Meet the Ontario farmers behind the meals you love!

Ontario is home to more than 1,300 family-run chicken farms, 500 egg farms, and 150 turkey farms — each one working hard to bring fresh, local food to your table.

Josh

Josh

Turkey Farmer

Josh has been involved in farming for his entire life. This fifth-generation farmer raises turkeys on the family farm that he and his cousin, Chad, run with the help of other family members. Josh also works in crop production on the farm where they grow corn, beans, and wheat which keeps him busy in the fields.

Josh spends a lot of time researching online and reading through industry publications to keep himself up-to-date on issues that affect his farm, which is what he considers to be his secret to success. He takes pride in being a farmer and enjoys seeing how farming has progressed over the years. The fast pace of technology allows for newer and more efficient equipment to be introduced to the barns. He loves what he does and enjoys teaching his children about farming, taking them to the barns, and scouting the fields on the four-wheeler.

Farming turkeys is hard work, but at the end of the day it’s very rewarding.

Elaine

Elaine

Turkey Farmer

Elaine’s husband Tom, had his passion for turkey farming passed onto him by his parents, Harry and Frieda. Today, the farm continues to be a family affair, with Tom, Elaine and their children, Justin, Adam and Lindsay (pictured with Elaine) all involved in the operation of the farm and retail outlet.

Elaine says she has seen the farm evolve over the years with technology and efficiency of equipment being key factors to the growth of their farm. Elaine admits that one of the biggest challenges of being a turkey farmer today is educating the public on how the turkeys are raised in the healthiest and happiest environment possible, from poult to plate. The farm’s goal is to raise turkeys with the least environmental impact to the land, air and water.

I feel the secret to success of our turkey farm is the compassion, commitment and devotion of family, as we all take much pride in raising the finest turkey available on the market.

Elgersma Family

Elgersma Family

Egg Farmer

The Elgersma family are first generation farmers in Wellington County. They were inspired to become egg farmers because they were looking for an opportunity to farm as a family. They had a growing family and explored several different livestock opportunities but egg farming seemed to be the one that felt just right for the family.

One of the things we find truly amazing is that we’re able to provide Ontario eggs for Ontario families, often a lot more local than we think. The truck that picks up our eggs once a week also delivers to local grocery stores in the area, which reflects the pride we take in supplying eggs to families right here in Ontario.

Kaiser Family

Kaiser Family

Egg Farmer

The Kaiser family are third generation farmers in Lennox-Addington County. This family is raising their kids on the farm and having them work alongside their grandparents is truly special. There’s a great sense of pride in passing the torch to the next generation and it’s also a lot of fun spending moments together with the kids and sharing those experiences.

One of the great things about working with your kids, is they understand you better and they also have an ownership that you can’t teach, it’s in them and there’s a lot of value in that.

Wynette Family

Wynette Family

Egg Farmer

Located in Perth County, the Wynette Family are third generation egg farmers. At the Wynette farm the chicken barn was the hub of the family and the place where they spent the majority of their time.

The family raise hens in the barn through an enriched colony system where hens can practice their natural behaviours like perching and scratching. Hens also have 24-hour access to water and feed, and enjoy a constant, comfortable temperature 365 days out of the year.

We grew up in the barn, and I would like the same for my kids.

Hendrikx Family

Hendrikx Family

Chicken Farmer

Jerry and D. Kathy Hendrikx farm with two of their children, along with their respective spouses and children. The Hendrikx family has a deep history of farming that goes back generations. The home farm was settled in 1951, after Jerry’s family emigrated from the Netherlands in 1948.

Originally, the Hendrikx family focused on dairy and cash crop; however, they were looking to diversify their current family farm and as a result, in 2018, built their first chicken barn.

The Hendrikx family chose chicken farming because the industry continues to be strong, vibrant, and growing. Chicken farming also allowed the family to continue to handle all the accompanying work as a family as the day-to-day operations grew.

Jerry Hendrikx’s favorite part about being a chicken farmer is being able to share his knowledge and love of farming with his children and grandchildren and work closely together every day. The Hendrikx believe that chicken farming is a family-friendly industry and enjoy seeing the youngest generation begin to show an interest in chicken farming. The family is excited to see where the next generation will take the family farm.

Weber Family

Weber Family

Chicken Farmer

The Weber family got into chicken farming to diversify their family farm and build a sustainable and rewarding business with their children. In 2021, the Weber family were successful applicants for the New Entrant Chicken Farmer Program.

Although the Webers are new to chicken farming, they are no strangers to running a family farm. Matt and Nicole come from a farming background and together purchased their first cash crop farm in 2013. Logan, Alyssa, and Blake are always happy to help on the farm and are involved in the day-to-day operation.

Matt and Nicole believe the Ontario chicken industry is strong, vibrant, and will continue to grow. Matt and Nicole are excited about the future for their chicken farm and believe it will be a legacy for their children to carry on into the future.