THE FAMILY FARM
Farms in rural Ontario, Canada are disappearing fast. Hard work, long hours, and few rewards make up the structure of the family farm today. Farmers, whose land has been passed down through generations, are choosing to sell their now valuable property to developers.
Local crops grown by farmers in the area where we reside include numerous varieties of wheat, barley, soy beans and corn to name a few. Strawberry, raspberry, pumpkin, and other vegetable fields dot the countryside. During the growing season, farmers’ markets abound, with virtually every small town in the area hosting one weekly.
Dairy and beef farms are numerous, with cattle farmers in the area selling meat right from their farms. Â During August and early September, signs also pop up in front of farms advertising sweet corn for sale, something everyone seems to look forward to.
Unfortunately, the family farm may soon disappear as the cost of maintaining the land and buildings outweigh the benefits reaped from this difficult way of life.
William Stanley
