Dear Editor:
RE: “Thoughtful planning,” Oct. 30.
I really appreciated Beth Lang’s thoughts on connecting urban and rural communities through agricultural awareness. Her points about understanding the importance of local farming really resonated with me. As a dairy farmer in Wellington County, I see every day how much agriculture contributes to our community.
What really stuck with me was her idea of keeping the surrounding communities informed about farming. I’m often surprised by how little some people know about agriculture and the image they sometimes have of farmers: straw hats, jean overalls and long days on a tractor. Farming is much more than that.
In Wellington County, including around Fergus and Guelph, more and more farmland is being sold or turned into housing or commercial developments. As these changes reshape the rural landscape, it becomes even more important for both city and country residents to understand why farming matters and why protecting local agricultural land is so important.
I agree with Beth that agricultural education is vital. The more we share our experiences, the more people will understand that behind every farm is not just tradition, but also innovation, pride in feeding our neighbors, caring for animals and taking care of the land that sustains us all.
Ronella Cnossen,
Elora