The first day of the inaugural farm show in Chatham-Kent is in the books, with optimism growing in the local agriculture community, even with the Heinz closure looming later this year.
Most are holding their heads high going into this year's growing season despite the crippling ramifications one could expect following the announced closure.
"One thing I love about farmers is they're always optimistic," says exhibitor Wayne Black.
Black says farmers are coming off a few years of high commodity prices with trends suggesting that may soon change. He says companies like Devolder Farms want to help tomato producers develop a game plan on how to transition and utilize their farm equipment moving forward.
“It's going to be a challenge and we want to work with those guys,” he says. “We understand that it will be a struggle for the next year or two but the end isn't here!"
Spring is less than 50 days away and the show at the John D. Bradley Convention Centre continues through Thursday.
