Rob Glover and his wife, Katie, would like to move from Ontario to somewhere on the Prairies. Glover runs a herd of cattle with his brother on rented land, but buying farmland around Peterborough is out of reach. They are looking to partner with a Prairie producer who is nearing retirement and develop a succession plan to take over the farm.

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

Lack of access to land is a significant barrier to entry for aspiring farmers who weren’t born into farming families.

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

Farm family coach Elaine Froese says identifying values is a crucial exercise for young farmers and she encourages them to think about how to explain these to the older generation.

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

Joe Dales, top left, of the RH Accelerator, moderated a panel on attracting technicians to the ag equipment sector. Panelists included Dan Howard from Fanshawe College, Lindsay Marten from Huron Tractor, and Larry Hertz of WEDA

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


Abbey Taylor worked at several livestock and grain farms across Canada — mostly just by calling and asking.

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

Daniel Chiappetta has focused on renting land and hiring custom work done to make his farming experience work so far.

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

Meaghan Herrington and her 4-H calf.

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


Kara, left, Tom, Erica, Andrew and Dawn Pate at their farm.

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