If you aren’t terribly familiar with the term ‘wrangler,’ please do not stress. In fact, there is a strong probability you do, in fact, know what this term encompasses, and instead have simply heard it being called by another name that is synonymous with its meaning, which is ranching. I think I recall hearing or … More Wondering about wrangling? Read this
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?
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
Blaine has been dealing with sweaty feet since I first met him nine years ago. Over time, however, the sweating has increased in severity, to the point that in the last couple of years or so, the bottoms of his feet are literally raw. The skin in between his toes is so worn down it … More Sweaty feet? Read this
So far, this year has not been one for the books in terms of farming. It’s been shit, to put it plainly, and looking at the long-term forecast, things aren’t improving anytime soon. Depending on crops, growing seasons and periods differ for farmers here in Ontario, as well as everywhere else in the world. Some … More Enjoy eating? Read this
I am damn proud to say I come from a farm. I have lived on my family’s farm for my entire life, and I’ve been working on the farm since I was about 11-years-old. I realize that might sound a little jarring to anyone who doesn’t have familiarity with farming and farm families, but we … More Advice from a farm girl, to farm girls
If I really wanted, I could keep this post quite short and simply state that being a woman in the agricultural industry isn’t ideal. I could even be so bold to say, with complete honesty, it sucks. But, that would be a very generalizing description, and I think it may be more beneficial if I … More The reality of being a woman in the agricultural industry
If you read the title of this post and thought to yourself, ‘Who in the hell is Lagertha?‘ There is a strong probability you haven’t seen the television series Vikings. If this is the case, not to fret, although you really are missing out on a phenomenal series. Lagertha is a main character in Vikings … More A moment of appreciation for Lagertha
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?
October means go-time for any farmer who produces ginseng, which is exactly what my family and I have been doing for this past little while. Ginseng harvest typically happens in October, and for anyone who is unaware of what this type of harvest consists of, it involves digging up the root of the plant. A … More Finding treasures on the farm
It seems to me that as of late, farmers have been the subject of unnecessary criticism and scrutiny. And, the longer I think about it, the more it becomes apparent that farmers have somewhat always been targeted for the profession they chose, one that we as a society depend upon tremendously. Recently, farmers and members … More Why are we villainizing farmers?
If you’re a resident of Ontario, chances are you’re probably wondering what in the heck it is that Mother Nature is all in a dither over. I shouldn’t say Ontario specifically. The weather is wonky all across the country, and worldwide. From what I’ve gathered, most of us are rather fed up with the so-called … More Fed up with the weather? Think about the farmers
Soil health is of utmost importance to farmers. Contaminated soil presents a multitude of problems both in terms of crop production and environmental sustainability, therefore maintaining soil health is an absolute must. So, what can be done to reverse soil contamination? Well, for a farmer in Italy, hemp has done the job. An article originally … More Using hemp to purify soil
Keeping plants alive has never been my strength. My struggle to do so is perhaps surprising, considering my mom and sister are fantastic gardeners, and my dad, along with his experience with tobacco, ginseng, chickens and cash crop, was a tree farmer in the past with the help of my mom. You would think I … More Cursed with a black thumb? Try a Bella Palm
Controversial footage of cows and their calves being mistreated at Fair Oaks Farms in Indiana has recently gone viral. The footage depicts farm employees aggressively handling and, in some instances, beating calves and cows. Understandably, a lot of people are concerned. Although it was difficult to watch the footage, I did so to ensure I had … More Animal abuse: know your facts
Spring in Ontario thus far has been incredibly wet. Too wet, to be honest. Rain seems continuous at this point, and with sunny days becoming more and more of a rarity, farmers and ag industry members are feeling the pressure. Spring is a crucial time of year for farmers. Ground is worked to prepare for … More Lend an ear to a farmer this Spring
I often tell people who are not involved with the ag industry that it’s one that stands on its own. It’s completely unique and dynamic in its own, independent way. It’s difficult to explain the sense of interconnectedness that exists between ag folk, but I’ll give it my best shot. I have lived on our … More Interconnectedness in the ag community
I came across a Tweet recently that, quite honestly, made my blood boil. It’s probable that the individual who posted this Tweet did so merely to spark outrage and reaction from other Twitter users, hence why I chose not to engage. However, their opinion towards farming and further farmers is incredibly disrespectful, and the user … More A lack of agricultural understanding
My sister shared the following photo on Facebook a few days ago, and the contents of this image really got me thinking. Posted by the National Farmers Union, this image is a disturbing reminder to consumers of just how imbalanced the profit farmers earn for the goods they produce is. Granted, the National Farmers Union … More What Do Farmers Really Make?
ontheedgeofeverything 