The McNaughtons were named a BMO Ontario Farm Family
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
An Algoma County, Ont. farm family is one of a select few that will be honoured next month.
The McNaughton family are among the recipients of the BMO Ontario Farm Family Award. They will officially receive it during the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo in Chatham-Kent in September.
Ten other Ontario farm families will also receive the award.
The prize recognizes dedication to Ontario’s ag sector and rural way of life. Winning the award this year is extra special for the family, as they were nominated last year but were not among the winners.
“It’s very much a huge honour for us,” John McNaughton told Farms.com today. “We didn’t even know we were nominated last year, so to get nominated again and win this time is very special.”
In addition to raising cattle, John’s wife Christine, who did not come from a farm background, documents the family’s daily life in her blog. Their daughter, Robyn Ashley, is also involved on the farm.
The award symbolizes perseverance, McNaughton says.
Farming can be a challenging way to make a living and raise a family, and the award serves as a reminder that of the McNaughton family’s determination.
“We’ve all had our struggles and we’ve had a few tougher years lately,” he said.
But those challenges are also what makes farming so rewarding, he added.
“I’ve done some other jobs in the past and they always seem to get boring after a while,” he said. “With farming, you’re doing a different job every day and are always in contact with nature in some capacity.”
Fellow BMO Farm Family Award recipients
Family Name | Farm Name | Area |
Anstice Famiy | Oshadenah Holsteins | Algoma |
Bishop Family | Sharyina Sheep Farm | Huron |
Bradley Family | Bradley Farms | Chatham-Kent |
DeGoey Family | DeGoeys Flowers | Essex |
Fox Family | Foxburg Enterprises, Inc. | Chatham-Kent |
Hiemstra Family | Clovermead Apiaries | Elgin |
Koch Family | Koch Farms/Agri Sales Inc. | Temiskaming |
Prins Family | Pryme Farms | Northumberland |
Rankin Family | R. B. R. Fur Farms Limited | Perth |
Zumach Family | Raisinview Farms | Stormont |
Farms.com extends its congratulations to all the winners!
Peter Baumgarten photo