ERICA THEW

the trade. She always knew that farming was something she wanted to do, but her lead role in Sage Farms Ltd. began much sooner than anticipated. Only 18, Thew lost her father in a snowmobiling accident and immediately assumed the role of Farm Manager. Forced to learn things fast, Thew has forged forwards with a mindset toward further education and best practices.

Blending the knowledge of her family mentors, seminars, agronomy courses and agricultural meetings, Thew has become a well-respected farmer who values each member of her team. She noted, “Everyone in our farming family had to figure out what role they wanted to play when my dad passed. I’m proud to say we’ve retained a lot of the same employees over the years. They stepped up to the plate as much as I did.”

An average week for Thew, like most farmers and ranchers, varies, depending on the season. Things are a little more relaxed in the winter months. After feeding cows with her son in the morning, Thew spends time in the office catching up on bookkeeping, checking commodity markets, marketing grain, planning the upcoming growing season and delegating daily tasks for her hired hands. Once the farming season starts, things get busy! Thew’s winter task list is overshadowed by running machinery full-time. From seeddrills to sprayers and combines, Thew, her sister, and their hired men run the show. Thew grew-up surrounded by agriculture. The community it provides and the values it upholds mean the world to her. Thew notes, “My number one attraction to agriculture would be family pride, values, and our family legacy.”

In speaking to Canadian agricultural specifically, Thew mirrors the above sentiments and adds that the shared values and high standards Canadian farmers / ranchers hold themselves to are valued nationwide. “At events I’ve attended over the years when networking, it’s apparent how much pride farmers / ranchers take in their job. It’s unique to the industry.”

1. Where do you see Canadian farmers / ranchers in the global, agricultural market? What makes Canada stand apart from other countries?

“I see us as one of the world leaders in the global, agricultural market. Canada is a huge exporter globally. Our products speak for themselves. The quality of our agricultural products has always been nothing but that of the highest standard and they consistently remain that way in the marketplace. We are known globally for our wheat, canola, and livestock. We have a lot of other niche products such as malt barley, peas, canola, and AAA beef, to name a few, that other parts of the world can’t produce. Our products fill the needs of countries all over the world. Canada’s vast landscape and abundance of water, allows us to have a wide variety of products to offer in the marketplace.”

2. What do you feel is the biggest misconception regarding agriculture?

“The biggest misconception about agriculture stems from the negative press that the agricultural industry has been getting. Most of it has zero merit. Just to name a few – negative environmental impacts from carbon emissions and the size of our carbon footprint in the agricultural industry, effects of glyphosate on our food, the idea that all GMO’s are bad, and the notion that organic practices should be used over conventional practices, while still sustaining the world’s food supply.”

3. How might our agricultural sector improve to promote growth and maintain strength in our total number of farmers / ranchers?

“I think that traceability will upkeep our numbers. Consumers are currently very interested in knowing where their food comes from. If we can make a connection with consumers and have less ‘middlemen’ involved in the food process, I believe the family farm / ranch can remain viable and profitable. The consumers must also realize that these familyowned operations take a lot of pride in producing sustainable, high-quality products. The closer we move to corporate farming, the less of that there will be.”

4. How can we bridge the gap between our urban and rural populations?

“There’s such a large disconnect between the consumer and the producer and I think that is primarily between the rural and urban populations. I think educating our youth is the best place to start. ‘Knowledge is power.’ If we can teach our children where their food comes from, that’s the place to start. I know of some programs currently where they bring kids from urban areas to the farm for a tour. This is a super positive step in the right direction. There needs to be more of that. We need to find a way to reach the adult populations as well. It’s as simple as knowing how to respond to a family member or friend in a conversation about food. When you have differing opinions, we need to respond less emotionally, put ourselves in their shoes / mindset, and have the correct tools to respond rationally while bringing a new way of looking at things, rather than just saying you’re wrong.”

5. Where do you see Canadian agriculture in the next ten years?

“I see us continuing to be a leader in the agricultural industry. Canada will be a top exporter, leading in research and development, sustainably producing our products. However, in all honesty, if we can’t get a federal government that’s behind farmers / ranchers, it will be hard. It’s looking like we will have a lot of obstacles to overcome in the future. If we as a community can come together and stand up for ourselves and our livelihood and get our message to the rest of our nation, I have no doubt Canadian agriculture will remain strong. Our products have spoken for themselves over the years, and they will continue to do so. Ten years from now, the technology we are currently exploring will likely be proven and implemented on Canadian farms. Canada has always stayed current with technology, and we will continue to do so. Canadian agriculture is proud, strong, and resilient. It will remain that way.”