Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

So I think its official – I’m a real farmer. Now there was no certificate or degree from Guelph. No big ceremony or letter stating I was now accepted to the farming profession. I’ve decided I’m a real farmer because of one innocent thought. People told me I would have these thoughts, they warned me to expect them. I always shrugged those naysayers off saying I would not be like other farmers. But then it happened, just like it was suppose to. We were baling hay late yesterday afternoon. The third cut crop had been sitting in the field for about a week trying to dry through showers and rain storms. We finally got a 3 day string of sun and took advantage of it. The big square baler quickly going up and down the rows followed shortly by my grandfather and I picking those bales up to take to the barn. One load turned into two; two to three; three to six; and we kept taking them off. Then it happened. I thought it was too bad we had such a good hay crop because it was proving difficult to get it all into the barn.

Why do we do that? Turn something that we hope and pray for into a negative? Jokes have been made about these thoughts, the ones where nothing can ever prove good enough for a farmer. Dennis Hull talks about the guy who complains that a good grain crop is tough on his machinery. I joke about the farmer I golfed with who got a hole in one and complained because he could have used the putting practice. It really is a funny phenomenon when you think about it, but I continue to be intrigued about it. I’m hoping we can have some fun with this. What positive thing have you turned to a 'too bad...?' Don't be shy, post a comment and let me know.

Views: 51

Comment

You need to be a member of Ontario Agriculture to add comments!

Join Ontario Agriculture

Comment by Wayne Black on August 28, 2009 at 5:02am
Not everyone does it. I think it is all in your outlook on life. On the flip side we always try to see the good in a bad situation. Like the fella who was in a tractor accident. While in surgery they found a tumour that was never found before.
I have a theory that people who listen to country music generally are negative. (I have a tear in my beer...). While pop music is generally upbeat and positive (tonight is going to be a good night - Black Eyed Peas).
Comment by Andrew Campbell on August 27, 2009 at 4:32am
I think a lot of Canadians are like that - I just think farmers are better at it. Partly because of all the elements that are out of their control.

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

Ingenuity, Upgrades and Legacy: On-Farm Practices That Pay Off for These Beef Producers

The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) is made up of producer members from across Canada, appointed by each of the provincial beef organizations that allocate part of the?Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off? to research. The number of members from each province is proportional to the amount of provincial check-off allocated to research.? The following is part of a series?introducing you to this group of innovative thinkers. These producers set the BCRC’s direction by sharing practices, strategies or technologies they have integrated into their own operations. Read?the past installments in?this series.?? Implementing changes to increase profitability, reduce labour or fit farm work around an off-farm job doesn’t happen overnight. But, is doesn’t always require big investments either. Small tweaks and creatively using resources already on your farm can add up to meaningful gains and deliver big pay offs. Using Data and Resources Effectively Tara Mulhern Davidson, along with her husband R

New technology to power Alberta’s energy future

Through the industry-funded TIER program, Alberta’s government is investing $28 million to support six projects using technologies that will help energy companies save money, reduce environmental impacts and stay globally competitive. Using Emissions Reduction Alberta’s Industrial Transformation Challenge, these innovations will protect pipelines, turn farm waste into energy instead of pollution, restore well sites and keep lowering methane emissions. This investment supports Alberta’s efforts to continue producing the most responsible energy in the world while doubling production by 2035. “We’re increasing energy production and protecting the environment at the same time. The world wants our energy, and these technologies can help us deliver while lowering emissions and keeping our industries competitive for decades to come. We’re investing in made-in-Alberta projects because nobody innovates faster and better than Albertans.” Grant Hunter, Minister of Environment and Protected Are

Ag superstitions for Friday the 13th

It’s believed witches use eggshells as boats.

RDAR Announces 2026 – 2027 Board of Directors

Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR) is pleased to announce its 2026–2027 Board of Directors, a group that reflects the strength, diversity, and regional depth of Alberta’s agriculture industry. This year’s Board brings together primary producers, ranchers, agronomists, researchers, and experienced agrifood business leaders to guide RDAR’s mandate and ensure producer-led, results-driven research reaches those who need it most: Alberta’s farmers and ranchers. Drawing on a broad cross-section of agricultural expertise and governance experience, the Board sets priorities that align with producer needs and industry standards. The majority of Directors are active farmers and ranchers from across Alberta, ensuring RDAR remains firmly grounded in real-world production challenges and opportunities. The Board represents an extensive range of commodities and production systems—including dryland and irrigated crops, livestock, dairy, poultry, and mixed farming. Primary Producers and Agron

Titan International Inc. Signs as Title Sponsor for 2026 Farm Equipment Dealership Minds Summit

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The editors of Farm Equipment announced at the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville that Titan International has signed on as a Title Sponsor for the 2026 Dealership Minds Summit in Springfield, Ill. on August 4-5, 2026.

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service