Growing up in a mining town in northern Ontario, I never learned much about farming — until now.

Life is often long, and Canada has offered much new learning all along the way. I have had the one quality: curiosity.

That, combined with a growing global awareness, and hanging out with and being taught by well-informed people and groups who were conscientious about participating in the world and increasing human well-being, have led me to Northcote Farm — just north of Lakefield — and part of Lakefield College School. In mid-winter.

Made recently famous because Canadian rock musician Neil Young — who grew up in Omemee — played a sellout concert on the site outdoors in May 2025 as a fundraiser for the rehabilitation of the historical farmhouse. Young believes that farms and history matter in education and in general awareness. The concert drew 2,000 people.

Northcote Farm was given to the school in 2007 by a former student and his wife, Donald and Gretchen........

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