Better Farming - August 2016

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Better Farming August 2016 Farm News First > 23
For the Wm. A. Chesney &
Sons Limited farming
operation, family ties are
central to its culture.
While many family members
and employees gathered for this
mid-June photoshoot, owner-oper-
ator William (Bill) S. Chesney
quickly noted the four individuals
who were unable to join us for the
afternoon: William C. Chesney
(Bill’s son), Kathryn A. Chesney
(Bill’s wife), and his nieces Shauna
and Jillian Chesney.
The focus on family can be seen
through this photo essay, as shots
capture the team working together.
Both Bill Chesney and his father,
William A. (Bill Sr.) also drew our
attention to the family’s farming
history, proudly showcased in the
farm’s office.
The family and its staff farm
2,600 acres near Innerkip, parts of
which have been in Chesney hands
since the 1860s. The diversified
cropping operation includes corn,
soybeans, kidney beans, wheat,
rye, mustard, ginseng, rutabagas
and hay.
Ultimately, the family’s passion
for the development of its ginseng
operation rings through. The
Chesney farm started growing
ginseng in 1992, beginning with
three acres per year of wood shade
on 12-foot bays.
The family sold its first crop in
1995 and has since expanded to
85 acres in production. BF
Introduction by Andrea Gal.
Deeply rooted: Chesney family remains
at heart of the operation
PHOTOS and
CAPTIONS by
KYLE RODRIGUEZ
FIELDTRIP
Members of the Wm. A. Chesney & Sons Limited team gather for a portrait in front of their main office. From left,
employee Bruce Mader, employee Eduardo Rojas (top), employee Andrea Chesney (seated), summer students Garrett
Chesney and Lauren Steffler (seated), owner-operator William (Bill) S. Chesney, his daughter Lauren, his father
William (Bill Sr.) A. Chesney and wife Nancy, and employee Jason MacLachlan. The farm’s collie, Lassie, a stray that
showed up one day and adopted the family as her own, sits in front. The group gathers around a 1937 Case C tractor, which
was bought new by the elder Chesney’s grandfather. It was the first tractor with rubber tires used on the farm.
Father and son take a moment to discuss
affairs in the company office. On the wall
are photos showing Bill Sr.’s father William
A. Chesney, who, in addition to farming,
served as reeve of Blandford and warden of
Oxford County in 1955.
Field Trip
documents farm
families and
their farming
operations
to showcase
the diversity
in Ontario
agriculture.