The McCallum Family
Always family
For the McCallum family, farming comes first. Fraser and Helen McCallum, both graduates of the AC, and their four children, Robyn, William, Katie and Daniel are all making their respective marks on agriculture in Atlantic Canada.
âThe region where we live doesnât have a lot of farms, and theyâre so important to our lives and economy,â says Helen (Class of â86). âWeâre proud that our farm, and now Robyn and her partner Ryanâs new farm just an hour away, are a part of New Brunswickâs agricultural landscape.â
Helen and Fraser believe that agriculture is a challenging field, but one with a lot of potential and opportunity. âWe both truly believe that our local farming community is in a good position to face future industry challenges,â says Fraser (Class of â84). âIt might not always be easy, but itâs incredibly rewarding to see your children as invested in the field as we are.â
The familyâs drive, tenacity and commitment to farming is clear. âWe feel very attached to the Agricultural Campus and are extremely proud of our children,â says Helen. âOur daughter is working on her PhD, our oldest son graduated last year and is now Service Manager for Dynaco (New Holland) in Miramichi, our youngest daughter is going into her second year, and our youngest son is starting his first year this fall.â âWeâre very happy they are all finding their own niche in agriculture,â adds Fraser.
Robyn (Class of â13), who is finishing her PhD researching native pollinators and conservation biology in wild blueberries, couldn't agree more. Even after growing up on the family farm, it was her experience at the Faculty of Agriculture that helped her put all of the pieces together. âWeâre in such a special position here in Atlantic Canada,â says Robyn. âOur industry is committed, our professors, mentors and educators are invested and dedicated, and I believe that together we can create real change.â
Robynâs younger sister, Katie, is also carrying on the family legacy at the campus. As a first-year student, Katie had the opportunity to work with the Nova Scotia Crop Development Institute in Truro to research corn, soybeans, canola and cereals for the summer. âI donât think people realize how diverse agriculture can be and how advanced our farmers are,â says Katie. âEven though Iâm just beginning my agricultural studies, Iâm looking forward to how the industry will change to feed the growing population.â
The McCallum farm is a perfect example of working farms using the latest technology to find efficiencies, boost production and be as sustainable as possible. âWe farm about 250 acres, five of which are in strawberries right now, but weâre working to increase that as demand increases,â says Fraser. They also produce raspberries, grow their own silage and straw for their Simmental cow/calf operation, supply bedding plants for the local community and sell barley to the local feed mill.
âIt is so important to keep up with the changes and technology,â says Helen. Fraser agrees that the faculty is keeping its students, and our local farms, at the forefront of agriculture and its ever-changing nature. âStudents need to have a good foundation in science combined with the latest technology to be pilipiliÂț»ful farmers, and thatâs what they get at the AC,â he says.
The family agrees: Theyâre excited for what the future holds. And in a community of smart, dedicated farmers and scientists, the McCallumâs are sure to change our world for the better.