Deseronto’s Chadwick Farms Inc. was named a top-three finalist in Sollio Agriculture’s Farm Succession Award.
The announcement was made at the Sollio Next Generation Award gala in February.
The Sollio Next Generation Award is the only recognition of its kind for Canadian agricultural businesses. It recognizes farming families who have successfully transferred or started a farm business while ensuring its sustainability and the equity of all stakeholders. For the first time in 20 years, the contest included a category for clients of the Agromart Group, a Sollio Agriculture partner network.
“The successful transfer of a farm business depends largely on human factors and on the ability to pass down a vision, a passion and a commitment to the land and generations to come,” said Casper Kaastra, Chief Executive Officer of Sollio Agriculture. “Together with our partners from The Agromart Group, we are proud to celebrate the inspiring story of courage and perseverance of Chadwick Farms Inc. Congratulations! Your determination helps feed the world.”
Robert Chadwick, 38, holds a bachelor’s degree from Queen’s University. He took over the farm from his father, Brian, and his uncle Wayne in 2014—a transition that took 18 months. Chadwick Farms Inc. has 1,400 acres of farmland (corn, soybean, winter wheat), solar panels and 72 dairy cows. Robert and his wife have two daughters. The farm applied to the contest on advice from its agri-advisors Terry and Sandra O’Neill from TCO Agromart.
Hakkesteegt’s Poultry Farm Ltd., in Brighton, earned the top prize, ahead of the two other finalists, Chadwick Farms Inc. and Lankhuijzen Farms Ltd. in Port Burwell.