New NLFA president introduces himself to readers
/by Wayne Simmons
As the new president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture (NLFA), I want to introduce myself to readers of Farm Focus and let you know who I am and what I would like to do for the industry. I was born in Grand Falls-Windsor and live in Little Rapids, on the west coast of the island, with my wife Nadia and two children.
Agriculture has always been a significant part of my life, as I grew up on a mixed farm operation. I learned at an early age the importance of hard work. There are often new challenges every day, but with every challenge comes an opportunity to learn and grow. These days, I’m an owner-operator of Hammond Farm Ltd. with my brothers Bruce and Keith.
We currently produce forage on 500 acres of land, selling the forage to other farmers. However, Hammond Farm has an interesting and varied history that began for our family when my dad, Scott Simmons, purchased it in 1978. I started working on the farm in 1987. Upon Dad’s retirement from the business in 1988, my two brothers took ownership. I continued to be an employee until 2002 when I became a partner.
Hammond Farm held egg quota for many years, with 35,000 laying hens, while also growing replacement pullets. The farm graded and distributed eggs in western Newfoundland. In addition to its own eggs, the farm purchased eggs from the other two layer farms in western Newfoundland at the time. Hammond Farm was also a dairy operation for much of its history, holding 2,700 litres of dairy quota until 2019.
In addition to the production side, we also operate an on-site store, Hammond Farm Feed & Supplies. This part of the business provides a variety of feed and supplies to customers in western Newfoundland.
I’m eager to get to work as the new NLFA president and see growth in both the organization and the industry.
My first order of business as president is rebuilding the relationship with the Department of Fisheries and Land Resources, as well as maintaining good relationships with the various commodities that the NLFA represents.
To accomplish this, I intend to draw upon my experience on various boards and committees. In addition to being the NLFA president, I’ve also served most recently as the NLFA’s vice-president, chairman of the School Milk Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador, and board member with the Canadian Federation of Agriculture and the Atlantic Federation of Agriculture. I’m a past board member of the Dairy Farmers of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Dairy Farmers of Canada.
I look forward to working for our NLFA members and I hope to meet the members I haven’t met yet. There is so much opportunity in our industry and I’m truly excited to help it reach its potential. There’s a lot of work to do, but I relish the challenge.
(Wayne Simmons is president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture and is an owner-operator of Hammond Farm Ltd. in Little Rapids, N.L.)
