By Co-Publishers Kaitlyn Clark & Jillian Zynomirski
The Haldimand Press
With masks no longer mandated as of this week, and most other COVID-19 restrictions having been reduced or removed previously, this 2022 Farms: Spring Edition is coming out at a very hopeful time.
When this section came out a year ago most people were amazed at how prevelant the virus still was in our lives, having expected it to peter out back in 2020. Another year later, it’s still on everyone’s minds – but we are finally seeing the last throes.
While the effects of the pandemic have not been erased, with continued supply chain concerns and rising prices for goods of all kinds, all signs point to the end of this far-too-long pandemic season.
Throughout all of the restrictions and uncertainties of the last couple years, however, farmers have continuously proven just how resilient they can be – both as residents and as business owners.
We are proud of our local farmers and everything they have achieved. They continue to learn, adapt, expand, and thrive within an ever-changing and ever-uncertain world.
This comes as no surprise of course, because farmers must always be prepared for the unexpected. Farmers have always had to worry about the potential for various diseases to ravage their crops or livestock. And then there’s Mother Nature, as fickle as she is, wreaking havoc with floods, droughts, cold snaps, heat waves, and everything in between. These are problems as old as time for farmers.
There is no guaranteed cure, only the ability to plan as best you can and take what comes in stride.
Recently we’ve seen temperatures soar to around 20 degrees Celsius, another wonderful sign of good things to come. Budding trees and blooming flowers should soon be a regular sight to see, bringing new colour to the lands. While Christmastime might bring images of sugar-plums to the dreams of children, spring brings images of warm sunlight, cold ice cream, and leisurely days by the pool or on the beach for the average Joe.
For farmers, however, these warming temperatures bring images of hard work, long days, and – hopefully – a strong yield. So as you get back outdoors to enjoy what Haldimand has to offer, remember to think of our local farmers and all they do to serve and better our local communities.
Inside this section you’ll find additional information about the struggles and celebrations of our local farmers – from the rising costs of farm inputs, to the ongoing education available to assist them on the farm, to the success of the Farm 911 Emily Project.
The simple fact is, we’d be hard pressed to eat well without our farmers and agricultural workers. So – as the saying goes – if you ate today, thank a farmer. Their tireless efforts are the first step to ensuring that we can enjoy delicious and healthy foods all year round.
From everyone at The Haldimand Press, thank you to every farmer and agricultural worker reading this for your hard work and dedication.
Additionally, thank you to the people who contributed to this keepsake edition and the advertisers who make these special features possible.
We always welcome feedback and ideas from our readers. If you have a suggestion for a future article or would like to submit a letter to the editor on the contents within, please send us your submission with your name and town of residence to publishers@haldimandpress.com.
