Dana and Adam Thatcher are young farmers with big dreams, and last month, their hard work was rewarded when the couple were awarded the title of Ontario’s Outstanding Young Farmers (OOYF), presented in Guelph.
“We love what we do so it reassures me that what we are doing matters, providing healthy quality meats to our customers,” said Dana Thatcher.
The award and gala event was sponsored by Farm Credit Canada, Dupont-Pioneer, Better Farming, OMAFRA, GROWMARK and the Grain Farmers of Ontario.
Thatcher explained she and her husband Adam were nominated for the award by the Ontario Farm Fresh Marketing Association, which set the couple up alongside an impressive group of fellow farmers from across Ontario working in various agricultural markets.
The finals came down to five nominees, chosen based on career progress, environmental and safety practices, crop and livestock production history, financial and management practices, and contributions to society.
Thatcher says the win, though wonderful, was equalled by the experience of meeting peers.
“I felt so privileged to have met the five other nominees and learn from them. We are all doing something specific and yet, similar,” said Thatcher, who enjoyed the three-day event, which provided a networking opportunity for all involved. “We’ve made a great group of friends.”
It took a fair amount of work too, preparing a presentation and explaining the history of their farm and agricultural practices.
“This was the opportunity for Adam and I to reflect on our business … what we’re doing, where we’re going and why we do it. It was really valuable.”
The Thatchers, who are both under the age of 40, are parents to three children: five-year-old Sophie, four-year-old William, and one-year-old Thomas.
Their 140 acre farm, located on 5th Line, Eramosa, went from being a struggling hog farm to a 250 ewe sheep operation and farm gate retail shop that features their own naturally raised meats, including hormone and additive-free lamb, beef, pork and chicken, Omega-3 eggs, honey, and maple syrup. The store also includes an on-site bakery where Dana’s homebaked meat pies are a customer favorite. The store employs two full-time and several part-time staff.
In the spring of 2012, thanks to a grant from the Ontario Cattleman’s Association, they were able to add an on-site butcher shop, ensuring they had complete quality assurance and control.
“We’ve really done it from scratch, just the two of us,” said Thatcher. “I was so lucky to have married Adam, who was a farmer, because I am living a life like no other and I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
That passion for agriculture was clear when the panel of three judges voted for the Thatchers to win. In a press release the judges, Philip Lynn (OOYF winner in 2005), Ross Carson (FCC) and Rob Gordon (Dean of the Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph) stated they chose the Thatchers in part due to their innovation, commitment to product quality, customer service and their ever-present desire to talk to the consumer about what they do on their farm.
Consumers at the Guelph Farmers’ Market have come to know the Thatchers well.
“We started there in 2009,” Thatcher explains, adding their booth size has grown to accommodate customers’ requests. “I’ve made some major life friendships with customers who like to get to know their farmers, how their food is grown and see where their food comes from. People want to come out and see the farm.”
She believes helping people make the connection to food and the land is essential for the future of sustainable agriculture. Future goals on the farm include hosting agricultural-themed events by creating a farm destination.
In November, the Thatchers will head to Regina, Saskatchewan, for the nationals, vying for the title of Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers. It is an experience the Thatchers are excited about.
“We get to go and be with these incredible people in the industry. To go and take the opportunity to learn from these knowledgeable people, exposing ourselves to these experts is all that matters,” she said.
Until then, like all farmers, the Thatchers are busy doing what they do.
“Farmers work so hard all day, every single day of the year (espcially Adam) so to have farmers recognized in general is a reward in itself,” said Thatcher. “Farmers are the smartest, most hard working group of people I have ever met and I am very proud to be one. So just to be recognized for something we believe in and love doing is an honour.”
To be eligible for the OOYF award, farmers must be between 19 and 39 years of age, derive at least two thirds of their annual income from farming and demonstrate progress in their agriculture careers. Nominations for the 2014 award are due Dec. 1, 2013. For more information visit www.oyfontario.ca.
