BIOGRAPHY
Marla Ramsum grew up on an acreage in Spring Hill, Nova Scotia, where caring for small farm animals and tending the family garden sparked her lifelong passion for farming. These early experiences laid the foundation for her commitment to agriculture, self-sufficiency, and stewardship of the land.
In 2002, Marla married and moved to her husband’s family farm south of Atmore. Together, they built their home and farm while raising two children and developing a diverse, productive farming operation.
INVOLVEMENT IN THE FAMILY FARM
Marla has been deeply involved in all aspects of the family farm. She educated herself extensively in organic farming practices, food production, preservation, and farm finances. She became skilled in growing, harvesting, processing, and preserving food through canning, freezing, dehydration, milling flour, and producing syrups.
She managed large gardens, greenhouses, fruit trees, and berry bushes, while also caring for a wide range of livestock including poultry, goats, pigs, and cattle. Marla was involved in milking, feeding, calving, branding, butchering, and general livestock care. She also operated farm equipment, raked hay, hauled bales, maintained fences, chopped wood, and supported all daily farm operations. In addition, she prepared homemade meals for her family and for those working on the farm during seeding and harvest.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COMMUNITY
As her experience grew, Marla chose to share her knowledge with others. She regularly hosted friends, neighbors, and community members at her farm to teach organic growing, harvesting, food preservation, and animal care. Her family also participated in the Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) program, welcoming visitors from around the world and sharing sustainable farming practices.
Marla contributed to the local economy by selling surplus organically grown produce, grains, and food products at local farmers’ markets. She has also volunteered with local churches, 4-H, Junior Forest Rangers, and Cadets, supporting youth development and community engagement.
PERSONAL EFFORTS MADE
Alongside her extensive farm responsibilities, Marla homeschooled her two sons from kindergarten through grade twelve under challenging circumstances. In addition to academic subjects, she taught them the values of self-sustainability, good stewardship, responsibility, and strong character. At times, she also held part-time employment outside the home while continuing to manage the farm and household.
For more than 25 years, Marla has played an integral role in building, managing, and sustaining her family farm. Her dedication, innovation, and sacrifice exemplify the spirit of a modern farm woman and make her a deserving recipient of this recognition.
