Reading Time: 4 minutes Keeping the farm in the family is something really special. But figuring out how to share it with siblings and cousins who want to be part of the business? That can get tricky. Especially if the farm is only so big and growth is limited. “Every farm and family dynamic is different, and the more […] Read more
When it looks like there aren’t many options for farm growth what’s a growing family to do?
Summer Series: Here’s how farm families can navigate a common sticky farm succession situation — and still want to have Christmas dinner together
Adapting, innovating and thriving in Saskatchewan agriculture
Summer Series 'Next Gen': Country Guide sat down with several 2024 Outstanding Young Farmers (OYF) to learn about their experiences and plans for the future. In this instalment, we spoke with Saskatchewan regional winners Erika and Cyle Stewart
Reading Time: 5 minutes Cyle and Erika Stewart have embraced their ability to pivot and take a new approach to ranching on more than one occasion. They moved their cow herd and entire ranch operation from British Columbia to Saskatchewan in 2017, successfully navigated droughts, and are now focused on finding new ways to improve the management of their […] Read more
Outstanding Manitoba farm couple harnesses innovation and data
Summer Series 'Next Gen': Self-proclaimed data junkies and winners of the 2024 Manitoba Outstanding Young Farmers award, Paige and Marcus Dueck, talk about the changes they’ve made on their farm, how they’ve harnessed technology to work for them and what leadership means
Reading Time: 4 minutes For over a decade Paige and Marcus Dueck have embraced their passion for farming while striving to innovate and expand their Kleefeld, Man., dairy operation. Today, they are proud to say they’ve doubled their milk production during their short tenure and have optimized robotic technology to create a successful and balanced lifestyle for their young […] Read more
Ontario farmers partner for success
Summer Series 'Next Gen': Country Guide sat down with several 2024 Outstanding Young Farmers (OYF) to learn about their experiences and plans for the future. In this instalment, we spoke with Ontario OYF regional winners Matt Bergman and DJ Wassenaar
Reading Time: 5 minutes Ontario business partners, Matt Bergman and DJ Wassenaar, have been farming together for 10 years. Their focus on integrating unconventional and innovative practices, combined with embracing calculated risks, is one of the reasons they were awarded the Ontario Outstanding Young Farmers (OYF) award in 2024. As young farmers who are eager to grow their operation, […] Read more
Alberta farmers map out sustainability of their farm’s future
Country Guide sat down with several 2024 Outstanding Young Farmers (OYF) to learn about their experiences and plans for the future. For this second article in the series, we spoke with Alberta OYF regional winners and Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers national winners, Daniel, Lorin and Barry Doerksen.
Reading Time: 5 minutes Four generations of Doerksens have managed their mixed farm and ranch operation in Gem, Alta. Today, they are proudly raising the fifth generation while carving out a successful pasture-to-table business model and enhancing the sustainability of their land, herd and future. Together with their parents, families and employees, the Doerksen brothers — Daniel, Lorin and […] Read more
Building a resilient food chain
Canadian farms are connecting both ends of the food chain through sustainable and regenerative practices
Reading Time: 6 minutes Dianne Wolters wants to build connections. As a farmer and food processor, she is in a unique position to show her food manufacturing customers the benefits of regenerative agriculture practices. Wolters wants to help these customers market their baked goods and consumer products as sustainably sourced, while also supporting fellow farmers in their sustainability efforts. […] Read more
Advancing regenerative farming practices
One company is helping Ontario farmers adopt sustainable practices to reduce risk
Reading Time: 3 minutes Last year, Griffith Foods launched a pilot program to promote regenerative agriculture in Ontario wheat in partnership with Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited (P&H), Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association and the Sustainable Food Lab. Through the Advancing Regenerative Agriculture Farming Practices program, the global food company set out to support and incentivize the adoption of […] Read more
An experience to phone home about
Country Guide sat down with several 2024 Outstanding Young Farmers to learn about their experiences and plans for the future. In this first instalment, we speak with the Atlantic regional winner, Geena Luckett
Reading Time: 4 minutes Geena Luckett confesses she often feels she has imposter syndrome. At the age of 11 she transitioned from city girl to farm girl when her dad became a fruit and vegetable producer to supply his specialty grocery stores. Today, she is the co-owner and general manager of Luckett Vineyards in Wallbrook, N.S. Despite taking a […] Read more
A guide for farm growth
Vision statements are more common on today’s farms. How can creating one help you?
Reading Time: 6 minutes Why does your farm need a vision? To Jeannette French and her husband Brian, co-owners of Lennox Farms in Melancthon, Ont., the answer is simple. “No matter your farm size, a vision is something that drives you every day. It’s born from your values and is the backbone of what you believe.” Six years ago, […] Read more
How these Canadian farms thrive
Like a roadmap, these farms are setting goals to make sure they end up at the right destination
Reading Time: 8 minutes Every January business partners DJ Wassenaar and Matt Bergman take a day to set goals for the coming year. It’s a practice that’s proven successful for their partnership and an integral part of their planning process. “We always need something to aim for, and whether the goal is attainable or not, giving ourselves a direction […] Read more
A message from April Stewart, Country Guide's Associate Editor
