Feeding Your Future
200 Hanlon Creek Boulevard N1C0A1 Guelph, ON, Canada

"I may have grown up urban but now and always, I will live rural because it's just better for my mental health" Meet Deborah Vanberkel originally from the area of Kingston, Ontario! Deb grew up in an urban region but now finds herself surrounded by all things agriculture! She has successfully found a way to combine her degree in Behavioural Psychology with the world of farming. Until she met her husband, Deb had no connection or background knowledge related to agriculture. He...r family and friends were taken by surprise when she began dating a dairy farmer but she now enjoys taking part in operating the farm with her husband and children Deb worked for Addictions and Mental Health Services for 14 years but in 2017, she decided to quit and pursue developing her own private services. She was inspired by the struggles of local farmers who were facing serious mental illness and decided to create the Farmer Wellness Program. After becoming immersed in the agriculture sector, Deb began to recognize a gap. There was no adequate support available for farmers to be understood about the constant challenges and pressures they face daily. Deb took advantage of her gained knowledge in agriculture and decided to offer services of in-person or over the phone sessions with very flexible booking times and rescheduling. Deb has built relationships with clients all over Ontario! She is also connected with the University of Guelph and the Canadian Mental Health Association by delivering literacy in mental health in agriculture. She is proud to connect with so many individuals and offer this service to not only understand but also relate to the unique challenges farmers face! #FeatureYourFuture #FeedYourFuture

Let's all take a moment today to think about all of the brave Canadians who fought for this great nation #LestWeForget #CanadaRemembers

Even though things may be a little different this year, don't miss out on the virtual experience at this years Royal Agricultural Winter Fair! We are hosting a Virtual Career Fair with @agcareers with a lot of great employers available! This event is wrapping up for today but don't worry- there will be another chance at our next career fair this Thursday from 11am-2pm. See you there! #FeedYourFuture #OntAg #RAWF20

Its' not too late Register for our free virtual career fair today at 11am! Don't miss a chance to visit with employers until 2pm at virtual booths and get connected with #OntarioJobs https://feedingyourfuture.ca/career-fairs/ #FeedYourFuture #OntAg

"It was always my dream to start a business and I knew that agriculture definitely presented a host of entrepreneurial opportunity" Introducing Ben Cullen originally from Markham, Ontario! Ben is currently a writer for the Toronto Star, sharing a column with his Father about gardening, food and the environment. He is also a proud entrepreneur as founder of Cullen's Foods, aiming to transparently provide the best quality products in a way that improves physical health, our env...ironment and our communities. Ben obtained an Associate Diploma in Agriculture as well as a Bachelor of Commerce, giving him background to start his own business Ben's initial introduction to plant production was through his Dad and Grandpa who worked in the nursery-retail business in the GTA. He discovered his love of working outdoors through summer jobs in high school on the greens crew at a local golf course. His boss encouraged him to pursue greens management which led him to explore possibilities in agriculture that presented a more diverse range of opportunities than he imagined. He has learned the importance of putting yourself out there and embracing the circumstances where opportunities exist. With a deep interest in food, he was excited to realize there was an opportunity for these interests to come together! Before starting his agricultural business, it was difficult for Ben to imagine the connections and relationships that could be built and maintained within an urban setting. Yet, these relationships have helped his business thrive. He is happy that he was able to pursue his dream of starting his own business with the support of these connections. Ben has always admired the entrepreneurial spirit of farmers and agri-businesses that play a large role in the agriculture industry. People in agriculture, farmers especially, understand his goals as a founder and are extremely supportive! #FeatureYourFuture #FeedYourFuture