Our Story
While the idea to share a life with cattle was formed many decades ago, the real journey began when we purchased property in the radiant county of Oxford, along the Nith River. As a young boy raised in family greenhouses that were brought to Canada by his Dutch grandfather, Mike "grew" into the family business. Greenhouses and flowers became Mike's life for almost 50 years until a childhood dream pushed its way to the surface and opportunities began to align.
With the farm acquisition, came the construction of a barn and queries from the neighbours. Discussions about the barn's purpose led to a possible herd for sale. A friendly neighbour knew of John, a gentleman who was looking to sell his herd of registered Black Angus. John wanted to have the cattle on his farm for as long as possible but needed to know that they wouldn't be left as a burden for his family. This was a plan Mike could work with as it allowed Mike to slowly move animals to our farm while giving John the joy of having 'cows around'. Once the entire herd was moved, John's family brought him for one last visit with 'his cows'; a heartwarming and yet melancholy moment. We are grateful for the small role we played. Our lives have always been planted, nourished and sustained by farming. Now, it's a different 'kind' of farming and we are growing through the challenges.
In our third calving season, our first calf eluded our detection the first evening by hiding in an obscure part of the barn. Upon discovery the next morning, we were puzzled by his mother's inattentiveness until we noticed that he couldn't uncurl his front legs. He desperately tried to nurse but when he got up on his back legs he was still too short to reach her teats. She was helpless and frustrated and so were we. Our inexperience struck deep - what could we do? With a little thought and after a good bottle-feeding, Mike built leg braces and I began physiotherapy. Each day we massaged and flexed those legs while the cow and calf enjoyed a personal paddock. Despite a reluctant mother, we had the calf walking without braces and nursing in three weeks. Now, he's the widest calf of the year.
The cattle have given us continuity that we needed when we made the move out of the family business. Mike's role in the greenhouses required 24/7 attention and the cattle fit right into that habit. I'm happy to see Mike enjoy his relationship with the cattle. For us, it has always been and will always be "our way of life". This is true for our children and we hope becomes true for anyone who comes for a visit, be it for an hour, a week or lifetime.