28 The Business of Ontario Agriculture Better Farming | May 2024 Nutrient Loss ‘OUR FARM COMPLETES THE CIRCLE’ The Whyte family has prioritized independence and teamwork for seven generations. By Emily Croft UP CLOSE Nick and Joan Whyte have farmed together since 1969 and are now seeing their grandchildren show an interest in purchasing their own land. Seven generations of the Whyte family have farmed five miles northwest of Seaforth since Nick’s great- grandfather and his sons immigrated from Scotland in 1843. Nick and Joan and their four children, Crystal, Brian, Murray, and David, currently work both independently and together to grow crops – and raise broiler chickens and sometimes beef cattle – on their farms. Nick explains something of the shape and flow of the operation. “Our farm completes the circle, and these practices can be traced back to settlers over 100 years ago.” The straw from wheat is baled for bedding the chickens and cattle, the manure is spread back on the field to increase organic matter and crop yields, the grain is taken to the feed mill, and feed is brought back for the broilers. “Our four children and their spouses, 10 grandchildren, five full-time employees, and Joan and I are involved on the farm,” says Nick. “Each of our four children owns farms independent of each other and independent of Joan and me. “We all work well together. They do together what they want to do together, and they do separately what they want to do separately.” This allows everyone to choose what works best for their own immediate family, but also means they have a support system when the farm gets The Whyte Family: Front (from left), Brian, Joan, Nick, and Crystal. On steps, Kerri, Deb, Murray, Dave, and Ben Driscoll. Crystal Whyte photo
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