
Maintaining a healthy balance between work and our personal lives can be incredibly difficult at times. Depending on the circumstance, perhaps we find it almost impossible to establish a separation between the two, contributing to feelings of stress and frustration in the process. Depending on your line of work, and even your upbringing, you may … More Designating a work/life balance
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