Don McGugan sat down with Ron Wilcox of Shetland in late April to talk about the award he won from the Lambton Soil and Crop Association and some of his thoughts on agriculture.
Don McGugan: Ron, can we start with your background.
Ron Wilcox: I started farming with my father when I was 16 years old. I eventually bought the home farm from him. I did have other options in life…my family lived in Chatham for a few years in my teen years. I had a taste of city life and didn’t particularly care for it.
DM: So what crops do you grow here Ron.
RW: Corn, soybeans, white beans and wheat. My wife, Lynn and I have 250 acres of workable land.
DM: Could you tell me a little about your view of the future, both for yourself and for agriculture in general.
RW: Farming has become an occupation you take year by year. I’m not quite sure where I thought I would be at this point in life, but I am doing what I always wanted to do and not to many people can say that. For agriculture, it’s pretty sad. I struggled starting out with this farm and Icon only imagine how tough it is for you young guys starting out. I can remember when there was a Junior Farmer loan for farmers starting out but that program was gone a long time ago. I used to work off the farm in factories during the winter, but I did that to have spending money. Now an off-farm job is almost mandatory when you are a farmer.
DM: So with all of the challenges that agriculture faces, what are the biggest challenges that you face?
RW: Really, I think everyone just hopes to break even and have enough money to put in the crop next year. We are all in the same boat.
DM: Let’s talk about the award you won from the Lambton Soil and Crop Improvement Association.
RW: It was a surprise and a great honor. Over the years, we have made a concerted effort to control soil and wind erosion. We try to no-till as much of our land as possible. I planted trees along fence and property lines to combat wind erosion.
There is a lot of fall to the land here so I put grass waterways through the middle of most of my fields. This has solved a lot of problems. But, there is always more that can be done…with the money that comes along with the award, I reinvested it into purchasing more trees this spring.
DM: Do you have any final thoughts?
RW: Just that through this farm income crisis, we (agriculture) have to stick together. That’s the only way we are going to get through.
DM: Ron, thanks for your time this evening.
RW: You’re welcome Don.