Understanding the value of local food and farming

Ontario food and farming is a very diverse sector. We grow, raise and produce more than 200 different farm and food commodities and products right here at home – yet many Ontarians don’t really have a good understanding of how our food gets to the grocery store.

As farmers, I believe we must take a more active role in telling that story and that’s one of the reasons I wanted to put my name forward to be the new provincial board director with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA).

Let me explain.

I farm together with my brother-in-law, near the small town of Mildmay about an hour southwest of Owen Sound, where we milk cows and raise livestock.

Livestock genetics have always been a passion of mine and after graduating from University of Guelph I worked with Semex and Holstein Canada in positions that took me not just across Canada but around the world visiting dairy farms and working with farmers. I also co-founded a pioneering dairy genetics company focused on improving dairy herd performance and sustainability, before deciding to come back home to the family business and start farming full-time.