Key Takeaways:
- A Canadian farming couple, Arend and Anneesa Feenstra, left Saskatchewan due to rising costs and shrinking profits.
- They felt squeezed by high expenses and too many middlemen taking cuts from their earnings.
- They were unhappy with Canada’s progressive culture, especially support for LGBTQ+ and trans rights.
- The Feenstras moved to the U.S., where they found a better life and like-minded communities.
- They now thrive in rural America, feeling more at home with conservative values.
Arend and Anneesa Feenstra’s Journey From Canada to the U.S.
Life as a farmer in northern Saskatchewan was becoming impossible for Arend Feenstra and his wife, Anneesa. Everything was getting more expensive, and making a living was tougher each year. They felt trapped, stuck in a system where too many people were taking a slice of their hard-earned money before it ever reached the store shelves.
Rising Costs and Shrinking Profits
Arend explains that farming in Canada wasn’t paying off like it used to. Prices for seeds, tools, and fuel kept climbing, but the money they made from selling their crops wasn’t growing fast enough. Middlemen, like wholesalers and distributors, took big cuts, leaving farmers with little profit. It felt unfair. Why work so hard if most of the money wasn’t staying with the people who did the work?
On top of that, the Feenstras felt like they were losing control of their business. Rules and regulations were piling up, making it harder to run their farm the way they wanted. It felt like no one was listening to the farmers’ concerns.
A Clash of Values
But money wasn’t the only problem. The Feenstras also felt uncomfortable with what they call “woke” culture in Canada. They didn’t agree with the strong support for LGBTQ+ and trans rights, which they saw as too prominent in Canadian society. They felt like their views were no longer welcome in their home country.
This clash of values made them feel out of place. They wanted to live in a place where their beliefs aligned with the people around them. So, they made the tough decision to leave Canada behind and start fresh in the U.S.
A New Life in the U.S.
The Feenstras chose to move to a rural area in the United States. They found a small community where people shared their values. Farming was still hard work, but it felt more sustainable. The costs were lower, and they had more control over their business.
In the U.S., they felt more at home. They were surrounded by people who thought like them, and they felt free to live as they wanted. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a better fit for their lifestyle and beliefs.
Why They Chose the U.S.
So, why did the Feenstras choose the U.S.? For them, it was all about finding a place where they could make a living and live without feeling like outsiders. They wanted a place where their values were respected and where farming could be profitable.
The U.S. offered them that. They found a community that shared their conservative views and a farming system that was more favorable to small-scale farmers. It wasn’t easy to leave Canada, but they felt it was the right decision for their future.
The Bigger Picture
The Feenstras’ story isn’t just about one couple. It raises questions about the future of farming in Canada. If farmers are struggling to make ends meet, and if they feel pushed out by rising costs and cultural shifts, who will grow the food in the years to come?
Their story also highlights the growing divide between rural and urban areas. In many places, rural communities feel left behind as cities push for progressive changes. The Feenstras’ decision to leave Canada shows how this divide can lead people to seek new beginnings elsewhere.
What’s Next for the Feenstras?
For now, the Feenstras are focused on building their new life in the U.S. They’re working hard to make their farm successful and to be active members of their community. They hope to inspire others who feel stuck to take control of their lives and find a place where they truly belong.
Final Thoughts
The Feenstras’ journey from Canada to the U.S. is a story of hope and resilience. They faced challenges and made tough choices, but they found a new home where they could thrive. Their story reminds us that sometimes, change is necessary for happiness and success.