Incorporating sustainable products into our lives is something that's very important to our family. Disclaimer - This post was written in partnership with OTS (Ontario Tire Stewardship). All thoughts and opinions expressed on this blog are honest and my own. As a farming family, we choose to use as many eco-friendly products on our farm as possible. We take the idea of … [Read more...]
Hard to Believe I Haven’t Done Groceries in Three Weeks
It may be lack of time or it may just be tightening our belts, but it's hard to believe I haven't done groceries in three weeks! Not having done groceries in three weeks has not been intentional. Life's been really busy with school starting again and having visitors, and being away for a wedding in Montreal. Although I enjoy a good challenge like Project Empty Out Your … [Read more...]
Calving Season ~ A Day in the Life of a Farmer #FarmVoices #OntAg
This post on calving season was written by Hubby (aka: Farmer John). John occasionally contributes farm posts in hopes of providing an understanding of farm life, farm practices, and sharing agricultural information with readers. Spring is an exciting time of the year on the farm, mainly because we get to experience calving season. It's something we look forward to, and … [Read more...]
So, You Want to Marry a Farmer?
Yes, having taught English from 1998 to 2012, I realize that you should never begin a sentence with "so". So, You Want to Marry a Farmer makes for a fun title though, doesn't it? I did contemplate on the title and thought I would call this post, A Day on the Farm. So, You Want to Marry a Farmer sounds better (even though this post is about the craziness that can happen on … [Read more...]
Farming is all about Defying the Odds
* "Farming is all about Defying the Odds" was written by my husband, Farmer John (aka @CanManFarm). Since he had a farm accident and is off his feet for the next 8-10 weeks, he'll be contributing a lot more to the farming section on this blog. * At a distance, farming seems like an easy job to do and to make money with. You just plant, grow, and cultivate, and then harvest … [Read more...]
Good Neighbours & Learning to Accept Help
A good neighbour is a priceless treasure. -Chinese Proverb The past week has shown us many unexpected acts of kindness and has made us aware of the fact that we have such good neighbours. After Hubby's accident on Valentine's Day, our family was touched by many people extending their wishes for a speedy recovery and support in many forms. Our first surprise was a flower … [Read more...]
When the farm must go on without the farmer
Most farming families talk about the "what ifs" in farming. What if something happens to one family member and they can no longer farm? What if there was an accident or even a death? What does one do when the farm must go on without the farmer? The past week has proven to be one filled with many challenges. On Valentine's Day, Hubby went out to the bush to cut fire wood, … [Read more...]
The Drought
The following post is written by contributor, Jill from Crooked Lake Farm. Jill shares stories of the real side of farming and life on a farm. To read more, follow her on her blog and engage with her on Twitter. This year in Western Canada, Mother Nature delivered dryer than average conditions across the region. These conditions brought a challenge for everyone, but … [Read more...]
Fresh from the Farm: Healthy Fundraising for Ontario Schools #FreshFromFarm15
Healthy eating and healthy living are very important to our family. We grow a good portion of our food on our farm and for the food we do not grow, we try to buy locally as much as possible. For me, making sure our six year old knows where her food comes from and how it is grown are also very important. Little One is involved in all aspects of food production from … [Read more...]
Notes from the Hen House
It may be hard to believe, but I find some of my quietest moments in the hen house. If you asked me a dozen years ago if I'd find myself seeking solace in the chicken coop, my answer would have been a definite NO. Now, I spend a lot of time in the "hen house". No one follows me there (except Cupcake, our pup). I go to check on the hens, make sure they all have food … [Read more...]
Real life on the farm ~ Farming, Calving Season & Planting
The following post is written by contributor, Jill from Crooked Lake Farm. Jill shares stories of the real side of farming and life on a farm. To read more, follow her on her blog and engage with her on Twitter. Well, as some of you may have noticed I've been away from the blogging for a bit. I think the last time I wrote we were in the thick of calving season, here is how … [Read more...]
What is a Farm Mom?
The following post is written by contributor, Jill from Crooked Lake Farm. Jill shares stories of the real side of farming and life on a farm. To read more, follow her on her blog and engage with her on Twitter. What is a farm mom? Often she wears many hats. Some farm moms work off the farm, some are very hands on, and others are not so much hands on with the farm work, but … [Read more...]
Who Are You?
The following post is written by contributor, Jill from Crooked Lake Farm. Jill shares stories of the real side of farming and life on a farm. To read more, follow her on her blog and engage with her on Twitter. Okay, so now you have “Who Are You” by The Who running through your head. Sorry, but I couldn’t think of a more appropriate title to discuss cattle … [Read more...]
Carry On As A Farmer
The following post is written by contributor, Jill from Crooked Lake Farm. Jill shares stories of the real side of farming and life on a farm. To read more, follow her on her blog and engage with her on Twitter. Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place and I don't care how tough you are it will … [Read more...]
Grain Farmers of Ontario ~ March Classic #GFOClassic
Hubby's family has been farming for generations. Though we live on a working beef farm and raise cattle, we also grow corn, barley and hay. I know that there are many grain farmers of Ontario that produce far more grain than we do, but we produce grain nonetheless. Admittedly, I did not grow up on a farm, but married into one. In our early years of marriage, Hubby had … [Read more...]