Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

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: 107

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

"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
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!!
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
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
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

Alberta Canola’s Response to Canola Council’s Strategic Redirection

Alberta Canola acknowledges the strategic changes announced by the Canola Council of Canada, including the launch of its refreshed strategic framework and realignment of resources. This restructure comes at a pivotal time allowing Council to focus on delivering the greatest value to its members, including enabling innovation, advancing market access, and amplifying the value of Canadian canola. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to their Crop Production & Innovation team for their valuable contributions to the growth and profitability of the canola sector. “Alberta Canola has had a longstanding, collaborative relationship with Council’s Agronomists,” says Justin Nanninga, representative on the Canola Council of Canada board. “They’ve played a key role in the success the canola industry has achieved.” “These types of decisions are never easy,” said Andre Harpe, Chair of Alberta Canola. “We appreciate Canola Council’s strategic focus in these challenging times. Their work ensuring

CCA Statement on US Trade

“In the evolving global trading environment, the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) has proven to be the gold standard for trade agreements. As we approach the six-year review of that agreement, the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) is pleased that the Prime Minister and “Team Canada” have remained focused on the review while ensuring that products that comply with CUSMA remain exempt from tariffs in the ongoing trade negotiations with the United States. “This is vitally important to cattle and beef producers on both sides of the Canada/US border. The North American beef industry is highly integrated, with Canadian and American beef farmers and ranchers working together to create the high-quality beef demanded by consumers around the world. CUSMA has played a key role in allowing beef producers in the US and Canada to reap the benefits flowing from the economies created by that integration. “CCA looks forward to hosting the North American Beef Cattle Leaders’ trilateral me

Pulse Canada 2024-25 Annual Report

I am pleased to present members with Pulse Canada’s 2024–25 Annual Report. This past year has been one of considerable disruption and transformation across the global trading landscape. Shifting geopolitical alliances, rising protectionism, and uneven policy signals in key export markets have challenged the predictability that Canadian pulse growers, exporters, and processors rely on. Despite this turbulent environment, our industry has remained focused, strategic, and united in its efforts to secure access, create opportunity, and build long-term resilience. As you will see, much of Pulse Canada’s work in 2024–25 has centred on navigating this new global reality. From temporary market openings to prolonged trade disruptions, we have worked to ensure that Canadian pulses remain a reliable and valued choice for customers around the world. In markets like India and China, where the rules of engagement continue to evolve, we’ve maintained a strong presence and pursued every avenue to e

Project Seeks to Help Plants Fight Pathogens in Rising Temperatures

A global project seeks to help plants better fight pathogens as temperatures rise. Courtney Leisner, assistant professor at the school of plant and environmental sciences at Virginia Polytechnic University, is part of this global project, which seeks to study bacterial spot. Xanthomonas,

Boosting Canada’s agricultural productivity through investment and innovation

Canada’s agricultural sector stands at a pivotal moment, as global food demand intensifies, profit margins tighten and climate pressures mount. Ag tech innovation offers a powerful solution, but research alone isn’t enough. We must accelerate commercialization of these technologies and create an investment environment that attracts venture capital. Innovation, boldness and ambition are urgently needed.

© 2025   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service