Rooted in family: Annual farm tour highlights family farming and innovation

Whitby, Ontario – Yesterday (September 17), the Durham Agricultural Advisory Committee (DAAC) successfully hosted its 24th annual farm tour. The theme "future focused farming in Durham Region” highlighted the importance and contributions of family farms and the dairy industry in Durham Region. Hosted by West Port Dairy, the tour provided participants with a firsthand look at the day-to-day operations of a modern family-run dairy farm. Participants learned about opportunities and challenges facing today's farming operations, as well as the role innovation and technology play in supporting long-term success.

Presentations included a tour of the farm's robotic dairy barn, an overview of calf raising practices, and discussions on farm succession planning and the growing importance of social media in connecting with consumers and promoting agriculture. 

More than 120 participants attended this year's event, learning about the evolving nature of family farming and the passion, resilience, and planning required to sustain agricultural operations for future generations.

Quotes

"Durham Region’s agricultural community plays a vital role in feeding our residents, supporting our economy and preserving our rural heritage. The annual DAAC Farm Tour provides a valuable opportunity to learn firsthand about the dedication, resilience and innovation that drive family farming operations. This year’s tour at West Port Dairy highlighted how local farm families are embracing new technologies, planning for future generations, and sharing their stories to strengthen connections between agriculture and the broader community.”

– John Henry, Regional Chair and CEO, Region of Durham 

"The annual DAAC Farm Tour offers a unique opportunity to connect directly with the people behind Durham Region's agriculture success. We are grateful to the West Port Dairy family for opening their farm and sharing their experiences, from managing a modern dairy operation to planning for the future of their business. Their story demonstrates the passion, adaptability, and commitment that continues to make family farming a cornerstone of Durham Region."

– Zac Cohoon, Chair of DAAC

Quick facts

• DAAC is a volunteer advisory committee that provides advice to the Region on agricultural and rural-related matters. Since the inaugural tour in 2003, DAAC has showcased more than 40 farms and other agricultural facilities to more than 1,600 participants.
•   Durham Region has a strong agricultural industry and is a leading agricultural producer, contributing to more than $350 million to Ontario’s total farm production. It is home to 1,200 farms with a total farmland area of 264,518 acres.

About Durham Region

•  Durham Region is – simply – more. Located on the eastern side of the GTHA, Durham is a region with momentum. Offering a competitive advantage like no other, Durham is a community where talented, smart, diverse and ambitious people – known for their innovation, creativity, skills and education – bring access to world markets, insights, invention and traditions. A place where an innovative ecosystem helps propel new ideas forward. Where ingenuity and industry help tackle global challenges. Visit durham.ca to learn more about one of Canada’s fastest growing communities. 

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