Making magic at Breakfast on the Farm

Drew and Heather Spoelstra welcomed thousands of visitors to their Binbrook property for Breakfast on the Farm last month. They’re pictured here with Paul Vickers, MPP for Bruce Grey Owen Sound and parliamentary assistant to the minister of agriculture food and agri business, along with Clydesdale Macy. ~ Luke Edwards photo

By Luke Edwards

One arrival to Breakfast on the Farm last month made her entrance in the most dramatic of ways.

As thousands of people flocked to Roy-a-Lea Farm in Binbrook, a heifer decided it was also the right time to enter the world. With the help of some members of the Spoelstra family to ensure a quick and healthy birth, the young calf arrived just as people were touring the barn and property.

“There was a loud cheer of applause when the calf was born,” said Christa Ormiston, communications manager for Farm and Food Care Ontario, as the then one-hour old calf lay next to its mother.

Breakfast on the Farm offers a chance to people, especially non-farming types from urban settings, to get a feel for what goes into farming and the dedication farmers have to their land and their animals. And there could hardly be a more appropriate example of that dedication than the birth of a new calf.

“It couldn’t have been better,” said Drew Spoelstra about the timing of the calf.

For many of the visitors, the event allowed them to either gain newfound respect or simply reinforced their respect for farmers and farming.

“I think for the average urban person it’s hard to understand what farming really looks like,” said Olivia Markle, who came down to Binbrook from Waterloo for the event. Her uncle is a chicken farmer in nearby Wellesley and has been taking Olivia to events like Breakfast on the Farm since she was a kid.

“Many people don’t know what goes on behind the scenes,” she said.

Some of the younger visitors put the experience in simpler terms.

“It was so sweet and little and cute,” said Avery McDougall, of the calf that was born. She came with her family from Burlington for the event.

The Spoelstras run a mixed-farm operation in Binbrook, with dairy, beef and a grain business. They also raise Clydesdales, some of whom were there to greet visitors as well. Outside the barns there were also dozens of exhibitors showcasing just about every aspect of farm life in Ontario, including pigs, goats, farm equipment, poultry and even water buffalo.

Not only did Mother Nature bless the event with a new calf, she also provided perfect weather for the day, which wasn’t a given considering there was plenty of rain in the forecast in the days leading up to the event.

“It’s been a great day. Great weather, great conversations,” said Spoelstra, who credited the hundreds of volunteers and supporters who helped make the event a success.

“The whole Food and Farm Care team has been great to work with,” he said. “ They’re doing a great job of educating people.”

In addition to the FCCO team, there’s also a local planning committee that shoulders a heavy workload. Ormiston said they’re grateful for that team, especially when a lot of the work comes at an especially busy time for farmers.

“We really rely heavily on the local planning committee,” she said, adding exhibitors and sponsors round out the large group that makes Breakfast on the Farm a success.

While the Binbrook event is finished, FCCO is hosting two more Breakfasts on the Farm this year. Cranbrook Farms in Brussels hosts one on July 25, while River Valley Cattle Co. near Napanee will welcome visitors on Sept. 26.

For more details visit farmfoodcareon.org. 