Farming has always been a family affair for Jeff Harrison, whose parents’ hard work and sacrifice laid the foundation for his own successful farming career.
“My mom and dad both farmed beside me,” he recalls, emphasizing the critical role they played in helping him get started. His parents, who began farming in the 1960s, were themselves continuing a multi-generational legacy of farming dating back to his grandfather.
While Harrison reflects fondly on the family farm’s history, he also speaks of the challenges he now faces as Chair of the Grain Farmers of Ontario. “Advocacy is critical,” he says, noting that issues like the carbon tax and municipal farming policies like wastewater fees threaten the viability of farms across the province. These obstacles have led to increased stress in the farming community, contributing to mental health challenges among farmers.
Despite these challenges, his love for farming remains strong-a passion instilled by his parents and nurtured by his own experiences in the field. With the soybean harvest underway and winter wheat soon to be planted, he continues to balance the demands of his farm with his role as an advocate for Ontario’s grain producers, striving to secure a better future for the next generation of farmers.
To hear more from Jeff, listen to the interview below.
Seeds of Success Fueled by Kubota.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
