Successful Agricultural Roundtable Farm Tour
On Monday, September 28, more than 45 people hopped on a bus for the 2026 Peterborough Agricultural Roundtable Farm Tour. The 2026 Tour was the fourth of its kind held over the past few years, familiarizing elected officials and municipal staff with the local farm community. It is part of the Roundtable's efforts to respond to a need expressed by farmers for more public education about the sector.
Participants included candidates for elected office in many of the townships and the City of Peterborough in the upcoming election. Planning and economic development staff were also well-represented.
The Tour first visited MacFarlane Farms, where Ken, Mary and sons Colin and Chris talked about the variety of diverse enterprises now being carried on by the two generations - from organic turkeys to sheep, beef and cash crops. Topics including the challenges with recycling bale wrap, surplus farm house severances and farm safety on the roads were highlighted.
Next stop was Glen Isle Ag just down the road in Keene. Jim and his son Matt described the wide scope of their related businesses in cash crops, seeds, straw, hay and shavings. Jim described the long family history of perseverance that led them to run this large and expanding operation today.
At both farms, questions were raised about the Alto high speed train and the impact on farms such as these that rent land over a wide area straddling the possible trajectory of the Peterborough/Ottawa line. It was pointed out that if back roads become dead ends, travelling with farm equipment on the remaining larger roads would cause issues around safety, increased time and higher fuel costs where margins are already tight.
Next up was lunch catered by local SKH Events and Catering Co., with several presentations on farm preservation and other informational material that could benefit attendees.
After lunch, the bus continued to Trent University to a stop at the Trent Farm Research Centre, where we were greeted by University President Dr. Cathy Bruce. Various ongoing research projects were available to view and Trent staff provided information about the plans for the future.
Thanks to the tour hosts, all those who assisted with organizing, and our great bus driver John!!
Download any of the images by right clicking.
