#FarmHerOntario: Gloria Cornelissen
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, Gloria Cornelissen explores the wide-ranging benefits of grain farming for her community and family.
I grew up on my parents’ farm, where I developed a strong work ethic at an early age. Farming taught me the importance of working together as a family and supporting one another through both the successes and the challenges. It is truly a team effort and a lifestyle that allows you to stay closely connected to family.
I have also always been drawn to the business side of agriculture. Farming offers constant opportunities to adapt, make decisions, and shape the direction of the operation to achieve balance and long-term sustainability.
Our farm grows a crop rotation of wheat, corn, and soybeans. This rotation allows us to diversify our market opportunities while also supporting optimal soil health through good crop management practices. In addition to grain farming, my husband and I own and operate a poultry enterprise. The chicken feed we use incorporates wheat, corn, and soybeans grown in our region, helping provide a balanced and nutritious diet for the birds.
Grains play an essential role not only in livestock production but also in human nutrition, supplying many of the nutrients found in everyday foods. Corn from our farm can also be used in ethanol production, contributing to cleaner fuel that supplements the gasoline we use in our vehicles. These are just a few examples—there are many end uses for the grains grown on a typical Canadian farm.
My role has evolved over the years. As a child, I helped with labor-intensive tasks and eventually moved into operating equipment and becoming involved in management decisions as my experience grew. Over time, I transitioned more into the administrative side of the operation while still stepping in wherever needed during busy seasons.
Today, I farm alongside my husband while also continuing to support my parents’ farm when I can—helping from home and lending a hand during peak times. We now have two children of our own, and we look forward to raising them on the farm and involving them as they grow.
In our community, we are both involved in agricultural committees that work to support and strengthen the broader farm community.
What I enjoy most is the family-oriented nature of the lifestyle and the opportunity to be your own boss—making decisions, adapting to challenges, and pursuing opportunities as they arise. No two days are ever the same, which keeps the work engaging and meaningful.
While farming often involves long and demanding days, it is incredibly rewarding to work alongside good people who share the same commitment and passion for what they do.
