Hugh Maynard has spent decades exploring the people, issues and ideas shaping Canadian agriculture. A longtime agricultural journalist and communicator, Hugh brings a broad perspective to the industry, with a particular interest in uncovering the details that make a story meaningful. Through his work with Qu’anglo Communications and his involvement with the Canadian Farm Writers’ Federation, where he serves as Secretary-Treasurer, he continues to connect audiences with the stories behind farming, food and rural life.

We asked Hugh to reflect on his path into agricultural communications, the topics that inspire his work, and what keeps him passionate about telling the stories behind food and farming.

What drew you to farm writing?

I came to farm writing through agriculture. After completing my farm management studies at Macdonald College, the 1980s were a tough time to be starting a farm, with interest rates at 20% or higher. An opportunity to write about farming with the Quebec Farmers’ Advocate turned out to be a great alternative.

The thing about agriculture—farming, agri-food and rural life—is that there’s always something new and interesting to write about. Especially the people involved in the sector; they always have an interesting story to tell.

What topics or issues do you most enjoy covering?

I’m interested in most topics related to agriculture, but what I really enjoy are those “aha!” moments when someone I’m interviewing reveals a nugget of detail that helps connect the dots and gives greater meaning to the “why” of the story.

What’s one story or project that stands out in your career so far?

Early in my career, I was fortunate to receive the CFWF international bursary to attend the IFAJ Congress in Sweden. En route, I took a detour into the Soviet Union (yes, that long ago!) and visited farms and agri-food institutions around Kyiv and Moscow.

It was a fascinating and eye-opening journey through a region experiencing major social and political upheaval and transitioning from state to independent farms. It was also a good lesson in applying for grants and bursaries—you never know where that open door will lead you to!

Why does farm writing matter to you today?

Agriculture affects everyone, and a good example is the recent launch of Farm to Food, a podcast focused on the agri-food sector. Drawing on my earlier experience as a freelancer for CBC Radio, the podcast has given me the opportunity to sit down with farmers, researchers, policy experts and others for longer conversations about agriculture and food than are normally possible in a newspaper article—and to bring those conversations to both agricultural and non-agricultural audiences.

Good agricultural journalism can help bridge the gap, giving farmers useful information while helping the wider public understand where food comes from, why farmers make the decisions they do, and how issues such as weather, markets, trade and government policy ultimately affect us all.

What do you do for fun?

In my younger years, I played a lot of rugby, but these days it’s all about family—visiting with my grandkids and helping out on my daughter’s farm—as well as continuing my involvement in numerous community organizations.