NEAT tractor club enjoys farm breakfast near Poole

The Zehr family members who prepared breakfast for the North Easthope Antique Tractor Club included (from left) Esther Good, Julianne Eby, Brielle Eby, Lillian Zehr, Tim Zehr, Alice Zehr and Gerald Zehr. Gary West photo

By Gary West

Members of the North Easthope Antique Tractor Club (NEAT) travelled to a dairy farm south of Poole last week, where they were treated to a hearty homemade breakfast and warm hospitality from the Zehr family.

Gerald and Alice Zehr welcomed the club to their farm, which has been in the family since Gerald Zehr's parents, Emmanuel and Clara Zehr, established the operation in 1941.

A total of 34 antique tractors made the trip from communities including New Hamburg, Baden, Tavistock, Wellesley, Shakespeare, Amulree and surrounding rural areas.

The Zehr family served a traditional breakfast of eggs, ham and potatoes, along with homemade Chelsea buns, while guests gathered around tables set up on the back lawn. Sunny skies and warm temperatures made for an ideal morning of food, conversation and fellowship.

The farm also stands as an example of a successful multi-generational farming operation. Gerald and Alice Zehr's five children have all continued in agriculture. Brian and Heidi, Terry and Susan, Rodney and Yvonne, Tim and Lillian, and Julianne and Darren Eby all farm today. With the exception of Julianne and Darren, who farm northwest of the home farm, the families remain close to where they were raised.

The weekly NEAT breakfasts continue to bring together antique tractor enthusiasts while supporting local farms, businesses and community organizations throughout the region.