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: 207

▶ 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

Ag in Gotham City

Some Batman connections to agriculture for Batman Day

Four Saskatchewan Growers Acclaimed to SaskOilseeds Board

SaskOilseeds has verified four eligible nominations for four available positions on its Board of Directors following the close of the 2026 call for nominations. With the number of eligible nominees equal to the number of available positions, all four nominees have been acclaimed and will renew or begin their terms following the SaskOilseeds Annual General Meeting in January 2027. The strong interest shown by Saskatchewan oilseed growers reflects the commitment of producer leaders to advancing research, advocacy, and market development on behalf of the province’s canola and flax sectors. SaskOilseeds extends its appreciation to all growers who participated in the nomination process and to those who put their names forward for consideration. Congratulations to the following individuals who have been acclaimed and will join or continue on the SaskOilseeds Board of Directors: Additional biographical information about each acclaimed director will be shared soon. SaskOilseeds is governed

Trade with the U.S.

Importance of the U.S. market The U.S. remains one of canola’s most important and long-standing markets, valued at $5.7 billion in 2025. Developments in the Canada–U.S. trade relationship are therefore a key concern for Saskatchewan canola farmers. While tariff uncertainty continues to affect markets, canola seed, oil and meal remain eligible for tariff-free trade with the U.S. under the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). SaskOilseeds continues to work with national industry partners to advocate for the agreement, preserve tariff-free market access and support mutually beneficial trade. Free and open trade benefits both countries The North American canola industry is highly integrated, creating value across the supply chain on both sides of the border. The U.S. is Canada’s leading canola market and the largest export destination for Canadian canola oil and meal. In the U.S., Canadian canola industry contributes $11.2 billion USD in economic activity and supports 22,000

Keeping Canada Competitive: Why Gate Matters

Canada’s cereals sector leads Canadian agricultural exports, exporting wheat, barley, oats, and durum to more than 80 countries around the world. These exports contribute approximately $12.8 billion annually to the Canadian economy. This success did not happen by chance. It reflects decades of investment, innovation, and collaboration across the value chain. From plant breeders and life science companies to farmers, grain handlers, and exporters, thousands of Canadians work every day to develop, produce, and deliver high-quality grain that meets the evolving needs of global customers. Canada is a global leader today but maintaining that position will require continued commitment and investment. Sustaining Growth in a Competitive Global Market The cereals sector has been a significant driver of economic growth, achieving an average annual growth rate of 3.6% over the past decade. If that trend continues, export value could increase from $12.8 billion in 2025 to an estimated $18.3 bi

Inspiring USask alumni to be honoured with achievement awards

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is pleased to announce the 2026 recipients of the Alumni Achievement Awards, one of the university’s highest honours. “On behalf of the USask community, I extend our congratulations to this year’s exceptional award winners,” said USask President and Vice-Chancellor Vince Bruni-Bossio (MBA’10, PhD’21). “USask is proud to have more than 180,000 alumni living in 130 countries around the world. Our Alumni Achievement Award recipients exemplify the remarkable contributions that USask alumni are making every day, and their innovation, determination, and dedication inspires us all.” Alumni Achievement Awards are presented each year to outstanding USask alumni who have made an impact on their communities and around the world. The award recipients are nominated by their peers and are chosen based on their achievements, commitment to excellence, community engagement, leadership, and contributions to the wellbeing of society. “This year’s Alumni Achievem

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service