Women, racialized, Indigenous and young farmers and farm workers, as well as those from other underrepresented groups, are invited to apply to THE EXCHANGE, a new training and support program led by the National Farmers Union (NFU).
Tag Archives young farmers
National Farmers Union opens applications to training, support program for underrepresented farmers
Fed-up Ontario farmer seeks move to Prairies
Exorbitant land prices put farm purchase, expansion out of reach, prompting young producer to look further west
Glacier FarmMedia – Rob Glover is done with Ontario. The 33-year old would like to own and operate a farm near his hometown of Peterborough, but the math doesn’t make sense. To purchase 100 acres and run a small herd of beef cattle, the price tag for the land could be $1.5 to $2 million […] Read more
Long-term public land leases could enable young farmers
EFAO panel discusses small-scale opportunities near Ottawa, Toronto
Young farmers who operate businesses on publicly owned properties in Ottawa and the greater Toronto area say long-term leases of public land could be a future path for creative land use and small-scale farming. They related their experiences during a session at the recent conference of the Ecological Farmers’ Association of Ontario. Why it matters: […] Read more
Top transition tips for young farmers
How the next generation can help farm transition be successful
Transitioning management and ownership of a farm business from one generation to the next can present many challenges. While there are numerous resources to support farm founders in assessing their business and planning their transition into retirement, not many advise young farmers on how they should prepare. Elaine Froese, a farmer from southern Manitoba who […] Read more
It’s not just about the tractor anymore
Overcoming misconceptions about working on agricultural equipment important to attract youth to the industry
As farm equipment becomes more high-tech, it is a challenge to find qualified technicians. That was the consensus of panellists during a discussion at the virtual Changing Faces of Agriculture event hosted by the London Chamber of Commerce and the Western Fair District. The panel featured Lindsay Marten, human resources manager for Huron Tractor, Dan […] Read more
Ridgetown grad’s gap year takes winding farm road
Abbey Taylor worked at various farm jobs while crossing Canada
Belmont-area Ridgetown College grad Abbey Taylor recently returned from several months working her way from farm to farm across Canada, learning about a wide range of products and production strategies. She was inspired, in part, by a podcast created for the Canadian Gap Year Association. Taylor most recently returned to Ontario after leaving a position […] Read more
The challenge of starting a farm from scratch
A young farmer continues to find ways into farming – driven by sound economics
Daniel Chiappetta has had to be creative in making his way into farming and that route has included investing in quicker return areas outside of agriculture and in targeted farm-related rental agreements and purchases. Chiapetta, an account manager for TD bought his first farm two years ago. And then he sold it because it made […] Read more
Farm-sitter finds a summer job giving farmers a break
Young farm entrepreneur Meaghan Herrington starts a business taking care of farm chores
Almost any agricultural professional knows that a day off (or two or three) can be an impossible dream. But those living near Brighton, Ont., can turn to Meaghan Herrington and her summer business Early Morning Relief Milking and Farm Services. The East Northumberland Secondary School student offers such services as cow clipping, barn cleaning, relief […] Read more
Sorting out roles often starting place for young farmers
Succession planning sometimes left until returning youth find their place
Developing a succession plan is often a long and complicated process and for younger people just returning to the family farm, it may not be the first priority. Finding, or rediscovering, their place on the farm is more likely to be top of mind for many of them. For those farmers, determining their roles and […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
