Think Again!

To the non-farmer, the image of farming is that of living in a low-stress environment, communing with nature, and having an abundance of corn stalks, wheat, and pumpkins that can be used for decorations during the changing seasons. Think again! Farming is a complex business that takes strength both mentally and physically. Lack of knowledge causes the non farmer to misunderstand the farming industry. Capital and input costs such as land, equipment, quota, seed, livestock and interest are extremely high but this fact is not apparent to a non-farmer. The interest shown by non-farmers toward the farming community is reduced exclusively to the cost paid by the consumer for the farm product.

To support farmers in Woolwich, continued attempts to educate the non-farming community as well as local support for farmers with respect to health (stress), education (technology, marketing, finances), sales opportunities, and cooperative ventures should be encouraged.

Melissa Snyder, Conestogo farmer