Chris, Amy, Trevor and Kyle DeJong
The DeJong family is planning for the next generation although brothers Chris and Rod are far from being played out. They both have farming ventures of their own, Knollcrest Swine and Knollcrest Poultry respectively and in addition they work together crop farming. In truth, the whole family is in on it.
Chris DeJong told us about the beginnings of DeJong Family Farms.
The next generation, Chris and his wife Amy’s son Trevor and his cousin Kyle (Rod and Nancy’s son), both play big roles in their separate and combined operations.
About 80 percent of the crops the DeJongs farm together, wheat, soybeans and corn, will go to consumers around the world in products that range from flour and breakfast cereal to toothpaste, antibiotics, adhesives and more. Soybean is a major field crop in Northumberland County, harvested from over 40, 0000 acres of farmland in 2021, closely followed by hay at just over 30,000.
It’s a lot of work and organization to keep both their own operations and their combined cash cropping efforts working efficiently so having the next generation stepping into larger roles is a big help.
DeJong told us that timing is everything when it comes to farming, especially with crops. You also need a lot of manpower. Out of college now for less than a year, both Trevor and Kyle are putting in a lot of hours and learning all aspects of the business. It’s a long list of responsibilities to pick up, but planning for a smooth succession to the next generation is something that the whole family is behind.
Planning for the unexpected will eventually be Trevor and Kyle responsibility, like this year’s forest fires. They provided a new twist for the DeJongs. The lack of proper photosynthesis caused by all those overcast days definitely had an impact on the crops.
Northumberland produces approximately 3.0% of the province’s mixed grains, 2.5% of the province’s alfalfa, and 1.8% of Ontario oats. Northumberland farmers enjoy an ideal climate for dozens of crops. For the DeJongs, the next step for their combined operation will be putting down some cover crops. They’ll help prevent soil erosion, regulate moisture, and can be used to add or uptake nitrogen.
Chris told us that having the separate pig and turkey operations means they’ve got no lack of work.
While the life of a farmer demands a lot taking a minute to enjoy the view is one of the pleasures that Chris takes from farm life.
It’s a view that the DeJong family is working to preserve for the next generations to enjoy.
Written by Joseph Goden
