The Season of Joy

December 21, 2018 | Paul Bootsma

If the old saying “time flies when you’re having fun” is true, we must be having loads of fun. The year 2018 is almost part of history but it seems it just started. When we look back over the last 50 weeks or so, a lot has happened but not always by having fun.

Planting season looked promising this spring. Good planting conditions made seeding go well and emergence looked successful. But it remained dry for the first months, and some areas received very little moisture. During the summer months rain fell regularly which saw crops respond in what looked like record yields. Then harvest time came and it became cold and wet. What appeared like an early harvest has turned into a long wait. Added to that, to our surprise some of the corn crop was hit with high levels of DON, creating another challenge of what to do with corn that is considered unusable for feed.

In the Spring election, Ontario citizens elected a new government into power. The new provincial government has emphasized fiscal responsibilities, opening up the province for business and reducing the cost of energy, and making labour laws better for businesses. With a good number of rural MPP’s in government, rural Ontario has a good voice at Queen’s Park. CFFO looks forward to working with the provincial government to continue to promote good stewardship of our natural resources, soil and water.

This fall the free trade agreement with the US and Mexico was signed to enable free trade to continue on this continent. Overall this is good for the Canadian economy and our manufacturing industries. Supply Management survived after much concern, although it was the sector that lost so the deal could be signed. The federal government has promised compensation for those affected.

And so, another year draws to a close, ending with many occasions of celebration and gathering of family and friends.

Christmas time is when we often put things aside to spend time with family and friends. This can be good for both the mind and body as we enjoy some special meals, hopefully with products of Ontario in support of our farmers. At the same time, we also remember those who find this time of year challenging, due to events close to home. We think of those with mental health issues and other health-related challenges, of those who have lost loved ones this past year. CFFO extents our best wishes to them. Jesus has come to give healing in these situations.

The CFFO extends a blessed Christmas to all our members, partners, sponsors and others that we work with during the year. We have a lot to be thankful for as farmers and citizens of Ontario. In many ways we have more than we need and considering others around the world who have much less, we should rejoice. May the love of Christ the Saviour surround each one this Christmas season and then in turn share it with others around us.

From the CFFO, a Blessed Christmas to all.

Paul Bootsma is Member Relations Manager for the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario. The CFFO Commentary represents the opinions of the writer and does not necessarily represent CFFO policy. The CFFO Commentary is heard weekly on CFCO Chatham, CKXFM Chatham, and CKNX Wingham. It is also archived on the CFFO website, www.christianfarmers.org. CFFO is supported by 4,000 family farmers across Ontario.