From Ontario to New Brunswick: Adrienne's Farming & Parenting Journey

This episode is brought to you by our partners, Blooming Health Farms and ChopLocal University

In this conversation, Adrienne Helder shares her journey as a dairy farmer in New Brunswick, discussing her experiences with crop scouting, the complexities of the dairy quota system, and the challenges of transitioning from Ontario to New Brunswick. She emphasizes the importance of family support in farming succession and the balance between work and family life. The discussion also touches on the differences in agricultural practices between provinces and the unique challenges posed by the Canadian climate. In this conversation, the speakers discuss various aspects of life in Canada, including geographical differences, community building, farming challenges, and personal experiences with parenthood and hobbies like crocheting. They share insights on the importance of connections in rural life, the realities of farm management, and the balance between family and work. The conversation also touches on the emotional journey of parenthood and the creative outlet of crocheting, highlighting the unique experiences of each speaker. In this engaging conversation, Adrienne Helder shares her experiences of crafting for the county fair, the involvement of her children in farm life, and the challenges of parenting in a rural setting. The discussion flows through various themes, including the joys and struggles of raising kids on a farm, the art of packing efficiently, and the realities of dealing with mud season. Adrienne emphasizes the importance of balancing expectations with the unique experiences that farm life offers, while also sharing humorous anecdotes about family dynamics and practical skills.

About ChopLocal and ChopLocal University

Meat buyers want convenience and variety, and meat farms need a better way to market their products. That's where ChopLocal comes in.

Founded by farmers, ChopLocal features high quality products from butcher shops and meat farms near you. They are dedicated to building a more resilient supply chain for meat that benefits everyone involved, and we're certain you'll be able to taste the difference!

Want to learn more about selling on ChopLocal as a producer? Visit their website below!

• https://www.choplocaluniversity.com/ (Education For Producers)
• https://choplocal.com/ (Sell or Buy on ChopLocal)

About Blooming Health Farms

We're glad you're joining us for another episode of Barnyard Language. If you enjoy the show, please tell a friend (or two) and be sure to rate and review us wherever you're listening! If you want to help us keep buying coffee and paying our editor, you can make a monthly pledge on Patreon to help us stay on the air.

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If you have a something you'd like to Cuss & Discuss, you can submit it here: speakpipe.com/barnyardlanguage or email us at barnyardlanguage@gmail.com.

Takeaways

• Adrienne and her husband run a dairy farm in New Brunswick.
• They milk about 50 cows, primarily Holsteins and Ayrshires.
• Adrienne has taken on crop scouting for European corn borer.
• She has two sons who are growing rapidly.
• The transition to New Brunswick involved significant changes in farming practices.
• Family support was crucial in their farming journey.
• Adrienne became the bookkeeper despite her background in English.
• The agricultural community in New Brunswick is more laid back than in Ontario.
• Building a network of support in a new community is challenging.
• Weather patterns in New Brunswick are unpredictable and varied. Canadian geography includes 10 provinces and 3 territories.
• Community connections are vital for newcomers in rural areas.
• Building a support network is crucial for families in farming.
• Future goals for farms often include infrastructure improvements.
• Balancing family life with farming responsibilities is challenging.
• Parenthood can be easier the second time around due to experience.
• Crocheting can be a fulfilling hobby and community service.
• Farm debt is a common concern among farmers.
• Understanding the scale of farm operations is different from non-farming perspectives.
• Creating personal connections can lead to lasting friendships. Crafting can lead to unexpected creative pursuits.
• Involving kids in chores can foster responsibility.
• It's important to balance expectations with children's interests.
• Parenting is about relationships over compliance.
• Packing efficiently is a valuable family skill.
• Mud season presents unique challenges for farm families.
• Kids may not appreciate farm life until they're older.
• Encouraging children's interests can lead to unexpected opportunities.
• Finding joy in everyday family tasks is essential.
• Parenting advice should be tailored to each child's needs.