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: 59

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

Grower Engagement Meetings

Alberta Canola works for farmers—and your voice can drive what’s next. Join Alberta Canola directors, staff, and industry partners at our upcoming Grower Engagement Meetings and explore what’s happening across the canola industry and what it means for your farm. From agronomy and research to new markets, canola utilization and biofuels, we’ll explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of canola. At Alberta Canola’s grower meetings, you’ll: See how Alberta Canola works for farmers. Learn how your investment supports research, advocacy and a stronger future for canola growers. Get practical agronomy insights from our provincial agronomy specialist, Keith Gabert. Explore what’s possible for canola through new markets, canola meal utilization, biofuels, transportation, and what it all means for the future of your farm. Hear from industry experts. Connect with guest speakers from Canola Council of Canada, Imperial Oil, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, COPA and more. Conn

2026 harvest: Minister Sawyer

“For many farm families, harvest is the culmination of months of hard work and many long days. Whether they're wrapping up harvest or working to bring in the last of this year's crop, farmers and producers across Alberta continue to show the dedication and determination that keeps our agriculture sector strong. “Despite weather challenges, crop yields are estimated to be above average, especially in the south and central regions. I applaud the perseverance, patience and hard work of farmers despite the circumstances with this growing season. “Recent weeks have finally brought favourable conditions for harvest in many parts of Alberta, allowing producers to make significant progress. While slow maturity and periods of rain early in the harvest season and recent frost and snow have slowed work in some areas, producers continue to make the most of every opportunity to get crops off the field. Harvest of major crops is now 88 per cent complete across the province. “As producers prepare

Ag in the House: Oct. 19 – 23

An Ontario MP asked how the government is protecting Mariposa Dairy

Bayer Invests $45M in New Canadian Canola Innovation Centre

Bayer Crop Science is investing $45 million CAD in a new canola innovation centre in Winnipeg, with research targeting faster genetic gains, improved agronomic performance and expanded weed control options for Canadian growers.

USDA Corrects Corn Estimates as Growers Question NASS Data

USDA has corrected September corn estimates after NASS discovered a processing error affecting Kansas, Nebraska and national figures.

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service