YOUNG FARMERS
an essay or video addressing the subject of public trust, would
be awarded a trip to the November 2017 Grow Canada conference
in Calgary.
“It’s a pretty big conference, which I didn’t realize at the
time,” Jake said.
He was successful, and he and his fellow contest winner
Lauren Benoit were seated at the front of the conference
room of about 600 people. After listening to a number of guest
speakers give presentations on a variety of topics, they were
asked to give their perspective.
One of the things Jake discussed was China’s expanding
middle class presenting a new food market opportunity. He
told the crowd he saw that as a great opportunity for young
producers like himself.
That experience led Jake to an opportunity to work for
Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler as an executive assistant.
“It was a great experience,” he said. “I was very fortunate
to work alongside some great people.”
However, Jake realized he missed being home on the family
farm – a 1,900-acre enterprise south of Brandon that rotates
wheat, barley, corn, oats, soybeans, and peas.
“I missed being directly involved with agriculture,” said
Jake. “I will forever be grateful for my time that I spent there (at
the Legislature), but there is something to be said for working
in nature and being connected to the land.”
Jake now rents a quarter section of farmland about 2.5
kilometres away from the family farm. Last year, he grew
seed wheat and this year plans to grow canola, in addition
to helping his dad run the farm. He also works for Southern
Seed – his family’s farm retail business that sells seed, fertilizers,
and inoculants.
But Jake’s passions for policy and public trust issues
haven’t waned, and KAP provides him an avenue
to pursue those interests. He serves as KAP’s District 1 secretary,
in addition to being a Manitoba Young Farmers’
Committee member. The latter role took Jake to Ottawa for
the Canadian Federation of Agriculture’s annual meeting this
past February.
“I cannot thank KAP enough for all the work they do for
us,” said Jake. “President Bill Campbell is my neighbour. In
fact, I can see his farm out my window. I grew up knowing
Bill and respect him so much, the work he does and the hours
he puts in, same as the previous president Dan Mazier. The
work they put in and the commitment they have to farming in
Manitoba is something I treasure.”
Jake believes the biggest challenges moving forward will
be fostering public trust and educating consumers.
“There’s a disconnect between those not involved in
agriculture and those who are,” he said. “Some of those
skewed opinions are starting to make their way into public
policy and laws. So I feel it’s important that we, as producers,
share our stories, get involved, and ensure that we
speak up and help educate the people that are consuming
and buying our food.” FV
14 § Manitoba Farmers’ Voice § Spring 2019