Mass Retirement of Farm Operators – Ontario Farmland Trust is Part of the Solution

Apr 26, 2023

Many may have seen the news stories on the recent report regarding the mass retirement that is forthcoming in agriculture over the next 10 years. The article highlights the impending retirement of over 40% of Canadian farm operators by 2033. This presents a significant challenge for the agriculture industry, as the knowledge and expertise of these experienced farmers will be lost, and there may not be enough new farmers to fill the gap. Therefore, it is important to attract and train new farmers to ensure the sustainability and growth of the industry.

Without farmers we do not have farmland. OFT works to protect farmland in Ontario and believes that this is a critical issue our governments need to address in order to protect our food producing landscapes and ensure a future local food system. OFT might soon find itself in a unique position to support the education and training of the next generation of farmers. One of the ways it can do this is by accepting donations of farmland, which can help remove the cost of land as a financial barrier for new farmers. By setting up multiple sites across the province, OFT can help make farmland more accessible to new farmers and keep their start-up costs low. This work can take a significant amount of time and money to accomplish, but the benefits to future generations of both people and wildlife are immense. It will also require support from partners and community members.

Partnerships will help deliver educational content to new farmers. This can include workshops, mentorship programs, and other training opportunities. Education is one of OFT’s registered objectives, which means that it is committed to supporting the development of new farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture practices.

Overall, the retirement of a large number of Canadian farmers presents a significant challenge for the agriculture industry. An investment in OFT can help ensure that the agriculture industry in Ontario remains vibrant and sustainable for years to come. If you think this is something you can see fitting within OFT, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Source : Ontario Farmland Trust

Video: California Farm Bureau 2025 Farm Dog of the Year Contest Winner - Willy - CAFB 107th Annual Meeting

Meet Willy: California Farm Bureau’s 2025 Farm Dog of the Year!

We’re excited to introduce Willy, a miniature long-haired dachshund with a big heart and even bigger courage, and the Grand Prize winner of this year’s Farm Dog of the Year Contest!

Willy may be small, but he’s become an indispensable partner on owner Marshal Hagedorn’s forestry and cattle operations in Shasta, Tehama, and Siskiyou counties. Adopted in 2023, he quickly found his place on the ranch, helping manage critters, tagging along for long days in the woods, and offering unwavering companionship during demanding logging work.

Willy has even taken naturally to moving cattle, surprising calves (and more than a few full-grown cows!) with his burst of energy from the tall grass. As Marshal put it: “He goes with me everywhere every single day.”

Congratulations to Willy and his family, a perfect example of how every good farm dog, no matter the size, helps keep California agriculture running strong.