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: 112

▶ 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

Is This the Most Underrated Feed Crop in the West?

Low maintenance, high yield, cow-approved — triticale is quickly moving from niche to must-have on cattle operations. Triticale may once have been considered a niche crop, but its value in cattle production is becoming harder to ignore. “The cattle industry has really benefited from this type of crop,” says Len Solick of Solick Seeds. “It’s produced really well, and in drier conditions it’s been a huge bonus.” Part of triticale’s appeal is its versatility. Producers can swath graze it in winter, bale it for feed, or blend it with barley for silage. “We’ve got customers who will put in about two bushels an acre of triticale to one bushel of barley,” Solick says. “That mix goes into a silage pit, and it gives them the right moisture balance because triticale matures later than barley.” Among the varieties Solick Seeds offers, AB Stampeder is his newest. Developed at Western Crop Innovations’ research facility, Solick says the variety has a number of pros. “Palatability for the cow is

CBRC signs agreement with AAFC on barley breeding

The Canadian Barley Research Coalition (CBRC) has announced an investment of $1,148,900 over three years in a Core Barley Breeding Agreement with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC).  The producer-funded investment is expected to support the development of new barley varieties with higher yields, stronger disease resistance, and improved agronomics to ensure the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of Canadian barley. A news release says the Core Barley Breeding Agreement ensures that farmers remain at the forefront of driving research priorities. It adds that by working with AAFC’s world-class researchers, CBRC is helping deliver practical solutions and improved genetics that respond to evolving market and environmental demands. The efforts are expected to support Canada’s position as a global leader in crop development where barley is a vital crop for Canada, supporting the malting, brewing, feed, and food sectors. 

Canadian Museum for Human Rights announces new exhibits for 2026, extension for Love in a Dangerous Time

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) today announced the extension of its blockbuster exhibit, Love in a Dangerous Time: Canada’s LGBT Purge, until fall 2026, as well as several new exhibits that are coming soon as a result of the Museum’s plan to renew the content in its core galleries. New content in development for the core galleries for 2026 and beyond includes At the Knees of Our Ancestors, telling the history of Black Canadians from slavery until present day; Palestine Uprooted: Nakba Past and Present, recounting the personal experiences of Palestinian Canadians from the Nakba in 1948 until today; and Inclusion for All, a new exhibit about disability rights. “Last year we celebrated 10 years as the national museum for human rights. This year, we are kicking off our plans for our next decade focusing on new content and core gallery renewal,” CMHR CEO Isha Khan said at the Museum’s Annual Public Meeting (APM). “Our mandate is to promote dialogue and a better understand

Shared values, shared fields: Potatoes at the heart of humane and climate-smart farming

An exploration of how potato growers, Mercy For Animals’ Transfarmation project and other ethical farming initiatives are quietly aligning around a common set of values – reducing suffering, protecting the climate and defending the dignity of rural communities.

CCA Welcomes New Policy Manager

The Canadian Cattle Association is pleased to announce that Daniela Lombardo is rejoining the Ottawa staff team as Policy Manager leading on Food Policy and also working on Trade files with Chief Government and International Affairs Officer Jennifer Babcock.

© 2025   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service