Loval Farms near Warkworth has been home to the Honey family since the 1860s, and today, the family’s sixth generation is already taking part in daily operations. Scott and Sandra Honey now run the farm full-time after taking over about eight years ago from Scott’s parents, Lorraine and Don Honey.
The farm has transitioned from a traditional dairy and mixed operation into a modern custom and cash crop farm with a 70-head Angus cow-calf herd. “It started in the 1860s,” said Scott. “We’re the fourth generation, our kids – Rebecca, Katelyn, Nathan and Emily – are the fifth, and our grandkids are the sixth generation here.”
Scott says it’s not unusual to see multiple generations working the fields. “At times, there’s four generations out in the field,” he said, pointing to his 80-year-old father Don, and even grandkids helping out alongside their parents. Rebecca works at a nursing home, but still helps out when she can, while Katelyn and Emily are especially drawn to the cattle. Nathan runs equipment like sprayers and trucks. “Everyone has their own strength,” Scott added.
Sandra, who grew up on a dairy farm near Belleville, says showing cattle is a special way the family comes together. “We appreciate being able to do that,” she said.
Succession planning is on their minds, but with Emily only 10, the future is still taking shape. “It’s a challenge to figure out how to make it work,” said Scott. “But they’re interested and that’s a good place to start.”
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(Written by: Joseph Goden)
