Inflation, new regulations, increasing taxes and volatile commodity markets can contribute to the feeling that farming is getting tougher and tougher.
At the same time, improving hybrid seeds, high crop prices and the explosion of robotic technology and artificial intelligence are contributing to what might appear to usher in agriculture’s new glory days.
What do you think? We asked farmers at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show if farming is more stressful today than five years ago?
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“Seems to be more concerns than there were before and life doesn’t seem to be getting any simpler.”
Don Mcdonald,
Cash crop, cow-calf
and feedlot
Glencoe, Ont.
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“I don’t think I could farm anymore at these land prices.”
Albert Trinstra
Retired cash crop
and hogs
Wyoming, Ont.
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“I think being a small farmer is harder with the way prices of land have gone.”
Brian Derbyshire
Cow-calf, cash crop
Melbourne, Ont.
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“Yes. There is more regulation to deal with from government levels. Weeds and pests seem to be on the increase. Cost of inputs are skyrocketing, so the margin of profit is tighter. But I think it’s still a very rewarding occupation.”
Roger Drudge
Cash crop,
Wingham, Ont.
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“No. If it is too stressful, get out. Don’t fall for pressure from parents or grandparents to keep things going.
“Save your money when you are younger so farm payments are easier as you age.”
Diana Schenk
Egg farmer
Wyoming, Ont.
