We were delighted to have a follow up interview with Brandon B. to discuss his career path in farming, his strengths, interests, skillset development, and why he decided to get into this line of work.

1. What was your entry into the workforce?

I started out as a temp worker. When I started in the workforce it was through Simcoe Parts Service, which was industrial factory work. You are picking parts for cars, you put it on the cart and you put the cart in a line that will go on a trailer. Sometimes I would be the guy picking, other times I would be the guy on the trailer. It is physically intensive, it was long days, with some breaks.

2. How did you develop an interest in farming, agriculture and working outdoors?

I had helped out a family friend with his potato harvest. We were sitting on the back of a harvester, the harvester was made in a way that 4 people could stand on the back and could pick out rocks, grass and weeds, or whatever comes across the conveyor so that there is less of that in the truck and more potatoes.

I enjoyed it and it was sort of like playing a game, where you have to pick up something as fast as you can before going over the edge. You can get very close to getting rid of anything that is less desirable in there.

3. How did you enter the field of farming?

I was recommended to my current employer through my family friend. I started out assisting two other guys that I had worked with, that I started out with and I got to learn a few things here and there.

The first vehicle I operated was a little articulated front end loader. I also got to do some disc harrowing.

4. What qualities were you looking for in a career? Such as work environment or working in your area of interest.

I was mainly looking for to keep myself physically active, but also I enjoy the outdoors, and the outside environment and I like growing things so I wanted to explore that.

I always enjoyed having a garden of my own.

5. What were the main skills you had to develop as you started farming?

Mechanically, I had to learn the metric and empirical system for wrenches and tools. I had to learn a lot of hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness and time management. Time management with machinery, knowing when to stop something. Through experience this becomes instinctual.

Also, I tuned my ears and my senses, to the point where I can smell or hear something that is not right. When you know you are hearing something that is not in place and you know that something is wrong.

6. What strengths and personal skills do bring to your farming position?

My hard work and determination to get things done.

Also physical capabilities – you need to possess these capabilities to do the work. In awkward and uncomfortable situations, you need to have the mental and physical fortitude and patience to deal with that.

Sometimes it’s hot and you need to have both food and water to keep your mind and your body physically and mentally prepared to deal with the situation you might be in.

7. How do you balance your busy job with other aspects as life?

I do have my hobbies such as gardening. I sing in a barbershop chorus every Wednesday evening, which is a highlight of the week. On the weekends, I do a bit of gaming but I’m not a serious gamer as I used to be.

I prefer not to be on the computer as much. Video games are often kind of boring these days and not as exciting as they used to be.

8. What life skills have you developed as you have been working?

In employment you have to deal with people and have a conversation. I often have to deal with invoices or a bill of lading, which is the shipping document that you get for whatever product you are receiving – this is basically a legally binding document. I also have to do parts runs and be organized such as knowing what parts to pick up.

Dealing with customers and people. People with ASD aren’t always used to dealing with people or having eye to eye contact but I don’t care about that anymore. I deal with people directly.

Problem solving as well. If I don’t know something, I call up the boss and he’ll have a better idea. If I’m not sure, I ask. It never hurts!

I have my DZ licence so that means I can drive tandem straight trucks. I have greatly improved my ability to drive. It’s also improved my awareness of how heavy a truck can be fully loaded. It burdens you with a responsibility to safely drive to your destination – a burden I gladly bear and this is very rewarding. You also become aware of the rules of the road and responsibilities as a truck drive in the industry.

I can fully cook for myself and buy groceries. I can eat anywhere, in any amount of time, especially when you are on the go in the job. You don’t really have time to stop in the field. You really need to bring a lunch for yourself, because you are not often going to be within reach of a restaurant!