How Ontario Farmerettes Supported Farming During World War II
During World War II, food shortages became a serious issue for Canada and its allies. With many men away at war, the government formed the Ontario Farm Service Force, sending 40,000 teenage girls from Ontario and Quebec —known as the Farmerettes—to help farms in Southwestern Ontario.
These young women, mostly with no farming experience, worked tirelessly from 1941 to 1952.
Their mission was vital—keep food production going when it mattered most. Despite their challenges, the Farmerettes helped produce hundreds of thousands of tons of food. Much of this was sent overseas to feed soldiers, civilians, and prisoners of war.
The story of these remarkable girls had faded over time. But in 2019, director Colin Field met author Bonnie Sitter, who had co-written a book about the Farmerettes called Onion Skins and Peach Fuzz: Memories of Ontario Farmerettes.
Inspired by Bonnie’s research and passion, Colin Field spent two years filming a documentary titled We Lend a Hand: The Forgotten Story of the Ontario Farmerettes.
Colin interviewed 20 Farmerettes for the documentary. The film blends these interviews with reenactments, and rare archival photos and moving images. It shares stories of bravery, friendship, and service from women now in their 90s.
Bonnie's own story begins in 2018, when she finds a 2” x 2.5” family photo labeled “Farmerettes 1946,” sparking her journey to uncover this lost piece of history.
“I am still hoping to find the names of the girls who started the journey that changed my life and the lives of many Farmerettes who never thought in their wildest dreams that their service would be recognised in a magazine article, then a book, a play, stamp and then a documentary,” shares Bonnie.
This documentary reminds us that service comes in many forms—and sometimes, it’s teenage girls with determination who make history.
We Lend a Hand: The Forgotten Story of the Ontario Farmerettes has captivated audiences across Ontario.
Screenings are being held in various towns and cities, with most shows selling out:
Upcoming showings include:
- August 20 - Bruce County Museum, Southampton
- September 8 - Harmony Within Barn near Nestleton
- September 15 - Chatham-Kent Film Group
- September 17 - Bayfield Town Hall
- October 16 - Palmerston Women's Institute
- October 21 - Owen Sound, Grey Roots Museum & Archive
- November 5 - Strathroy
- November 11 – Hot Docs Cinema, Toronto • November 12, Aurora
For more information or to organize a showing, visit the website: We Lend a Hand.
Watch the official trailor for the documentary below.