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Mark, Jennifer, Harvey and Joan Graham at the Graham’s farm located on a scenic piece of Purple Hill property, south of Blackstock. Photo by J. Peter Hvidsten Continued from page 21 corn high and that bodes well for farmers,” he added. The Grahams have travelled extensively visiting farms in many countries. Harvey claims that one of the most impressive agri- cultural nations is Israel. “They have turned desert into highly productive land. Their intensive farming now yields the worlds highest milk production per cow. The shortage of water has forced them into becoming the most efficient water managers in the world,” he stated. “lam just as optimistic today about agriculture as | was when | bought the farm in 1958.” . Harvey Graham On China, Harvey says, “China is a country of diver- sity. They have the most modern and the most primitive farming in the world. But their standard of living is im- proving and they are beginning to eat better and demand better foods. They import huge amounts of soya beans and corn from us.” “South America is the most fascinating, from the perspective of its potential,” he said. “Their rich top soil is many feet thick and is a long way from being maxi- mized.” “| feel most sorry for Russian farmers and all the older people in that country,” Harvey says. “Under Com- munism they had all their needs taken care of — health, 22 FOCUS - AUGUST 2011 education, welfare, pensions, a free apartment. Even though it was at an extremely primitive level, the care was there, but it bankrupted the state. After the collapse of communism they have nothing. It has all been taken way. The Grahams themselves have had their own share of hardships. The most tragic was the loss of their son Blair in a motor accident in 1979. “That’s something you never recover from,” Joan said. “But we received such tremen- dous sympathy and support from family and friends and, particularly from the church.” Harvey and Joan are still devoted to the Blackstock United Church and to its congregation. Today the Graham farm is run by the Graham's son Mark and his wife Jennifer. Mark’s operation now owns 700 acres and leases a further 1,000 acres including the original Graham farm. Harvey still keeps his hand “on the plough” by driv- ing machinery for Mark. Joan sometimes accompanies him in the cab. When asked about the future of agriculture here in Canada, he responded, “Here in North America we produce some of the best food in the world and consum- ers will pay more for good food. But there will be many changes ahead. We will probably see more multinationals running huge agricultural operations and replacing many of the family farms.” He luded by adding husiastically, “I am just as optimistic today about agriculture as 1 was when 1 bought the farm in 1958.” By Paul Arculus Focus on Scugog