Although it is quite common for farming operations to be carried on by the next generation, it does not always happen exactly as planned.
Farming operations change and grow over the years and the younger generations have varying goals and dreams, some of which involve the family farm and some do not. The farming families here in the southeast have amazing stories of passions and dreams driving them to spend their time, money and lives pursuing various farming activities.
One of those stories includes the Kennett family from Manor. There is not enough time here to detail the generational path from Brian Kennett’s great grandfather to his father and then to him, but for anyone who knows Brian, it was a great story. One facet of the tale includes the fact that Brian was never raised on a farm, but nostalgia drew him in his youth.
The interview questions posed seemed to draw Brian and his wife, Lorna, to reminisce and try to put into words their years of life on the farm together.
The Kennett farm is a grain operation that produces commercial grain and pedigreed seed. They also have a seed plant where their personal grain and neighbouring farmer’s grain is cleaned and processed. This operation has new family and generations on board and will be called KBI Seed Processing.
“People might not know this, but we are also a licensed, certified organic processing facility. We now process our customers’ organic grains, some of which goes directly into the organic food market. That is exciting and new for us,” Brian explained.
When asked how long he had been farming, Brian thought it might be fun to leave us all with a riddle:
“I have been in this industry for a while. My first crop was when I was in Grade 11. Let’s just say I have been in active farming in two millenniums, a couple of centuries and six decades. This is my 42nd crop year. What year did I start?”
I will let each of you contact Brian for the answer to that riddle.
Kennett is the third-generation farmer on the land and he excitedly shared, “We just had the fourth generation pick up the torch last year. This is where I would like to focus because it didn’t look like we were going to have a fourth generation. That team includes our daughter Tamara, my nephew Mason, my brother Daren and his wife Shannon, as well as Lorna and myself.”
Brian wanted to be perfectly clear about the fact that, “This new generation has dreams and goals, and we will be there encouraging them and cheering them on. It is in the early stages, but they have passion and drive behind them which is great to see.”
The conversation continued down the road of how crazy some farmers may seem because of their passion and drive with many working off the farm just to be able to keep the dream of farming alive. To some that may seem crazy, but Kennett said he completely understood that pursuit and he was pretty excited to be a part of giving his family an avenue to realize an opportunity.
When asked the biggest struggle in farming, Brian had a beautifully written answer that came after deep thought, “The biggest struggles I have had in farming is having enough knowledge of all the variables in all the grain production, to have enough skill and resources to apply that knowledge and then to realize there is so much that is out of my control.” As I listened to him elaborate, I heard a profound truth for life in general and humble wisdom for courage to carry on, “You can do everything right in a particular year and still come up short. I have come to realize that I need to do my best and leave the outcome in God’s hands.”
As with most farmers you speak to about COVID and the effects it has had on them, Brian kind of chuckled and said, “My life hasn’t really changed. We didn’t realize it ‘til now but we have always been isolated. We just thought we were normal!”
In closing, allow Brian’s heart resonate with you. “Reflecting back, Lorna and I realize that we have been blessed with a great place to raise our family, experience community and make many friendships. Farming has been a very rewarding career, far more an adventure than I ever dreamed. I am very grateful for the people over my career, especially for my fellow farmers. They all have a story, well let’s face it … stories! Stories that have been helpful to glean knowledge and insight for this skill and craft. I have been able to share their passion for this industry. Many have inspired me with their stories and that has helped drive me on. I have experienced lots of laughter and even tears with my fellow adventurers. I have been blessed and I am looking forward to more.”
