ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER MEMBER RELATIONS 28 During their time in Iowa, participants will discuss some of the challenges and major issues facing the soybean industry. Applicants were asked to outline what they see as some of the top concerns growers are facing. For Jake, his response focused on the need to find new markets as soybean production increases. “There are a lot of beans in the U.S. that they are trying to find markets for too,” Jake notes, pointing to instabilities created by tariffs, the buying power of China, and the expansion of production in Brazil as factors affecting global prices and market share. “We need to find new market opportunities to increase the demand of soybean products locally.” When it comes to the future of his own farm, Jake is focusing on soil health, managing new disease pressures, and increasing yields. LUKE AND NAOMI HANNAM Luke and Naomi Hannam are the fourth generation to operate Woodrill Farms, the family farm established in 1920 near Guelph. The newlyweds were married at the beginning of September. Formerly a mixed livestock and crop farming operation, Luke’s father and grandfather slowly narrowed their focus to crops as they added a commercial grain elevator and crop input supply to diversify the business. Soybeans now make up half of their annual crop by acres, all of which are grown for seed production for Dekalb and SeCan. Luke attended the University of Guelph and graduated in 2020 with a degree in crop science. His primary role is in the field, where he farms corn, wheat, and soybeans along with his dad. “We are always trying to push the envelope and figure out how we can do a better job on each acre rather than focus on acre expansion,” says Luke. Naomi attended Sheridan College to obtain a Bachelor of Applied Health Sciences degree and Algonquin College for an Applied Nuclear Science and Radiation Safety diploma. She primarily works off-farm as a radiation survey technician for a nuclear power plant, but has recently started to grow and market cut flowers from their home farm. Naomi also helps with farm work during busy times of year, running equipment and picking up parts. “I see myself working more on the farm in the future,” says Naomi. She is interested in how the other participant couples structure their farms and work together. “I’m excited to be a part of this program and see what opportunities others are pursuing with their farm business that will hopefully help me see some different pathways for myself.” The next evolution of Woodrill Farm is already underway, with Luke taking an interest in research trials and new technologies
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