Crop farmer Josh Nash finishes up planting 300 acres of soybeans south of Chesterville on Friday, May 14. When asked about COVID restrictions, he said that he doesn’t like not being able to go into the hardware store.
It’s been more than one year in and out of lockdowns that were initially only going to last a few weeks. No one knew how bad things would get and we all went with the imposed rules to keep everyone safe.
But now we’re coming out of this pandemic and the restrictions are taking a toll. Farmers Forum asked Eastern Ontario farmers what COVID restriction they disliked the most. “All of them,” said dairy farmer Mary Ann Nagel, who then narrowed it down to not being able to see family.
“There have been a few: probably not being able to socialize with other farmers. Everyone is going to see their neighbours but the social part of it is not the way it was before. It’s pretty cool when you can hang out with your peers and now you’re not supposed to be hanging out with your peers.”
Jim Ness
Dairy farmer
Cobden, Ont.
“Just not being able to see family. I have a sister who lives in Guelph and a brother who lives farther away and not seeing grand- parents. (For one set of grandparents) we haven’t been in their house in over a year.”
Mary Ann Nagel
Dairy farmer
Beachburg, Ont.
“I would say the labour shortage and getting parts for equipment, just the availability of it. And certain cow medications are hard to get now.”
Doug Robinson
Dairy farmer
Finch, Ont.
“Not being able to go into the hardware store and not being able to look at the parts on the shelf and stuff.”
Josh Nash
Crop farmer
North Stormont, Ont.
“Getting parts for machinery is a little bit annoying, along with going into some of the stores. Now you have to order and wait.”
Ralph Nash
Crop farmer
North Stormont, Ont.
“(Business restrictions). I can do without Walmart but buying parts has been very difficult.”
Herb Hart
Crop farmer and elevator operator
Greater Napanee, Ont.
