Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

Holland Marsh Freshness

We're very excited here in the Holland Marsh. There is a new television show, Fresh Life, airing on SUN TV, and they are featuring the Holland Marsh in several episodes. The film crew has been in the Marsh since Monday filming different farmers and their crops. It's been really exciting. I have to share this story with you. On Monday when they first arrived at our farm we were combining carrots, and I had been working on the back of the combine with our farm assistant, Rick, (he's new to our farm) I was showing him what he is expected to do while working on the back. It was windy, warm and VERY dusty. My face was caked in muck, and the makeup lady, Brandie, asked if I wanted makeup. I asked her if she thought that would really help. lol We all laughed and left my face alone. I'll tell you one thing though, farmers really need to get the word out to consumers about what we REALLY do, and HOW we do it. These people were absolutely amazed, and some of the misconceptions about farming practices have been cleared up. Now, if we could just get some more government officials to come out and see, and learn about agriculture (all sectors), then maybe we wouldn't remain a "junior portfolio" with the Federal cabinet.

Views: 205

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Wayne Black on September 17, 2009 at 3:57am
"farmers really need to get the word out to consumers about what we REALLY do, and HOW we do it. These people were absolutely amazed, and some of the misconceptions about farming practices have been cleared up."

Excellent work Avia. That is what we try to do each time we have friends and family from the urban areas visit. Do you know when Fresh Life will be airing or how to catch the episodes?

Wayne Black
Permalink Reply by Avia Eek on September 17, 2009 at 4:57am
Hi Wayne. Well, it's not all me, but thank you. My husband and I are members, and I am a director on the board of the Holland Marsh Grower's Association (we have an amazing board), and an equally awesome executive director, even though he likes to downplay his part in what we are doing. Believe me, anyone who will lend me their ear gets an ear full. We'll educate them one at a time! As for Fresh Life, it will be airing on SUN TV probably around November. Marty told me it will take a couple of months for editing, etc. In total the Holland Marsh is to be featured in 13 episodes, I will be in 4 of those!! I'll keep you posted through Ontag. They will also be doing segments on cheese, chefs, etc. . It's been one heck of a summer. I had an opportunity to meet the Prime Minister's wife this summer, and gave her a copy of a book about the Holland Marsh. The following week we had an opportunity to meet the Prime Minister himself. I spoke with him briefly, as well as Mr. Hudak. I think we are doing something in Queen's Park in October, where I plan to do more talking.

As an aside, our kids are always hearing me rant about how little the general public knows about what we do, and I guess some of that has rubbed off. My daughter is in Grade 11, and the teacher was talking about all the pesticides, etc that are on vegetables. Somehow the teacher made a specific reference to onions (we grow onions and carrots so Amanda knows what goes on) anyway, Amanda put up her hand and corrected the teacher. Advising her that 60 days before harvest no "pesticides" (weed spray) are sprayed on the crop. The class was silent, and the teacher stood corrected. One for the farmer's kid!!
Permalink Reply by Joe Dales on September 19, 2009 at 4:17am
Hi Avia: This sounds like a great way to get the realities of farming to the consumers. Let us know when the shows are available online and we will try to help promote them. Great work. Give you daughter a high five from all of us.

Joe
Permalink Reply by Avia Eek on September 19, 2009 at 3:33pm
Hi Joe. I think it's a great start regarding letting people know the realities of farming. One thing, well actually, two things that were priceless were when we pulled carrots out of the ground and started eating them, without washing them, just wiping them off, and then in a lettuce grower's field, we did the same thing, grabbed a head of romaine and started eating it--the looks on their faces, and just a little hesitation--priceless!

It seems our Holland Marsh farmers are a reticent bunch, but one way or another we'll get them moving again. I've been told my daughter is alot like me, God help her!!! lol

I'll let you know when the show is to be televised. Thanks again for your support!

Joe Dales said:
Hi Avia: This sounds like a great way to get the realities of farming to the consumers. Let us know when the shows are available online and we will try to help promote them. Great work. Give you daughter a high five from all of us.

Joe
Permalink Reply by Roadrunner on September 20, 2009 at 2:24am
Good work Avia and family.

We cash crop and city folk can't really relate to corn or beans...maybe wheat but that is a stretch.
Carrots and lettuce are food they recognize and know so I love the "we pulled carrots...and started eating them..."
I am looking forward to watching the show.

▶ Reply to Discussion

RSS

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

CGC issues two licenses to start September

Companies in Sask. and Quebec received licenses recently

Irrimap Opens New Era of Smart Irrigation

Lethbridge Polytechnic developed Irrimap, a web-based tool that measures crop water use and helps farmers improve irrigation decisions, increase efficiency, and support precision agriculture practices.

Applications Open for AALP Class 22

Applications are now open for AALP Class 22, a leadership program that helps future agri-food leaders build skills, expand networks, and gain global perspectives through unique learning experiences.

CDC North Marks 75 Years of Agricultural Research and Crop Protection

What began as an 18-acre tree nursery has grown into a vital centre for plant health, disease surveillance and agricultural research in Alberta. Alberta’s Crop Diversification Centre North is celebrating 75 years of helping farmers protect their crops, confront emerging threats and prepare for the future. CDC North began in 1951 as a tree nursery on 18 acres of a former federal government fur farm outside Edmonton. Today, the 340-acre site is a hub for collaborative agricultural research, crop health surveillance and plant diagnostics. The centre now houses nine greenhouses, the Alberta Plant Health Lab, the province’s Bee Health Unit and Western Canada’s only seed potato repository. Its research plots and specialized facilities are also used by collaborators including the University of Alberta and Western Crop Innovations. “From strengthening crop health to fighting diseases and helping protect Alberta’s farmland, CDC North has been leading the way in agriculture research, crop hea

Alberta Harvest Lags as Farmers Race to Protect Crop Quality

Yield prospects remain strong across much of the province, but wet conditions and delayed crop development have Alberta’s harvest running well behind its normal pace. Alberta farmers are heading into harvest with the potential for an above-average crop—but many will need more warm, dry weather before they can get it into the bin. As of Aug. 25, just 5.6 per cent of all crops had been harvested across the province, according to the latest Alberta Crop Report. That compares with the five-year average of 15.2 per cent and the 10-year average of 12 per cent. The delayed start reflects a growing season marked by wet conditions, late seeding, slow emergence and uneven crop development across much of Alberta. Progress varies sharply by region. Farmers in southern Alberta had harvested 16.2 per cent of their crops by Aug. 25, compared with only 2.7 per cent in the Central Region. Harvest remained below one per cent in the North East, North West and Peace regions. Warm temperatures helped m

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service