Ontario AgCast

Some people bring baggage to a marriage, Sally Smith-Pelleboer brought a herd of beef cows.

Sally talks about dairy and beef farming in the heart of Oxford County. Her love of farming, family and cows is infectious- listen now!

Deb Stark is a trailblazer.

Deb has had a fascinating career, and continues to give back to Ontario agriculture by serving on several prominent boards, and mentoring the next generation of ag leaders.

Deb was deputy minister in the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. She held several senior positions in government including chief veterinarian for Ontario and assistant deputy minister of environment.

Sally Van Straaten balances a busy life; family, work and making a contribution to Ontario agriculture. Sally, along with her husband Mike and their four children, is an egg and grain farmer from Stratford, Ontario. Listen as Sally talks about her important role on her family’s farm, and her decision to speak up on behalf of agriculture and the evolving role and recognition of women in ag.

Did you know that some of the world’s best Holstein cows come from Canada’s smallest province? Bloyce Thompson, owner of Eastside Holsteins in Prince Edward Island has a long list of accomplishments that are proof of this. We talk about breeding a million dollar cow, becoming a Master Breeder and how he, as a rookie politician defeated the sitting Premiere of PEI to become the newest Minister of Agriculture. Also, if you have never heard of a “cow glamour shot”, you are in for a treat.

Patricia Chuey is a food and nutrition communications expert and renowned Canadian dietitian. Originally from Saskatchewan, Patricia now resides on Vancouver island with her family, where she is actively involved in sports nutrition and promoting homecooked meals and the 80 / 20 rule for healthy eating.

@patriciachuey

Stephanie Lee Stephenson has one of the most incredible stories you will ever hear.

Stephanie has worked in the film industry, equipment sales and most recently with her husband on their dairy farm. Her journey into agriculture is one you want to hear about.

Sidebar: Stephanie has met the Littlest Hobo

Gordon Stock, Senior Policy Advisor and Government Relations for the Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Growers’ Association

Gordon, not Gord, talks about life after dairy farming and his exciting role in horticulture.

This week on the Ontario AgCast, Steve McCabe talks to us about his new role as Executive Director of the Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada, fly fishing and politics. Steve, craft beer and jeep aficionado, lends an interesting perspective on Canada’s role in agricultural technology and manufacturing- listen now!

Ryan Orr and his family operate The Log Farm, a working farm right in the middle of Ottawa. With almost 1,000 visitors a day during maple syrup season, they have their hands full doing tours of their pioneer homestead, providing sweet samples and answering questions about farming in the 1880’s and today. We debate our favorite tasty treats and even come up with some new ones to keep an eye out for.

Twitter @TheLogFarm

Facebook/thelogfarm

www.Thelogfarm.com

Aaron Stevanus, Ontario Crop Farmer and Regional Manager for Pride Seeds, talks about his unique position in the middle of big ag, farmers markets and neighbouring urbanites.

And why he’s the Greatest of All Time.