this week on the farm.... supporting cast...

Old MacDonalds Kid's have gone to university and they're home running the farm now, so it is large, it's more specialized, they use technology, but you know what? They still operate it with the same care, commitment and values their Grandparents did - Crystal Mackay

{this week on the farm...} 

This meme does a good job of showing how science and technology have drastically changed the role of  a farmer in our world.  I like this image; but it doesn't tell the whole story.  Often the stories told about agriculture have two characters, the farmer and the multi-national corporation.  Reality is that a whole industry of people work together to produce and distribute food.  I can count at least 15 different careers, that directly support farmers.  These people are educated and passionate about what they do, and aren't minimum wage laborers.   I want to highlight a few of the "supporting cast" who are important to our farm.

The mechanic: Brian
Most farmers are loyal to a certain brand or color of equipment, we are generally a green or John Deere farm.  Having our equipment working properly during busy times is important.  Brian comes right to our yard or the field to work on our equipment. Most farmers have a basic mechanical understanding and can handle most breakdowns, but having the mechanic come assist with more complicated problems often means less downtime and a proper fixes. Those who work in agriculture live the hours and seasons of farmers as well,  Brian is away from his family and works just as long hours as we do during busy times.

Soil Tester: Ken

Soil testing is one of the coolest things we do on our farm.  Every fall we hire Ken to come and test all our fields for both macro nutrients (nitrogen N, potassium K, phosphate P, sulfur S) and micro nutrients (Copper, zinc, magnesium, etc).  Based on the analyzed samples he collects we make decisions about nutrients for the next year.  This data help us to use fertilizers responsibly.  Fertilizer is expensive so the goal is to use the right amount to produce a quality crop. 

Agri-Business adviser:  Peter

This past year we applied for a grant that allowed us to hire Peter while we put together a succession plan.  Having a good succession plan is extremely important when you have a family business, passing the business from one generation to the next can hinder or help that business, not to mention a family.  Peter has helped us work though difficult conversations that have to happen in order to plan for the future.  In the end we will have a plan allows my in-laws to enjoy the fruit of their labors, allow us to invest presently,  as well as plan for the possibility of our boys to be part of the farm in the future.

 

Crop Adviser/Retailer:  Mitch

Mitch helps us come up with a pesticide plan.  The guys meet with him to discuss seed varieties, how those varieties do in our area and what kind of pesticides they need based on the pests in our area, he is also available though out the growing season if we find unexpected issues.  Something that is important to note is he doesn't work for one specific company (Monsanto, Dow etc)  he sells all agriculture products, because he is familiar with all the different products we can trust that he will help us figure out the best products for our farm.

These careers are a sample of the larger picture which includes finance/accounting, marketing, machinery, livestock care, crop science, seed supply, fuel supply, transportation, storage, tech support, etc.  Agriculture is the third biggest industry in Canada, and it is so much more than just farmers. Our supporting cast is made up of people who live and invest in our community,  our children go to school together, we meet each other on the street and in the coffee shop, we work together for the greater good of the industry and the community.  Agriculture is based in relationships, often done around our table over coffee and pie, and is our greatest strength.