Megz Reynolds wants to teach politicians about grain farming
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
A Kyle, Sask. grain farmer is calling on government representatives to sit beside her in the combine during harvest.
Megz Reynolds, who works about 2,100 acres of land, posted an invitation on Twitter inviting federal and provincial politicians to spend some time with her chatting about Canadian agriculture.
She posted her invitation on Thursday after seeing farmers in France and the United Kingdom doing the same thing.
She’s particularly inviting politicians who may not be familiar with the ag sector, but who manage portfolios that can impact the industry.
Reynolds grew up in the city and knew nothing about grain production until she “started dating a farmer,” she admits.
And engaging with decisionmakers who have limited ag knowledge can be an effective way to bridge informational gaps.
“I think it would be beneficial for them because a lot of times there are files that come across their desk that factor into Canadian agriculture and grain farming, like Bill C-49,” she told Farms.com on Friday. “I think it’s a great opportunity for them to come out and ride with me in the combine and for them to ask me any questions they might have.”
Reynolds stressed the tone of any visits would be casual.
The invitations are not meant to be an opportunity to debate but just to have regular conversations about an important Canadian industry.
“This is not meant to argue about different policies or debate what’s in the news right now,” she said. “I just want people come out and learn about what we’re doing and why we’re doing it. Unless you’re immersed in agriculture, you might not understand how we’re going about producing our crops.”
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has accepted the offer, and she plans to invite some individuals more formally.
She’s also open to hosting other urban citizens on her farm who are concerned about the source of their food.
Reynolds hopes other farmers will follow her lead.
“I hope other Canadian producers put themselves out there too,” she said. “Whether that’s sharing time in a combine or in a dairy barn, it would be a great opportunity to show people that we want to talk about what we’re doing.”