Across North America, small farmers and homesteaders are being regulated out of existence — one bylaw at a time.
In this episode, Nicole breaks down the shocking new Grand Manan bylaw proposal in New Brunswick that could limit how many chickens, goats, or livestock you can own — and even force you to register your animals with the local government.
What’s being sold as “sustainability” and “planning” looks a lot more like control. And it’s not just happening on Grand Manan — it’s happening across Canada and the United States.
Nicole dives deep into the bigger picture:
Why small farms are disappearing faster than ever
How new “green” policies and zoning rules hurt rural independence
What these changes mean for food security and community resilience
And why the fight for local food freedom starts right now
This isn’t about nostalgia — it’s about survival.
📢 If you believe people should have the right to grow food, raise animals, and live freely on their land — this episode is for you.
⏱️ Timecode Chapters
00:00 – Introduction
01:00 – The Illusion of “Order” and “Sustainability”
01:25 – The Hidden Agenda: Control of Rural Life
02:10 – The Disappearing Small Farm Crisis
03:40 – The Canadian Farming Collapse
04:54 – Grand Manan: A Case Study in Overreach
06:00 – Chicken Regulations and Registration Madness
08:26 – Livestock Laws: Five Acres or Nothing
09:45 – Hobby Farms Under Attack
11:00 – The True Cost of Compliance
12:33 – Bureaucracy by Design: How the Little Guy Loses
13:27 – Greenwashing and “Climate Smart” Agriculture
14:33 – The Corporate Capture of Farming
15:40 – What We Lose: Food Security, Freedom, and Tradition
16:34 – The Battle for Grand Manan
17:17 – “You Will Own Nothing…”: The Bigger Picture
18:03 – A Call to Resist and Reclaim Rural Rights
18:49 – Final Words: Survival, Not Nostalgia
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After three decades in Canadian law enforcement — from the RCMP to Chief of Police in Woodstock — Mitch MacMillan has seen the highs and lows of policing firsthand. In this candid interview, Mitch opens up about what’s really going on inside modern policing, public distrust, leadership failures, moral challenges, and life after the badge. He also shares touching stories of compassion, community, and redemption — and how farming blueberries with his son became his next chapter.
Whether you’re curious about policing in Canada, the human side of law enforcement, or the moral toll of serving in uniform, this conversation offers raw insight from a man who’s lived it.
00:00 – Introduction
Ben introduces retired Staff Sergeant Mitch MacMillan, outlining his 30-year career with the RCMP and as Chief of Police in Woodstock.
06:00 – Why Policing Isn’t What You Think
Mitch explains how most officers join to help others, not to control — and how public perception and social media have distorted that truth.
12:00 – Wearing Many Hats: What Officers Really Do
From priest to counselor to law enforcer — Mitch breaks down how modern officers juggle impossible expectations.
35:00 – Do Police Have Ticket Quotas?
He sets the record straight on quotas, prevention policing, and community engagement — including giving gift cards instead of tickets.
44:00 – The Decline of Public Trust
Mitch recalls how growing up meant “find a policeman if you’re lost,” versus today’s “don’t trust them” mentality — and what needs to change.
46:00 – Stories That Stay With You
Emotional stories of kindness, including a phone call from a troubled teen decades later, and how simple compassion can restore faith in the badge.
50:00 – A Christmas Story from the Force
Mitch shares a moving story about officers secretly buying gifts for children after responding to a broken home call on Christmas Eve.
52:00 – Corruption and the Constitution
A candid discussion on whether corruption exists in Canadian policing — and the importance of understanding the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
59:00 – Faith, Morality, and the Burden of the Job
Mitch reflects on the moral and spiritual weight of carrying a gun, and reconciling faith with the possibility of taking a life.
1:00:00 – Retirement and Reflection
How stress and family sacrifice led to Mitch’s decision to retire — and what life after the RCMP looks like.
1:10:00 – The Blueberry Farm and Family Legacy
Mitch talks about running a blueberry farm with his son, and how their grandkids now help run the business.
1:16:00 – Writing the “Rusty” Children’s Stories
The heartwarming story behind Mitch’s children’s books inspired by a mischievous pony named Rusty, now illustrated by his daughter and grandchildren.
1:23:00 – Finding Peace After the Badge
Closing thoughts on legacy, service, and rediscovering purpose through family, storytelling, and community.
🕒 Chapters
Tech entrepreneur Ryan Groom shares his journey from early tech experiments in the 1980s to building cybersecurity companies, ethical hacking adventures, and launching new ventures like Kognitiv Spark (AI-enhanced remote support) and Rivur (live streaming and privacy chat app). He reflects on his grandfather's WWII legacy, the dark side of the internet from his work on child exploitation tools, the evolution of AI and its societal impacts, outdoor adventures in New Brunswick, and the balance between technology, humanity, and business. Ryan also discusses cybersecurity risks, social media's divisive effects, and the importance of real-world connections over digital ones. This conversation blends personal stories, tech insights, and philosophical musings on modern life.
[01:00:00:00 - 01:05:36:00] Introduction and Catching Up: Ryan discusses his current projects, including AI integration at Cognitive Spark, the Legacy of Courage documentary about his grandfather's WWII experiences, and starting River with his family to teach his kids about business.
[01:05:36:00 - 01:10:02:04] Early Tech Career: Ryan recounts his start with computers in grade school with a Timex Sinclair, hacking school networks in the 1980s, and early jobs setting up systems for his dad's business and working as a school board tech.
[01:10:02:04 - 01:18:35:16] Cybersecurity Beginnings: Stories from Cyber Secure, becoming Microsoft's first gold partner in security in Canada, speaking at conferences, and collaborating on child exploitation tracking tools with law enforcement, including Bill Gates' involvement.
[01:18:35:16 - 01:25:43:16] Ethical Hacking Adventures: Ryan shares penetration testing tales, including hacking industrial systems, physical infiltrations like sneaking into a chief security officer’s office, and discovering vulnerabilities in companies and governments.
[01:25:43:16 - 01:37:47:14] AI and Technology's Future: Discussions on AI's potential dangers vs. benefits, its impact on humanity, creativity, and society, drawing parallels to splitting the atom and concerns about losing human essence.
[01:37:47:14 - 02:33:33:01] Social Media and Human Connection: Reflections on losing humanity through tech addiction, the importance of face-to-face interactions, social media's divisiveness, and comparisons to 1970s issues seen in All in the Family.
[02:33:33:01 - 02:36:47:04] Outdoor Adventures and New Brunswick: Tales from ATV trips, exploring Grand Manan Island, and advocating for balanced resource management to preserve New Brunswick’s natural beauty for tourism.
[02:36:47:04 - 02:45:31:22] River Ventures: Details on River's live streaming for university sports, rebuilding the platform with his son, and the upcoming River Chat app for disposable phone numbers and encrypted messaging.
[02:45:31:22 - 03:00:09:17] Privacy, Security, and Modern Life: Concerns about encryption, government access, digital diets, and how technology affects brain chemistry, including the benefits of green spaces and risks of "zoochosis" in urban routines.
[03:00:09:17 - 03:16:07:21] Wrapping Up: Final thoughts on politics, media echo chambers, timeless human conflicts, and a call for more real-world adventures with plans to continue ATVing and content creation.
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In this eye-opening episode of the Homegrown Show, host Sloane Rees sits down with the Executive Director of Sanctuary House, a 24/7 transition house in New Brunswick dedicated to providing safety and support for women and children fleeing domestic abuse. Drawing from her experience in crisis intervention and mental health, the director sheds light on the alarming epidemic of intimate partner violence in the province—where rates are 25% higher than the national average, and rural women face a 75% increased risk compared to urban areas.
The conversation dives deep into the misconceptions surrounding abuse, emphasizing that it's rooted in power and control rather than just alcohol or rage. Beyond physical violence, they explore financial, psychological, spiritual, and emotional abuse, and how these create cycles of trauma that rewire the brain and trap victims in toxic bonds similar to addiction. Intergenerational trauma, the impact of COVID-induced isolation, and systemic failures in the justice and mental health systems are unpacked, revealing why leaving is often the most dangerous step—and why 30 days in a shelter is rarely enough.
Touching on rural challenges like transportation barriers and the overlap with homelessness, addictions, and sex trafficking, the episode highlights Sanctuary House's wraparound services, including counseling, peer navigation, and emergency interventions. They discuss the dire need for community involvement, evidence-based therapy, and stable funding to break these cycles. A call to action urges listeners—especially men—to donate, volunteer skills, or raise awareness to combat this hidden crisis affecting families across Carleton County and beyond. This raw discussion underscores that abuse isn't just a "private matter"—it's a public health emergency demanding collective change.
00:00 - Introduction to Domestic Violence Myths
01:00 - Sanctuary House’s Mission and Services
04:28 - The Epidemic of Intimate Partner Violence
07:05 - Types of Abuse Beyond Physical
17:43 - Intergenerational Trauma Explained
24:28 - Impact on Children and Complex Behaviors
45:26 - Failures in the Justice System
51:24 - Funding Challenges for Sanctuary House
55:05 - How the Community Can Help
Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Annette Landman, a holistic health practitioner with over 16 certifications, including PhDs in natural and integrative medicine. In this episode of the Homegrown Show, Annette shares her transformative journey from battling chronic Lyme disease to becoming a leading voice in natural healing.
🌿 What You'll Learn:
How Annette overcame debilitating migraines and Lyme disease using quantum biofeedback and holistic methods
The limitations of conventional medicine and why it often fails to address root causes
The impact of lifestyle, diet, and environmental toxins on health
Why seed oils, processed foods, and chemical products harm your body
The importance of whole foods, local farming, and reconnecting with your body
Insights into quantum biofeedback and the role of vibrations in healing
Annette also critiques the modern medical system, discusses the dangers of over-reliance on pharmaceuticals, and advocates for mindful living to prevent toxic overload.
From her clinic in Florenceville, New Brunswick, Canada, she helps clients with complex conditions like chronic Lyme and long COVID, offering hope through natural remedies and personalized care.
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In this interview, we dive into the heart of the Valley Food Bank’s mission to combat hunger in a small Canadian community in 2025. Monica, a dedicated food bank leader, shares the stark realities of serving a growing need and relying on community donations, and stretching a single $50,000 government grant to feed families, seniors, and the homeless. From navigating rising costs and winter shortages to preparing 400 Christmas boxes, learn how this food bank balances emergency aid with dignity. Discover the challenges of volunteer shortages, societal stigma, and the need for basic life skills education, plus inspiring stories of local farmers and churches stepping up. Join us to see how a community fights food insecurity and how you can help. Subscribe! - https://bit.ly/SubscribeToHomegrownWatch Homegrown Season 1 Now! https://www.homegrownshow.ca/comingsoonJoin Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/homegrownshow↓↓ See more ↓↓https://instagram.com/homegrownshowhttps://www.tiktok.com/@homegrownshowhttps://www.facebook.com/cummingsbenjhttps://www.patreon.com/homegrownshowSupport Us At: http://homegrownshow.ca/
An engaging conversation with Kevin Briggs, a third-generation dairy farmer from New Brunswick, Canada, as he shares his insights on dairy farming, raw milk advocacy, and the challenges of the industry. In this candid interview, Kevin discusses his lifelong experience with raw milk, its benefits, and the misconceptions surrounding it, emphasizing the importance of knowing your farmer for safe consumption. He dives into the science of somatic cell counts and A2A2 milk, revealing how feed quality and butterfat impact digestibility and industry trends. With humor and heartfelt anecdotes, Kevin paints a vivid picture of the grit required to run a small-scale dairy farm while navigating Canada’s quota system, rising costs, and the loss of local processing plants.This interview uncovers the realities of dairy farming as a lifestyle, not just a job, with Kevin reflecting on the sacrifices, like missing family events, and the rewards of producing quality food. He critiques the quota system’s pros (stable income) and cons (limiting direct sales), and shares why his kids chose other paths due to low profits and high demands. From the impact of chlorinated water on raw milk tolerance to the economic pressures of rising input costs, this discussion highlights the need for localized food systems and policy reform to support small farms. Perfect for anyone curious about where their food comes from, this video offers a raw, authentic look at dairy farming through the eyes of a seasoned farmer. Don’t miss Kevin’s stories and wisdom—subscribe and share to support local agriculture!Leave a Like and Subscribe if you enjoyed! Subscribe! - https://bit.ly/SubscribeToHomegrownWatch Homegrown Season 1 Now! https://www.homegrownshow.ca/comingsoonJoin Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/homegrownshow↓↓ See more ↓↓https://instagram.com/homegrownshowhttps://www.tiktok.com/@homegrownshowhttps://www.facebook.com/cummingsbenjhttps://www.patreon.com/homegrownshow
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In my interview with Owen, we explored Bitcoin and cryptocurrency, driven by my long-standing curiosity and regret for not investing earlier when Bitcoin was pennies—now over $100,000. Owen explained crypto as digital assets traded peer-to-peer on blockchains, secured by cryptography, with Bitcoin standing out due to its first-mover advantage, fixed 21-million-coin supply, and decentralized, open-source nature that prevents backdoors or control. He contrasted Bitcoin’s “hard money” traits—scarcity, durability, and permissionless transactions—with fiat’s inflationary “soft money,” advocating for its potential as a global currency or fiat backing, akin to the internet’s early days with untapped future layers.We discussed Bitcoin’s volatility, driven by four-year halving cycles and global free-market trading, yet stabilizing with adoption. Its security lies in seed phrases enabling access anywhere, empowering self-sovereignty but requiring responsibility, unlike fiat’s third-party reliance. Owen dismissed most altcoins for their centralization, recommended “The Bitcoin Standard” for education, and shared a veteran advisor’s view: a 5% portfolio allocation to Bitcoin (bought at $26,000 in 2023) is a prudent long-term bet, with potential 10X growth to $1 million, fueled by regulatory acceptance and institutional interest, though its volatility demands caution and only investing what one can lose.Leave a Like and Subscribe if you enjoyed! Subscribe! - https://bit.ly/SubscribeToHomegrownWatch Homegrown Season 1 Now! https://www.homegrownshow.ca/comingsoonJoin Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/homegrownshow↓↓ See more ↓↓https://instagram.com/homegrownshowhttps://www.tiktok.com/@homegrownshowhttps://www.facebook.com/cummingsbenjhttps://www.patreon.com/homegrownshowSupport Us At: http://homegrownshow.ca/
Leave a Like and Subscribe if you enjoyed! Subscribe! - https://bit.ly/SubscribeToHomegrownIn this powerful interview, we sit down with JM Fortier, pioneering farmer, author, and founder of The Market Gardener Institute, to uncover the truth about our food system.We dive deep into how "Big Agriculture" has co-opted the organic label, diluting its meaning and misleading consumers in pursuit of profit. JM explains why hydroponically grown produce in warehouses can legally be called "organic," and why this severs the vital connection between healthy soil and healthy food.But it's not all bad news. JM provides a hopeful roadmap for how we can take back control of our food supply by supporting human-scale, local agriculture that prioritizes nutrition, community, and ecology over corporate profits.KEY TOPICS WE DISCUSS:0:00 - Our Personal Journeys to Real Food2:45 - How JM Went from Vegetarian to Sustainable Farmer7:15 - The Shocking Moment Big Ag Hijacked "Organic"12:30 - The 90% Nutrition Difference: Local vs. Store-Bought18:10 - The "Free-Range" Lie and Marketing Opacity25:45 - Why He's Skeptical of Large-Scale "Regenerative" Ag32:15 - Can Small Farms Really Feed Cities?38:00 - The Vegan Debate & Animals in a Ecological System45:20 - Biggest Setbacks & Advice for New Farmers55:10 - Is Food a Human Right? A Deep Conversation1:02:30 - The Community "Bell" Story That Says It AllABOUT JM FORTIER:JM Fortier is a world-renowned organic farmer, author, and educator. Through his bestselling book, "The Market Gardener," and his online institute, he has inspired and trained tens of thousands of people to start successful, profitable small-scale farms using regenerative practices. His work proves that you can grow incredible food and make a living on just a few acres, without relying on heavy machinery or harmful chemicals.Watch Homegrown Season 2 Now! https://www.homegrownshow.ca/comingsoonJoin Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/homegrownshow↓↓ See more ↓↓https://instagram.com/homegrownshowhttps://www.tiktok.com/@homegrownshowhttps://www.facebook.com/cummingsbenjhttps://www.patreon.com/homegrownshowSupport Us At: http://homegrownshow.ca/
In the interview, Margaret Johnson, MLA for Carleton Victoria and former New Brunswick Minister of Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Fisheries, discusses her passion for supporting agriculture despite not being a farming expert. A lifelong resident of Carlton County, she emphasizes the challenges farmers face, including regulatory hurdles, biosecurity requirements, and federal-provincial jurisdictional conflicts, which complicate food production. She highlights the struggle to achieve food security in New Brunswick, noting that the province is only 7-9% self-sufficient in fruits and vegetables, with a heavy reliance on potatoes, blueberries, and apples. Johnson advocates for increasing local food production through controlled environment agriculture and cooperatives to ensure consistent supply, but acknowledges barriers like high costs for land, inputs, and heating.She addresses the aging farmer demographic (average age 56) and the difficulty young farmers face entering the industry due to land costs and lack of succession. Johnson suggests cooperative models, such as grazing agreements, and reforms to programs like FLIP to make farmland more accessible. She expresses frustration with grocery chains prioritizing imports over local produce and supports a grocery code of conduct to ensure fair pricing. On food security, she notes a 25% increase in food bank usage, particularly among seniors, and criticizes funding cuts to organizations like Greener Village, which teach food preservation and cooking skills to reduce waste (58% of food is wasted nationally). Johnson emphasizes empowering communities through education, community gardens, and rebuilding neighborhood trust to foster self-sufficiency. She also touches on regulatory barriers for small-scale producers, like raw milk sales, and the need for legislative changes to support local markets while maintaining safety standards. Throughout, she stresses collaboration, non-partisanship, and practical solutions to enhance New Brunswick’s agricultural and food security landscape.
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In this interview, Canadian MP Richard Bragdon—Conservative member for Tobique-Mactaquac and Shadow Minister for Rural Development—shares his journey into politics, his passion for empowering rural communities, and his vision for Canada’s future. A vocal advocate for small farmers, Bragdon discusses the need to reduce regulatory burdens, lower taxes, and unleash the economic potential of rural Canada in agriculture, natural resources, and energy. He critiques ineffective policies like carbon taxes and calls for common-sense governance that supports hardworking Canadians. Grounded in his faith and rural upbringing, Bragdon emphasizes limited government, individual freedom, and bipartisan collaboration, ensuring the voices of his constituents are heard in Ottawa. Whether addressing food security, interprovincial trade barriers, or the importance of local farming, his message is clear: Canada’s prosperity lies in empowering its people, not overregulating them.Leave a Like and Subscribe if you enjoyed! Subscribe! - https://bit.ly/SubscribeToHomegrownWatch Homegrown Season 1 Now! https://www.homegrownshow.ca/comingsoonJoin Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/homegrownshow↓↓ See more ↓↓https://instagram.com/homegrownshowhttps://www.tiktok.com/@homegrownshowhttps://www.facebook.com/cummingsbenjhttps://www.patreon.com/homegrownshowSupport Us At: http://homegrownshow.ca/
In my conversation with Matt Wilson—dog trainer, hunter, and small business owner—we covered everything from training techniques to the challenges of modern life. Matt spoke candidly about running a dog training business during tough economic times, the emotional weight of working with troubled animals, and the importance of structure and discipline when communicating with dogs. Our talk shifted into hunting, where Matt emphasized ethical practices, a connection to the land, and sourcing meat sustainably. We also tackled Canadian gun laws, expressing our shared frustration with policies that penalize responsible owners while ignoring root causes like mental health.The interview dug into broader themes like self-sufficiency, the decline of local economies, and the erosion of traditional skills. We reflected on the importance of raising resilient kids, staying connected to nature, and building real community in a world that increasingly pushes isolation and convenience. Matt shared how routine, gratitude, and hard work have helped him navigate modern pressures. We ended on a high note—with a tour of the farm and a gift of homemade bacon—grounding our shared values in the simple joys of a hands-on life.Leave a Like and Subscribe if you enjoyed! Subscribe! - https://bit.ly/SubscribeToHomegrownWatch Homegrown Season 1 Now! https://www.homegrownshow.ca/comingsoonJoin Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/homegrownshow↓↓ See more ↓↓https://instagram.com/homegrownshowhttps://www.tiktok.com/@homegrownshowhttps://www.facebook.com/cummingsbenjhttps://www.patreon.com/homegrownshowSupport Us At: http://homegrownshow.ca/
This week I sat down with Megan, my massage therapist and a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the human body, energy, and healing. We went way beyond the typical “back rub” conversation and got into the real stuff—how massage therapy is actual therapeutic work, what our muscles are holding onto (physically and emotionally), and why stress shows up in the body whether we realize it or not.We talked about everything from posture and chronic pain to that weird but real moment when a massage triggers a memory you didn’t even know was buried. Megan also explained Reiki in a way that made it make sense—how energy, spirituality, and healing all overlap, even if we don’t always have the language to describe it. Plus, she just finished a course in lymphatic drainage (which I had so many questions about), and it blew my mind how something so gentle can do so much.If you've ever been curious about what your body might be trying to tell you—or you’ve brushed off massage therapy as just a feel-good luxury—this convo might change your mind. Or at the very least, it’ll get you thinking a little differently about tension, touch, and the deeper work of healing.Leave a Like and Subscribe if you enjoyed! Subscribe! - https://bit.ly/SubscribeToHomegrownWatch Homegrown Season 1 Now! https://www.homegrownshow.ca/comingsoonJoin Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/homegrownshow↓↓ See more ↓↓https://instagram.com/homegrownshowhttps://www.tiktok.com/@homegrownshowhttps://www.facebook.com/cummingsbenjhttps://www.patreon.com/homegrownshowSupport Us At: http://homegrownshow.ca/
In my interview with Will, we dove into his passion for growing rare and unusual crops—plants you won’t find in a typical grocery store. Will emphasized that there's more to life than the familiar and convenient, tying his philosophy to the idea that change is the only constant. For him, cultivating unique varieties like the “Flaco Bianco” isn’t just about food—it’s about embracing transformation, discovery, and sharing something deeper with the land and others.Will told stories that were as unconventional and wild as the plants he grows, including his legendary encounter with the so-called “angry goose.” This wasn’t just a one-off incident—it became a symbol of the chaos, humor, and occasional danger that comes with living close to nature. His recounting was animated and personal, blending exaggerated humor with a kind of rural wisdom. At one point, we both laughed about how a goose essentially staged a full-blown territorial standoff with him, chasing him across the yard and refusing to back down. Will’s storytelling made it clear that the goose wasn’t just an antagonist—it was a reminder that animals, like people, have their own personalities and boundaries.Throughout the conversation, Will’s tone shifted fluidly between philosophical, comedic, and heartfelt. He shared candid moments of frustration and joy, especially about how his environment—both plants and animals—pushes him to adapt. He sees the land not as something to control, but as something to be in relationship with. Whether he was talking about fruit cultivars or furious waterfowl, everything came back to a core belief: life is unpredictable, but it’s richer when you embrace what you can’t fully understand or tame.Leave a Like and Subscribe if you enjoyed! Subscribe! - https://bit.ly/SubscribeToHomegrownWatch Homegrown Season 1 Now! https://www.homegrownshow.ca/comingsoonJoin Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/homegrownshow↓↓ See more ↓↓https://instagram.com/homegrownshowhttps://www.tiktok.com/@homegrownshowhttps://www.facebook.com/cummingsbenjhttps://www.patreon.com/homegrownshowSupport Us At: http://homegrownshow.ca/
In my interview with Sara, she shared her inspiring journey from a burnout in veterinary medicine to starting a farm from scratch with no prior experience. Like many first-generation farmers, she and her partner Stephen were driven by a sense of urgency during the COVID pandemic, when empty grocery store shelves made them question the reliability of the food system. They began with just a little gardening experience and a desire for self-reliance, but within a few months, they had purchased a farm in New Brunswick and jumped in headfirst.Sara described how their approach was shaped by necessity and resourcefulness. Stephen eventually returned to full-time work to financially support the farm, while Sara took on most of the farming herself, with help from community members and family. Despite a steep learning curve and minimal initial investment—like a \$500 four-wheeler with no brakes—they’ve expanded their operation to include high tunnels, cold storage, and infrastructure improvements that help extend their growing season and improve crop quality. Sara emphasized the importance of adapting their investments based on practical needs—like the decision to invest in a walking cooler after losing too much produce without one.We also spoke about the broader issue of succession in farming. Sara noted that around 40% of Canadian farmers are expected to retire in the next nine years, and without younger generations stepping up, that could leave a massive gap in the food system. She acknowledged the high rates of burnout and mental health challenges in agriculture and stressed the importance of building a farm that’s physically and emotionally sustainable. Her own experience—dealing with exhaustion, storms, and the demands of being a one-woman show—highlighted how crucial it is to learn to work with your body, invest in efficiency, and pace yourself for the long haul.Through all of it, Sara remains passionate and hopeful. Her story reflects not only resilience and grit but a deepening understanding that farming is more than a profession—it’s a lifestyle. She spoke with honesty about the highs and lows, sharing lessons learned, mistakes made, and the importance of community and creativity in making small-scale farming viable.Leave a Like and Subscribe if you enjoyed! Subscribe! - https://bit.ly/SubscribeToHomegrownWatch Homegrown Season 1 Now! https://www.homegrownshow.ca/comingsoonJoin Patreon!https://www.patreon.com/homegrownshow↓↓ See more ↓↓https://instagram.com/homegrownshowhttps://www.tiktok.com/@homegrownshowhttps://www.facebook.com/cummingsbenjhttps://www.patreon.com/homegrownshowSupport Us At: http://homegrownshow.ca/
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My journey brings me to Ottawa, ON to visit a friend, see parliament hill, and I get a bike!
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Last time I made it as far as Edmundston, NB. This time I make it to Quebec City and try to decipher a french WiFi password to get internet access...
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If you've been following me for a while you may already know this story! But here is my 2018-19 trek across the country. Leg 1: Woodstock to Edmundston, NB.
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