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Poetry · Chapter

Canadian Cheese Trade explained

This chapter celebrates the rise of the Canadian cheese industry, focusing on the pioneering efforts of Ranney and Ballantyne in establishing dairying and cheese production in Dereham and Perth, and the international acclaim of Canadian che

What happens

This chapter celebrates the rise of the Canadian cheese industry, focusing on the pioneering efforts of Ranney and Ballantyne in establishing dairying and cheese production in Dereham and Perth, and the international acclaim of Canadian cheese.

Themes in this chapter

  • Agriculture and Rural Economy

    Highlights the establishment and success of dairying and cheese-making as a key economic activity in rural Ontario.

  • Pioneer and Settler Struggles

    Ranney's move to Dereham and the initial lack of nearby dairymen illustrate the challenges faced by early settlers in building agricultural enterprises.

Characters to notice

  • Father Ranney

    Left his native state with his skilled mate to settle in Dereham, pioneering dairying in the area.

  • Ballantyne

    Champion of cheese production in Perth, contributing to the region's large and fine cheese crop.

Key passages

  • When Ranney left his native state With his industrious, skilful mate, They settled down in Dereham Then, no dairymen lived near them.

    Ranney and his capable wife moved from their home state to Dereham, where there were no other dairy farmers at the time.

    Describes the pioneering settlement and the beginning of dairying in the area.

  • It sailed with triumph o’er the seas, ’Twas hailed with welcome queen of cheese.

    The cheese was successfully exported overseas and was celebrated as the finest cheese.

    Emphasizes the international success and reputation of Canadian cheese.

  • Now Perth has cheese crop large and fine Thanks to cheese champion Ballantyne.

    Perth now produces a large and excellent cheese harvest, thanks to the efforts of Ballantyne, a champion of cheese-making.

    Acknowledges Ballantyne's role in advancing the cheese industry in Perth.