Stockdale Family Wins 2017 Farm Family Of The Year

The Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture and the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce have announced the Stockdale family, of 2525 Asphodel 4th Line Asphodel-Norwood, as the 2017 Farm Family of the Year.

David and Cathy Stockdale have been farming for 26 years, and Embrdale Farm is home to 145 head of cattle and of this 65 make up the milking herd. They have a very impressive herd classification they have worked hard to achieve and maintain: 10 Excellent, 49 Very Good, and 16 Good Plus. 

This past April, they were thrilled to have won their second Master Breeder Shield. This recognition illustrates the progress they have made with their breeding and management programs and serves as proof that they are on the right track.

The Stockdales own 310 acres and rent an additional 180 acres for crops. They use a TMR mix that includes haylage, corn silage and high moisture corn with additional proteins added. The corn silage and high moisture corn are grown on 100 acres, while another 100 acres are devoted to oats, used for greenfeed or straw, and all are underseeded. They also raised 250 acres of hay for the herd. 

They have raised four children: Steven (Kelsey), Cameron (Emily), Brett (Erin) and Rebecca make up the fourth generation living and working on the family farm. The fifth generation has started with Kaylee (Brett & Erin).

The Stockdales are all active in 4-H, either as members or leaders after graduating 4-H. 4-H has brought many opportunities for the family and they have made sure to take advantage of them: 4-H Youth Ambassador, winning the East Gen Challenge top overall member in 2014 & 2015, trips to Belgium, Madison. They give back to 4-H by sitting on the Board of Directors and being the editor for the newsletter. 

The award to the family will be presented at the Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture Annual Banquet, to be held on Friday, November 24th, at the Peterborough Curling Club, 2195 Lansdowne St., Peterborough.

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