VERNON — About 80 farmers met at Vernon Valley Farms on August 30 for the Dundas Soil and Crop Association field day. Farmers Forum asked them if farming is more stressful today than five years ago. Yes, they mostly said. Thanks to more regulations, more uncertainty, higher costs and unstable supply chain.
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“Yes, it is more stressful. We’ve got all these government regulations coming on. It’s more than a way of living now, that’s for sure. It seems to be never ending, from the end of April to the end of July, we seem to be doing something on the crops. This year especially, it’s never ending. And the price of equipment has gone way up. You’ve still got to watch your money. You’ve got big numbers, but in the end, we’re not making more money.”
Gary Brugmans
Crop farmer
Chesterville, Ont.
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“I would say it isn’t any different, personally. There’s a lot more dollars at stake, but the prices are good. I think if you’ve been farming for any length of time, there have been worse periods to go through than this one. Far worse. Land values are good, commodity prices are good. I know inputs are more, but I think there have been more stressful periods over the last 25 years than this one for sure.”
Bryan Cook
Crop farmer and crop consultant
Spencerville, Ont.
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“Yes, I think so. More rules, more regulations, more crap. All the new stuff coming out with fertilizer and nitrogen reduction … It all makes a difference. It’s all unnecessary.”
Jack Berends
Crop farmer
Reid’s Mills, Ont.
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“Yes. Uncertainty with prices. Everything’s just fluctuating. Costs are up, fuel is up, everything’s up and then there’s uncertainty with the world, exports and a recession looming. The predictability just isn’t there. Five years ago, no one knew what COVID was. There were no supply-chain issues. If you needed a part you could get it. I just ordered an electric (Chevy) truck in February, but they won’t deliver until the middle of 2024 — almost two and a half years out.”
Jason Byvelds
Crop farmer
Brinston, Ont.
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“Yes, I think it is, for different reasons. Weather-wise, I find that we get these intensive downpours and stretches of drought. The weather seems quite variable now compared to when we grew up … now, you’re always looking over your shoulder at weather changes.”
Bernard Foley
Crop farmer
Williamsburg, Ont.
