#FarmHerOntario: Jennifer Doelman

Did you know that 2026 is the International Year of the Woman Farmer? Join us throughout the year as we spotlight our #FarmHerOntario farmers to showcase the important role women grain farmers play in our food system. This month, Jennifer Doelman discusses how a love for the environment and agriculture found union in grain farming.

I grew up on a beef farm in Renfrew County.  An avid Girl Guide, I loved camping & immersing myself in nature any time I could get a chance to. I especially loved learning about ecology.  As I got older, I wanted to find a career that allowed me to live in the country and support my love of nature.

I went to the University of Guelph for a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and after graduation, I came home to work at my parent’s farm supply business, selling seed and providing cropping services for farmers in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec. 

Over time, I was able to earn my credentials as a Certified Crop Advisor, providing farmers sustainable and science-backed advice to help them manage their crops, soil health, and water resources.  I love incorporating the principles of agronomy (biology, chemistry and ecology) to help farmers grow safe and affordable food, fuel and fibre for the people around the world.

I started farming with my partner, Michael, almost 20 years ago. We specialize in growing grains and oilseeds: corn, canola, soybeans, wheat and cover crops.   I manage the agronomy (helping farmers make science-based decisions), the financials and share in marketing decisions with my partner.  He manages the equipment and our staff.  Farming is really a team sport, and I am so blessed to have a great team.  

My favourite job on the farm is running the combine harvester, seeing how our crops have performed based on our management and the weather that Mother Nature has given us each year. It’s a great way to ground-truth my agronomic decisions.

In 2018, I became a beekeeper, which added another wonderful level of diversity to our farm; our crops feed our bees, our bees feed our crops and both in turn feed our family and our community.

I retired from my role at the farm supply business several years ago and now have the privilege of helping teach future agriculturalists at the Algonquin College Agri-Business Diploma program, soon to be based in Ottawa.

Whether it’s my own children or my students in the program, I hope to instill a love and wonder of the living systems around us so that we can continue to grow safe, healthy and affordable food, fuels and fibres for generations to come.