A new reality TV dating show airing on CTV this summer has a Grand Manan connection, with the participation of 36 year old Josh MacLeod, who is currently a lobster fisherman on the island. The show, "Farming for Love," derives from Fremantle Media's "Farmer Wants A Wife," which claims nearly 200 weddings and over 450 children from its matchmaking.
      The Canadian version features five British Columbians who operate farms ranging from livestock and equestrian training to berries and a winery. Each began the season with six or seven "daters" who traveled to their farms to participate in daily chores and challenges. MacLeod, known as "Dater Josh" on the show, went to Abbotsford, B.C., to meet "Farmer Gurleen" on her family's berry and agro tourism farm.
      MacLeod, a self described "Renaissance man," has an elementary teaching degree, worked as a business representative in China, has done blueberry raking and tree planting, started several online businesses and is in the process of flipping a house. He has "dated a lot" and "learned that romance is a decision." He says, "I've always said yes to a lot of unique experiences," and wanting to pursue a romantic partner, he was comfortable doing it in the context of a TV show. A friend encouraged him to apply. He didn't expect to be picked but was "giddy" about the prospect.
      Applicants chose which farmer to meet based on their online bios. MacLeod says the production team works closely with the farmers, who were "heavily involved" in picking potential matches. The process required about a month of screening and interviews -- "due diligence," MacLeod says.
      He was stepping off a lobster boat when he got a phone call to tell him he'd been chosen. He describes a brief moment of "panic -- now it's real," but he was also "on cloud nine, anticipating an incredible journey." A little ribbing from his friends and fishing buddies was to be expected, but he says the community support has been tremendous, with people commenting in the grocery store that they've been watching and are cheering him on. "Everyone's been supportive of finding a life partner," he says.
      He went prepared, packing his baity boots and fishing gear. He says "you go in with a little more confidence" knowing you've been hand picked. All the same, the first episode's "speed date" was the first time he met Gurleen in person, and "my mom said I looked nervous."
      Pumpkin tossing "felt like moving bait tubs." He was tricked into scooping goat droppings with his hands when Gurleen said the farm workers did that -- not true, but he was amused. He gained respect for strawberry pickers, "bent over in the sun," and while he didn't do well in the family cooking challenge, it was a highlight because of he got to see the relationships among the "incredible" hard working family.
      He praises the show's production team for creating "an enjoyable process from start to finish."
      MacLeod isn't allowed to talk about the show's outcome, with several episodes left to air. As of the July 9 episode, he was one of three daters still in the running. He states that it has been one of his best life experiences -- "which says a lot after travelling around the world" -- and it affirmed his ideas about trying new things: "Take the risk, dive in. Try something new; it almost always pays off."
      The show is currently accepting applications for season two, and MacLeod strongly encourages anyone to apply. "Farming for Love" airs Sunday nights at 7 p.m. on CTV.