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
About a year-and-a-half ago now, I decided that I wanted to learn how to speak Spanish. My family and I know a little bit of Spanish because of our migrant workers; over the years, they have taught us a few phrases and words, but none of us are anywhere near fluent. One of our workers, … More The reality of learning a new language
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
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
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
I stumbled across an article recently from The Toronto Star that struck a nerve. I encourage you to take a look at the article, and further to hear me out. I’m not going to give a complete summation of the articles’ context, but, in short, it discusses yet another instance of foreign temporary workers being … More Advocating for foreign temporary farm workers
Growing up in the presence of migrant workers has truly opened my eyes to how important they are to Canada’s agricultural industry. My dad and uncle, who operate and manage the family farming business together, have been employing migrant workers for as long as I can remember. Together, they bring up 20 guys annually, and … More Appreciating migrant farm workers
ontheedgeofeverything 