Two Norfolk County residents made it onto a few shortlist of some of the best farmers in Canada.
The magazine “Fruit and Vegetable” asked farms across Canada to nominate someone under 40 who is an industry leader.
From commercial growers and researchers to equipment suppliers and service providers, the goal was to recognize the innovative and dedicated talent of those driving Canada’s fruit and vegetable industry forward.
Despite it being open to farms across Canada, local farmers Susan Judd and Hayden Dooney took up half the spots available.
Judd, who grew up on a dairy and strawberry farm in Norfolk County, said she is glad to still be surrounded by agriculture.
For Dooney, it was a humbling experience and he was very thankful for this honour but also that his fellow farmers and coworkers locally felt the need to put his name out there.
Dooney said it has been a tough go over the past few months with the pandemic and restrictions in place, but they keep pushing forward and find ways to make it work.
Judd says her work at her family’s farm, and with her company Ride the Bine, keep her fully involved in the sector.
Along with a write up in the magazine, there is also a podcast episode with each farmer.
Susan Judd’s podcast can be found here.
Hayden Dooney’s podcast can be found here.