22 Better Farming | January 2025 Follow us on @BetterFarmingON RECONNECTING: DR. DAVID BIESENTHAL ‘I’M GLAD TO HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO HELP & ADVOCATE FOR FARMERS.’ THEN & NOW: DR. DAVID BIESENTHAL BY MARY LOGGAN Biesenthal Family photo David Biesenthal with his sons and grandsons in the early ’00s: Braedon Saris, David, Scott, Curtis, and Jon (in the combine). Dr. David Biesenthal’s lifetime career in agriculture and veterinary medicine has left an undeniable mark on the industry. Known as a farmer advocate, he has dedicated much of his life to protecting their interests and promoting responsible farming practices. And he is still emphasizing the importance of meticulous record-keeping. Biesenthal’s efforts to defend the integrity of farming during heightened scrutiny, particularly after the Walkerton water crisis in 2000, brought him respect across Ontario and beyond. In recognition of his contributions, he was inducted into the Ontario Agriculture Hall of Fame (OAHF) in 2023. Stan Eby, who nominated him for the OAHF, recently told Better Farming that “David is highly principled and is undoubtedly a strong advocate for farmers both nationally and internationally. Many will never know his impact, but we can see the difference made in the ag community through his work and the Environmental Farm Plan (EFP).” Farming and career Although Biesenthal did not grow up farming, he recalls getting his first taste of agriculture by helping on his uncle’s farm. From there, he developed a passion for livestock, eventually leading to his decision to study veterinary medicine. “I just loved being involved on the farm and with animals; becoming a veterinarian seemed like the easiest way to do both,” he says. He graduated from the University of Guelph in 1968 with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. After school, Biesenthal bought a 127-acre farm property in Walkerton and started work at a veterinary clinic. Shortly after, in 1971, he and a colleague purchased the Walkerton-Hanover Veterinary Clinic, and built a new clinic between Walkerton and Hanover in 1973. From 1980 to 2007, he operated the Walkerton Equine Clinic, specializing in general equine medicine, sports medicine, and equine reproduction. While maintaining his veterinary career, Biesenthal started his cow-calf operation in 1973, with over 30 head of Limousin cattle. In 1994, David and his son Scott started Stonegate Farms. It was a cashcrop enterprise that grew different commodities on 2,000 acres of owned and rented land. In 2018, he retired, with his son and grandson taking over. Lifetime accomplishments Biesenthal’s advocacy role started with detailed record-keeping and an EFP. Coincidently, his farm was adjacent to his local OMAFRA office at the time, which often held sessions covering EFPs and keeping efficient records. “Looking back, I was fortunate because my farm was within walking distance of the OMAFRA office; I could go there any time I wanted to learn and prepare records. I lived so close – so I took advantage of it every chance. “Maintaining detailed records was especially important to me; veterinarians are easy to sue, so I always wanted to ensure I was covered.” In May 2000, following a large rainstorm and the subsequent E. coli contamination of the Walkerton water supply, the Biesenthal farm was initially identified as a potential source of the outbreak. However, the accusations were never substantiated. Over the next two years, as investigations unfolded, Biesenthal played a
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