Lau tea da Lentils

These green lentils are grown just outside of Elora, Ontario on a family farm.

I was introduced to Keith next (Laura's Father) as he came around in the combine and stopped for a moment to chat. 

Well for me it was amazing. I could have listened to Keith talk all day. From his experiences on the farm years ago, to how things have changed for him and his family now, seeing fellow farmers lose their farms and everything in between. I admired his tales, his obvious passion for good hard farm work and I even admired his clearly hard working hands. Something about supporting local farmers pulls on my heart string a little bit more when I get to see it from an up close way like this. 

Well my visit here was post growth and harvest. But like many farmers, it's not just one thing that they grow. This farm also grows wheat and lots of it. 

Did you know Lentils are highly nutritious? and delicious! (had to throw in a cute rhyme there)

They are high in protein and iron and a great source of fiber too!

You can now support a local Ontario grower and try them at home for yourself. They sell to a variety of specialty grocers and restaurants in the region. Visit their Facebook Page to see where!

One of my favourite ways to cook lentils is in soup form! Just like this!

I also do a curry lentil blended soup that is really tasty and spicy too!

Here is what Laura had to say.

1. Tell me what a typical day looks like for you? 

They vary a lot. As there are a few of us involved in the farm each is unique but On the off season our days look a lot like many others wake up, go to work, come home etc. once the ground is fit for planting we would then have a few busier days, early mornings and late nights to ensure the crops get in the ground in a timely manner. During the growing season we make sure to take some walks through the fields to make sure there are no weed escapes or pest or disease issues, we would take corrective action if we were concerned. Harvest is my favourite time of the year by far. Sunny days and good conditions the mornings would be spent delivering grain harvested late the night before and prepping equipment for the day. Once the dew has left the fields and crops are dry we would go and combine until quite late at night usually. Then do it all over again the next day (if the weather cooperates)! My dad, husband and I work together for harvest. One of us running the combine or grain cart while my dad does the above along with the trucking to the elevator. My mom or I watch the kids and also bring meals to the field! Along with all of this throughout the year we are marketing our lentils and whole lentil flour to farm markets, specialty stores and restaurants. So our days could also involve bagging lentils, delivery or calling on businesses to expand our reach. 

 

2. What do you want people to know about farming and/or what you do? 

Gosh, there is a lot. I think overall though an understanding of farming; If you have questions ask a real farmer. We all work hard to produce safe, healthy crops that are consumed in our own homes, domestically or might even be exported overseas. 

 

3. What do you love most about being a farmer? 

The independence and the ability to work with my family (parents, husband and kids). 

4. If you weren’t a farmer what would you be doing? 

We farm part time and also have full time off the farm jobs. They are all ag related though ( grain and equipment hauling- dad, ag research-James , agronomist-Laura ). 

5. Describe what your favourite meal looks like? 

Mmmm, we have a fairly large garden so I enjoy the meals where everything is produced on our farm; lentils, combined with a bunch of vegetables and some meat! But I really like lentil sloppy joes too, so simple and easy and make a lot of leftovers which is key when you have a busy family!