My writing emerged out of a Nuffield Agricultural Scholarship when I could further my interest for the regeneration of soil, soul and society to transform food and farming. When I returned to studying (2016-2018), I explored cultural narratives that “direct” the way food is produced and land is managed to bring social change communication, the biology of soil, farming practices and spirituality together in conversation.

By bringing agriculture and spirituality together in the conversation, I propose a new conceptual framework to replace the outdated ‘sustainability’ approach to agriculture (a wobbly 3-legged milking stool). The future of agriculture (which I call Ag3.0) may not be so much about a certain practice of agriculture but more about our intention or attitudinal construct, five considerations for resilience that honours all life, and using biomimicry to farm in Nature’s image.

Specializing in event coordination from scholarship programs and career fairs to farmer training, farm tours, and local food brand launches, I bring skills developed from over 15 years in local food promotions and farm-direct marketing to membership outreach, networking and resource development with a knack for breaking down silos.

Convening space for spirituality and agriculture to come together in the conversation. My experience as a livestock farmer and working with food at many stages in the local food value chain and within rural communities, has developed into an extensive network of individuals and organizations who share a similar concern for the future of food and farming and how land and livestock can offer space for healing, restoration and transformation.

Developed a proficiency in the “Ontario local food movement” by collecting and collating research from interviews of over 100 vendors and rural business owners for three rural Business Retention and Expansion studies in Midwestern Ontario, diverse vendors at three markets for a Greenbelt Farmers’ Market Study, and market research regarding farm-direct local food sales with over 150 producers, chefs, and owners of 100 Mile stores, reporting on the challenges of distributing food and value-added… Show more Developed a proficiency in the “Ontario local food movement” by collecting and collating research from interviews of over 100 vendors and rural business owners for three rural Business Retention and Expansion studies in Midwestern Ontario, diverse vendors at three markets for a Greenbelt Farmers’ Market Study, and market research regarding farm-direct local food sales with over 150 producers, chefs, and owners of 100 Mile stores, reporting on the challenges of distributing food and value-added products, for the possible expansion of local food businesses into foodservices. Show less

Consultant passionate about farm-direct marketing and farm business viability, empowering farmers to be successful through marketing initiatives, and ensuring the economic well-being of rural communities. For over 15 years, I collaborated on food and farming initiatives, including farmer training and regional local food branding in Midwestern Ontario, and launched various local food distribution initiatives.

Launched and developed partnerships for the Guelph-Wellington taste • real local food branding initiative. Product development; member relationship management; engaged agriculture and food and tourism partners; facilitated the development of value chains, infrastructure and distribution networks of food grown in Ontario.This work was recognized the following year (see link below).

Exploring the principles of spiritual care, ethical encounters, transformative mediation and the art of dialogue for peacebuilding between people and their landscape, between each other and for greater care of the Earth. ​I also completed a Trauma Studies Certificate and Transformative Mediation training to advocate for a trauma-informed world.

Assisting students to achieve their highest academic potential.

Coordinated a county wide career fair and trade show 2 years running, where hundreds of students came to explore career opportunities in Huron County.

Coordinated and operated the Huron Good Food Box and transitioned it from grant-funded to social enterprise, re-branding it to the Farm to Table Box, so that the program could achieve long term financial viability.

Coordinated training resources for new farmers (young farmers, new Canadians, second career farmers).

Owned and pastured a 189 acre certified organic landscape (Saugeen River Farm) and 100 ewe sheep enterprise trademarking Saugeen Country Lamb. Also pastured cow-calf pairs and raised meat birds.

Wholesale distribution of lamb shipped into Toronto as whole carcass or cut specifically for chefs. Served superior tasting lamb at music festivals. Farm-direct marketing and Owen Sound Farmers' market.

Operated a retail gourmet food shop and deli that sold locally grown meat and organic food products, and served gourmet lunches and homemade meals-to-go. Managed a staff of 4. Built a strong customer base by developing meaningful relationships, by being resourceful and through effective marketing. Created a new market for local farm product which has since bloomed in the village of Flesherton.