May 10, 2023
On this episode, we interview Janice Groenheide, Cheesemaker and Owner of WalkaboutFarm. Join us as we discuss cheesemaking, what a cheesemaker does and misconceptions about the profession.
Janice Groenheide is a cheesemaker and owner of WalkAboutFarm. Janice owns WalkAboutFarm with her husband Rob where they currently milk sheep with the help of the Thunder Oak Cheese Farm to produce 3 different types of cheese including a local feta style cheese.
Janice was very involved in agriculture while growing up on her family’s sheep farm. She was very active in both 4-H and her local agricultural society. After attending the University of Guelph for Agriculture and Conestoga College for Paramedics, Janice moved to Thunder Bay and currently works as a paramedic as well as on the farm.
This episode of the podcast is supported by CareersNow! CareersNow! is Food and Beverage Ontario’s multi-year workforce development initiative that is connecting students and job seekers with employers in Ontario’s food and beverage processing industry for exciting career opportunities. Check out CareersNow.ca for more information on exciting jobs, career information, industry mentors and training opportunities for professional development.
This episode of the podcast is brought to you by our Education Partner, Conestoga College. Conestoga College is a leader in polytechnic education and one of Ontario’s fastest growing colleges, delivering a full range of career-focused education, training and applied research programs to prepare students for success in the new knowledge economy and promote economic prosperity throughout our region and across Ontario.
Timestamps
[2:26] What Janice does at WalkaboutFarms and Cheeses they make
[9:46] Why Janice decided to stay in agriculture
[12:53] Parts of the job that Janice likes best
[19:35] University of Guelph Cheese Making Course
[22:44] The cheese-making process
[24:29] Misconceptions about cheese-making
[28:17] Cheese-making community and what is like
[29:34] Skills needed to be a cheese-maker
[31:59] Advice for students looking to become a cheese-maker
University of Guelph Cheese Making Course
Find Janice Online
WalkAboutFarm
info@walkaboutfarm.ca