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Family photos by: Justyne Edgell, Justyne Edgell Photo Co.
On the edge of north Durham, where rolling fields meet the quiet curves of the Oak Ridges Moraine, sits West Port Dairy Co., a farm where five generations have worked the land, each adding their own imprint and moving the farm forward.
Typical of modern dairy farms today, a walk through the dairy barn or calf barn at West Port Dairy Co. reveals robotic milking systems, a modern milk house with high-tech milk cooling systems and software tools that support herd health.
It’s a place where old knowledge and innovation live side by side.
A Homegrown Story
“For over 160 years our family has been farming in Scugog,” says Ericka Wilson. “The farm has been passed down over time, allowing us to continue building on the work and commitment of those who came before us.”
With each generation, the farm has embraced change, not to replace tradition, but to strengthen it. New practices and technology have let the farm diversify and strengthen its resilience without losing what matters: stewardship of the land and community ties.
The Next Generation
For siblings Ericka, Jaime and Jeffrey Wilson, building the farm’s future centers on connecting with consumers, sharing their story of dairy farming and exploring diversification opportunities. Tapping into the varied skill sets of each sibling, Ericka and Jaime showcase everyday life on the farm through their social media account, “Tailes from West Port”, where you’ll get a glimpse of a modern dairy farm and the role of women in agriculture. At this farm, innovation shows up in unexpected ways. From cows resting on waterbeds to robotic milkers that instantly flag potential issues, it’s all part of a system designed to protect animal well-being while maintaining high milk quality and efficient farm operations.
Driven by an interest in on-farm processing and further diversification, the Wilsons are exploring the establishment of an on-farm fromagerie, where milk is processed into cheese on site. Jeffrey has worked with successful fromageries across Switzerland and hopes to bring that hands-on experience back to the Township of Scugog.
Why North Durham Works
Being in Ontario’s Greenbelt and on the Oak Ridges Moraine gives West Port Dairy a rare advantage: long-term stability, access to healthy soil and clean water. Regional infrastructure, nearby services and a supportive community for sustainable agriculture make it feasible to run a modern, tech-forward dairy farm.
A growing local food scene with farmers’ markets, breweries and agri-tourism also help farms find new customers and develop on-farm opportunities. New zoning policies are being introduced across north Durham to help keep family farms viable, explore new markets and connect people with where their food comes from.
Looking Ahead
The Wilsons are currently navigating a generational transition. Over the past decade, they’ve invested in a new dairy barn, modernized older buildings and brought in technology to improve efficiency and animal care. With more research and development becoming available, the farm continues to diversify, opening new market opportunities for continued growth. That momentum is reinforced by a supportive local community, where access to resources and a genuine excitement for new ideas create an environment for innovation to flourish.
A Place to Build and Belong
“We see a lot of opportunity ahead for north Durham,” says Jaime Wilson . “The region has become rich in offering both agricultural and lifestyle-based experiences, which continues to attract visitors and support local businesses.”
The Wilsons reflect how agriculture in north Durham is evolving – grounded in deep roots, while innovating with modern tools and approaches. For those who want to learn, build and contribute to something lasting, north Durham offers a chance to be part of a story that grows year after year. It’s a rural community that thrives by honouring its past while embracing the future.
Find Ericka and Jaime on Instagram and Tiktok.
