FARM TO FOOD

The Gleaner

Launched on September 18, 2025, the “Farm to Food” podcast is broadcast on a bi-weekly basis to increase coverage of the Chateauguay Valley’s largest economic sector - agriculture - and, of course, everyone eats everyday (at least we hope so!) so there is always a lot of interest in all things agri-food.  Whether you're a farmer, a foodie, or simply curious about where your meals come from, Farm to Food connects you to the full journey — from soil to supper. Each episode features down-to-earth conversations with local farmers, agri-food innovators, and global experts on everything from organic farming to processing, sustainability, and food security. Recorded at the historic Ormstown Fairgrounds, the show offers real insights into Quebec’s rural communities and the people who keep us well fed. Plus, stay updated with timely agri-news and local food stories that matter. For producers, processors, and curious eaters alike — Farm to Food is your guide to understanding how our food systems work, who makes them thrive, and why it all matters. From bumble bees and microdistilleries to the dairy industry, cash cropping, and extreme weather, we’ll explore it all. Listen, learn, and support local – because farming isn't just for farmers — it's for everyone who eats!

Episodes

  1. DEC 13

    Microbreweries, distilleries & cideries

    Grab a glass and settle in. Hosted by Hugh Maynard, this podcast dives into the world of microbreweries, distilleries, and cideries, spotlighting the makers shaping today’s craft beverage scene. We celebrate small producers, regional ingredients, and the communities that support independent craft beverages. Through candid conversations, we uncover the challenges, creativity, and character behind every brew, spirit, and cider. In this podcast, Hugh Maynard speaks with Peter McAuslan, who was on the ground floor of the craft beer revival in the 1980s and is the founder of Montreal’s McAuslan Brewery, home of the iconic St-Ambroise pale ale. Sarah Rennie speaks with Trevor Livingstone of Livingstone Brewing on Covey Hill in Franklin, Quebec; cider maker Matthiew Quinn of La Capsule Temporelle in Franklin; and Normand Guénette of Le Chat Botté, an organic vineyard  in Hemmingford, Quebec. Jackie Rourke speaks with Sonia Agougou of Miel Nature Incorporated, exploring one of humanity’s oldest alcoholic traditions—mead—with the next generation behind the world’s most decorated honey winery, based in Beauharnois. Callan Forrester speaks with Summer Eastwood of Taverne de la Ferme in Ormstown, who shares insights into pairing drinks with food, cocktail creation, and preparing for the holiday season. Thank you for listening to this episode of the Farm to Food podcast. We’d like to thank our sponsors for helping bring this initiative to life: the Livestock Breeders’ Association for providing our studio facilities at the Expo Ormstown fairgrounds, and Quinn Farm in Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot for their promotional support. We also wish to thank the Community Media Strategic Support Fund and the Government of Canada for their financial support for this project, as well as the Bourses d’initiatives en entrepreneuriat collectif for their contribution toward equipping the podcast studio. This program is made possible thanks to the dedicated work of the volunteer directors on the board of Châteauguay Valley Community Information Services (CVCIS), a non-profit social enterprise with charitable status. We would love your support to help keep this podcast going. Donations can be made at farmtofood.ca, and we can issue tax receipts for donations over $25. Farm to Food Podcast Credits: Hugh Maynard – Host Jackie Rourke – Producer Sarah Rennie – News Editor Callan Forrester – Reporter Stacey Pennington – Audio Production Dianna Chycki, sales & marketing …and of course, Farmer Phil — who’s farm-tastic!

    1h 24m
  2. NOV 30

    6. The Dairy Industry

    From barnyards to boardrooms, the dairy industry in Quebec is evolving fast. Hosted by Hugh Maynard, in this episode, we explore the dairy industry - from prices to trade deals to climate debates, dairy always seems to be in the headlines. But what’s actually true? What’s noise? And what should Canadians really know? We also explore how modern pressures are transforming family farms across the province and spotlight the next generation of dairy farmers and their ambitions, including the role of youth programming and the iconic Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto. It’s a timely look at tradition, transition, and the future of dairy in Canada. • Hugh Maynard speaks with Maurice Doyon, professor at Université de Laval, about what Canadians should know about dairy production in Canada. • Sarah Rennie speaks with Jason Erskine, a dairy farmer and representative with the UPA’s Haut-Saint-Laurent syndicate and the Producteurs du lait du Quebec. He spoke with Sarah about supply management, stability, succession and work life balance in farming. • Callan Forrester visits the Royal Winter Fair, Canada’s largest agricultural fair, and speaks with several young people from the South-West Quebec 4-H team about their experiences with showing livestock at the fair. Thank you for listening to this episode of the Farm to Food podcast. We’d like to thank our sponsors for helping bring this initiative to life: the Livestock Breeders’ Association for providing our studio facilities at the Expo Ormstown fairgrounds, and Quinn Farm in Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot for their promotional support. We also wish to thank the Community Media Strategic Support Fund and the Government of Canada for their financial support for this project, as well as the Bourses d’initiatives en entrepreneuriat collectif for their contribution toward equipping the podcast studio. This program is made possible thanks to the dedicated work of the volunteer directors on the board of Châteauguay Valley Community Information Services (CVCIS), a non-profit social enterprise with charitable status. We would love your support to help keep this podcast going. Donations can be made at farmtofood.ca, and we can issue tax receipts for donations over $25. Farm to Food Podcast Credits: Hugh Maynard – Host Jackie Rourke – Producer Sarah Rennie – News Editor Callan Forrester – Reporter Stacey Pennington – Audio Production Dianna Chycki, sales & marketing …and of course, Farmer Phil — who’s farm-tastic!

    1h 11m
  3. NOV 14

    5. Cash Crops

    From seeds to soil to global trade, cash crops are changing - and farmers are growing with them.  In this episode of the Farm to Food podcast, we explore the shifting economics, technologies, climate pressures, and market forces shaping today’s cash crop farms.   Hosted by Hugh Maynard, in this episode we talk with growers, researchers, and industry leaders about what’s changing and what it means for the future of farming. Hugh Maynard speaks with Clinton Monchuk of Lanigan, Saskatchewan. Monchuk is a grain and egg producer and Executive Director of Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan. Sarah Rennie speaks with Jenna Soesbergen, a third generation cash crop and dairy farmer in Dundee, and vice-president of the Uniag Cooperative.  And Sarah speaks with Sascha Macintosh-Hobson, an agronomist specializing in grain production and cash crops with the Uniag Cooperative.  Callan Forrester speaks with Marie-Claude de Martin of Les Fermes Ajiro (1989) Inc., who practices no-till farming on 100% of their land.Thank you for listening to this episode of the Farm to Food podcast. We’d like to thank our sponsors for helping bring this initiative to life: the Livestock Breeders’ Association for providing our studio facilities at the Expo Ormstown fairgrounds, and Quinn Farm in Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot for their promotional support. We also wish to thank the Community Media Strategic Support Fund and the Government of Canada for their financial support for this project, as well as the Bourses d’initiatives en entrepreneuriat collectif for their contribution toward equipping the podcast studio. This program is made possible thanks to the dedicated work of the volunteer directors on the board of Châteauguay Valley Community Information Services (CVCIS), a non-profit social enterprise with charitable status. We would love your support to help keep this podcast going. Donations can be made at farmtofood.ca, and we can issue tax receipts for donations over $25. Farm to Food Podcast Credits: Hugh Maynard – Host Jackie Rourke – Producer Sarah Rennie – News Editor Callan Forrester – Reporter Stacey Pennington – Audio Production Dianna Chycki, sales & marketing …and of course, Farmer Phil — who’s farm-tastic!

    57 min
  4. OCT 29

    4. Weather & Climate

    Weather has always been one of the biggest variables in farming — too hot, too cold, too wet, too dry — and now, extreme weather events are becoming an even greater challenge. In this episode, we dig into how farmers are coping with and adapting to a changing climate. Host Hugh Maynard sits down with Dr. Hugh Henry, professor at Western University and expert in plant ecology, biogeochemistry, and global change biology, to explore how climate change is affecting agriculture. News editor Sarah Rennie talks with Sheldon Grant, a sixth-generation farmer, about what climate change adaptation looks like on the ground. We also hear from Pascal Thériault, Director of the Farm Management and Technology Program at McGill University’s Macdonald Campus, and Justin Denis, a peach producer at Pomibec Orchards. Finally, reporter Callan Forrester speaks with Ian Ward of Les Jardins Glenelm who serves as the UPA’s Haut-Saint-Laurent syndicate for Agri-climat, a project that brings together Quebec farmers and other stakeholders to develop climate change adaptation plans.  Join us as we explore how farmers, researchers, and educators are working together to weather the change. Thank you for listening to this episode of the Farm to Food podcast. We’d like to thank our sponsors for helping bring this initiative to life: the Livestock Breeders’ Association for providing our studio facilities at the Expo Ormstown fairgrounds, and Quinn Farm in Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot for their promotional support. We also wish to thank the Community Media Strategic Support Fund and the Government of Canada for their financial support for this project, as well as the Bourses d’initiatives en entrepreneuriat collectif for their contribution toward equipping the podcast studio. This program is made possible thanks to the dedicated work of the volunteer directors on the board of Châteauguay Valley Community Information Services (CVCIS), a non-profit social enterprise with charitable status. We would love your support to help keep this podcast going. Donations can be made at farmtofood.ca, and we can issue tax receipts for donations over $25. Farm to Food Podcast Credits: Hugh Maynard – Host Jackie Rourke – Producer Sarah Rennie – News Editor Callan Forrester – Reporter Stacey Pennington – Audio Production Dianna Chycki, sales & marketing …and of course, Farmer Phil — who’s farm-tastic!

    1h 6m
  5. OCT 16

    3. Farming for Restaurants

    This week on Farm to Food, we dig into the delicious intersection between farms and restaurants — where collaboration, creativity, and community come together. From growers to chefs, we explore how partnerships shape what ends up on our plates and how they’re helping build a more sustainable future. Hosted by Hugh Maynard, this episode features conversations with farmers, food producers, and chefs who are redefining what local food really means: Lesley Chesterman, renowned food critic, joins Hugh to reflect on how the restaurant scene has evolved over the past three decades.Annie Claude Lauzon of La Fermette talks with news editor Sarah Rennie about supplying fresh, local ingredients to restaurants.Guillaume Asselin of Le Mangeoir – Table Champêtre shares how he connects the farm experience directly to diners.Chris McKell-Craig from Gary’s Restaurant in Howick, QC, chats with Sarah about the role of local food in fast food culture.Chef Mathieu Dugas of Taverne de la Ferme in Ormstown, QC, speaks with reporter Callan Forrester about crafting farm-inspired menus.Wagyu beef farmer Stephen Borland discusses what it takes to bring premium local meat from pasture to plate.Discover how the field meets the kitchen — and why the best meals start with strong relationships. farmtofood.ca Thank you for listening to this episode of the Farm to Food podcast. We’d like to thank our sponsors for helping bring this initiative to life: the Livestock Breeders’ Association for providing our studio facilities at the Expo Ormstown fairgrounds, and Quinn Farm in Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot for their promotional support. We also wish to thank the Community Media Strategic Support Fund and the Government of Canada for their financial support for this project, as well as the Bourses d’initiatives en entrepreneuriat collectif for their contribution toward equipping the podcast studio. This program is made possible thanks to the dedicated work of the volunteer directors on the board of Châteauguay Valley Community Information Services (CVCIS), a non-profit social enterprise with charitable status. We would love your support to help keep this podcast going. Donations can be made at farmtofood.ca, and we can issue tax receipts for donations over $25. Farm to Food Podcast Credits: Hugh Maynard – Host Jackie Rourke – Producer Sarah Rennie – News Editor Callan Forrester – Reporter Stacey Pennington – Audio Production Dianna Chycki, sales & marketing …and of course, Farmer Phil — who’s farm-tastic!

    1h 13m
  6. OCT 3

    2. Heritage Farming

    Focusing on the preservation of traditional farming methods, crops, and livestock passed down through generations, this episode features segments on heirloom fruits and vegetables, heritage buildings, antique machinery, and heritage livestock, along with Farmer Phil and news briefs on Quebec’s agri-food sector. Enjoy the show! Hosted by Hugh Maynard, this episode features segments on: Heirloom fruits and vegetables, presented by our news editor, Sarah Rennie, and an interview with Laurie Ann PrevostHeritage buildings, Sarah interviews with Mr. Barnwood, Simon BrennanAntique machinery, a conversation with those involved in the Chateauguay Valley Antique AssociationHeritage livestock, our reporter Callan Forrester interviews Elwood Quinn from Heritage Livestock Canada, and Hugh Maynard chats with Étienne Laliberté of Élevage Val-Plante Poultry Breedinghttps://farmtofood.ca Thank you for listening to this episode of the Farm to Food podcast. We’d like to thank our sponsors for helping bring this initiative to life: the Livestock Breeders’ Association for providing our studio facilities at the Expo Ormstown fairgrounds, and Quinn Farm in Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot for their promotional support. We also wish to thank the Community Media Strategic Support Fund and the Government of Canada for their financial support for this project, as well as the Bourses d’initiatives en entrepreneuriat collectif for their contribution toward equipping the podcast studio. This program is made possible thanks to the dedicated work of the volunteer directors on the board of Châteauguay Valley Community Information Services (CVCIS), a non-profit social enterprise with charitable status. We would love your support to help keep this podcast going. Donations can be made at farmtofood.ca, and we can issue tax receipts for donations over $25. Farm to Food Podcast Credits: Hugh Maynard – Host Jackie Rourke – Producer Sarah Rennie – News Editor Callan Forrester – Reporter Stacey Pennington – Audio Production Dianna Chycki, sales & marketing …and of course, Farmer Phil — who’s farm-tastic!

    59 min

About

Launched on September 18, 2025, the “Farm to Food” podcast is broadcast on a bi-weekly basis to increase coverage of the Chateauguay Valley’s largest economic sector - agriculture - and, of course, everyone eats everyday (at least we hope so!) so there is always a lot of interest in all things agri-food.  Whether you're a farmer, a foodie, or simply curious about where your meals come from, Farm to Food connects you to the full journey — from soil to supper. Each episode features down-to-earth conversations with local farmers, agri-food innovators, and global experts on everything from organic farming to processing, sustainability, and food security. Recorded at the historic Ormstown Fairgrounds, the show offers real insights into Quebec’s rural communities and the people who keep us well fed. Plus, stay updated with timely agri-news and local food stories that matter. For producers, processors, and curious eaters alike — Farm to Food is your guide to understanding how our food systems work, who makes them thrive, and why it all matters. From bumble bees and microdistilleries to the dairy industry, cash cropping, and extreme weather, we’ll explore it all. Listen, learn, and support local – because farming isn't just for farmers — it's for everyone who eats!