Blake Ellis/Local Journalism Initiative

There’s a new Lambton County face around the table at the Grain Farmers of Ontario and some of the veterans are happy to see the next generation of farmers step forward.

Julie Maw was elected as the District 3 Director representing Lambton during a recent annual general meeting. She takes over a position that has been held by well-known local farm representative Emery Huszka

“It is an honoured to be elected and be that voice for farmers,” says Maw. 

Maw served the Grain Farmers of Ontario for the last five years as treasurer and has also served on the organization’s research and innovation committee. She farms with her husband and three boys on their farm just outside of Brigden. They have a no till operation where they harvest wheat, corn and soybeans, while also doing custom farming.

Farmers are facing many issues which are out of their control, said Maw, including inflation, tariffs and the sustainability of farming. 

Young farmers have difficulty getting into farming in the first place, not only with the size an operation must be, often a another income is needed to deal with rising costs for land and equipment. She feels it is also important to educate people on where their food comes from. 

For his part, Huszka is glad to see some of  the area’s younger farmers step forward. 

He has always supported young farmers to getting involved in farm politics. Rising land costs have been a barrier for many to enter the agricultural industry. 

“You often have to win the lottery or inherit it,” said Huszka. People who are buying farmland and flipping it for a profit often drive the rising land prices.

The cash crop farmer who has been the district representative since 2019, says he was glad to step aside. “I am not going to be the one who stands in her way…

 “She is eager to go and I am sure she will do great things,” said Huszka.  

But, life in farm politics won’t be easy. Huszka said the biggest problem facing farmers today, is politics with the second being the weather.  Politicians are often from an urban setting, and a lot of time goes into educating them on farm issues, he said. Once they get up to speed, the people change. 

Huszka will continue to be involved with the Grain Farmers of Ontario, as a delegate.