Rod DeJong with son Kyle
The DeJong family farm, located between Baltimore and Grafton in Centerton, is embracing both its past and future as it continues into its third generation of family leadership.
Rod DeJong and his wife Nancy took over their portion of the family’s farming legacy in 1987 from Rod’s parents Gerban and Anne DeJong, transitioning the operation into a major turkey contract farm alongside a growing cash crop business. The couple have raised three children on the farm, and now their son Kyle, 23, is preparing to carry the business forward.
Kyle’s recent education at the University of Guelph, combined with hands-on experience and family support, has prepared him for the complex realities of modern farming, from managing debt to integrating cutting-edge technology. Rod says working with Kyle and nephew Trevor brings fresh energy to the farm and helps keep the operation future-focused.
The DeJongs are also working closely with legal and financial advisors to make sure succession planning is solid and sustainable. Rod notes that proper planning ensures a comfortable retirement for the older generation while equipping the next with the skills and tools to thrive.
What hasn’t changed is the family’s commitment to farming as a way of life. Rod says it’s about more than income. It’s about values, resilience, and community. He says the farm’s success is due in part to neighbours helping each other and a shared passion for the land.
With clear succession plans in place and new technology on the horizon, the DeJong farm is well positioned for generations to come.
Hear more on the story in the podcast:
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
