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Growing Up on the Farm, a look into local agriculture, presented fueled by KUBOTA.
A local farmer is putting Harrowsmith on the map for producing one of the world’s most prized types of beef.
DJ Cook is the owner and operator of Otter Creek Farms. He raises full-blood Wagyu cattle, originally from Japan, known for their rich marbling and buttery flavour. The farm supplies high-grade Wagyu beef to Cook’s restaurant, Otter Creek Kitchen in Kingston’s west end, as well as to other local restaurants and directly to customers.
Cook grew up on a beef farm near Lindsay, Ontario, raising Limousin cattle. After losing the family farm following his father’s death, he eventually started fresh in Kingston. The idea for Otter Creek Farms began in 2007. By 2013, he launched his full Wagyu operation.
He studied genetics and farming techniques from Wagyu experts around the world and has raised cattle from P.E.I. to British Columbia. Now, he’s focused on keeping the business local and sustainable.
Cook hopes to pass the farm on to one of his children, but says the future is still unfolding. He encourages anyone interested in farming to start by working on a farm and learning from the ground up.
Click to listen to our conversation with DJ.
