The location of the monument was the start of the planning process. Although we wanted it to be accessible to the public, it had to be in a place of reverence and to be national with the potential for regional applications going forward. It also needed to be where this stunning artwork would be both admired and cared for into perpetuity.
 
In addition, the location had to have enough space to display the concept of being at least 15 feet high and have access so people could walk all the way around to see the 360 degrees of detail in the sculpture. 

The home of the Fallen Farmer monument needs to be a place that understands the deep tradition and respect of agriculture and food, and will remain connected indefinitely. It also needs to be wheelchair accessible to the general public at any time so anyone could see and admire it.

The site specifics are based on the needs for the sculpture and landscaping, the flow of public, parking, future possible issues, viewing of the monument up close and being admired from afar, even from above and in retrospect to the landscape and buildings around it.
Once a sufficient amount of funds are raised, the exact location(s) will be announced.

The artist needed to be Canadian and understand the serenity of the project. They also had to understand that this piece of art represents agriculture’s history and modern practices, all broad representation of crops and livestock and farming from coast to coast.

Multiple concepts and sculptors from across Canada were considered. We visited other similar installations, including Lost to The Sea Memorial | Yarmouth, Nova Scotia and a monument to fire fighters KPFFA Fallen Firefighter Memorial – Kitchener Firefighters Association.
After touring the sculptor’s studio in Elmira, Ontario (he also has one in Rome, Italy) –  and talking with Tim Schmalz who grew up in the little farming community, we knew we had someone who could create something deeply emotional and understood farmers.

The high level of details in his sculptures means people pause and take time to look closely and every time they visit the site they will see something new. Schmalz’s work is installed in over 50 countries, including Vatican City. Home - Timothy Paul Schmalz

So many names were considered but the organizing committee and many collaborators agreed, Fallen Farmer depicts the resiliency of family farms and rural communities across Canada. And while respecting the loss and pain, the name points to rising again to build a future.

It was also important the name and figure be anonymous and any age, any gender to represent all the hurt and sacrifice. It’s about honouring the sacrifices of the losses collectively, not as a memorial to specific individuals. On average 60 farmers die in farm accidents every year along with hundreds of accidents. 

For the purpose of this monument, it is important to remain a collective recognition so no one is left behind. We hope the families and friends remember the individuals that they’ve lost while acknowledging the industry as a whole.
 

Yes. Here is the link. Charitable receipts will be issued immediately.

Yes, and it’s an exceptional way to show how much a company cares about the people and the communities you serve. Why Donate.

Email the fundraising committee info@fallenfarmer.ca. Charitable receipts will be issued and if you wish, donations and pledges can be done incrementally over multiple years.

Please send an email to info@fallenfarmer.ca

The goal is to unveil the sculpture in late 2027. Donations will be collected until the budget needs are met.

Yes, and it’s an excellent way to pay homage to someone you lost who loved farming.  Please use the donation link on the website or contact info@fallenfarmer.ca.

No individual names will be on the monument as this is beautiful, timeless, anonymous way to honour of all who have given and sacrificed to feed the world. Resilience and healing is built in recognition of loss and gathering together, not in brass plates with engraving.
 

This monument creates AWARENESS for everyone, including the public, that our food is produced by real people and that there’s risks involved. In fact, farming is one of the riskiest occupations in the world. 

The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association works to empower those who grow world-class food on Canadian farms and ranches to take action to be safer and healthier. To learn more here is their website: Canadian Agricultural Safety Association – CASA