At the beginning of 2022, Martin, my now late husband, and I made the difficult decision to cut our losses and sell and rehome our animals.  We had 45 head of cattle, 60 pigs, and 99 hens.  We were pioneers in our own community and we researched every nook and cranny leaving no stone unturned.    Martin led us down our paths with his research, determination, hardwork and love for his family and his community.   After 10 years, there was no way to make this type of farming profitable and sustainable in our area as we were losing $50-$70k per year.  I couldn't let Martin continue as he would have bankrupt us to find a way.  We were dealing with a lot of variables that made it not possible.  It took 10 years and $600,000 in losses to see that LAND and public education were among the variables that tanked our farming equation.   

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Unfortunately after we pivoted, Martin Van Den Hurk passed away suddenly from a "one and done" heart attack December 30, 2022.  It has devasted my heart to lose my best friend, the father of our kids and my soulmate.  And to think of how it has affected our 4 kids that he left  behind.  It must have really devasted my third child Angus, who this farm was started for, as he died 10 months after his dad, November 6, 2023. 

 

I can't tell you how much I need a project to heal, so I began Office Hours.  So Niagara Region and beyond I am picking up my pieces  and regrouping.  I will be working with people and businesses in my Community Project - Office Hours and I need you to join me.  Let's make 2025 Office Hours a Success Together.  This is the first of many years to come.