The Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture and the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce have announced the Stockdale family is the 2017 Farm Family of the Year.
David and Cathy Stockdale, who have been farming for 26 years, own Embrdale Farm at 2525 Asphodel 4th Line in Asphodel-Norwood. The farm is home to 145 head of cattle, of which 65 comprise the milking herd. The Stockdales own 310 acres and rent an additional 180 acres for crops.
Embrdale Farm began in 1947, named for the initials of Earl and Ferna May Stockdale and their sons Brian and Robert to create the ‘Embr’ in Embrdale. Once Earl retired, Robert operated Embrdale farm with his wife Laura and sons David and Kirk.
Today, David and his wife Cathy are the sole owners of Embrdale Farm, running the operation with their daughter Rebecca and their sons Steven, Cameron, and Brett (with their wives/fiancées Kesley, Emily, and Erin). Brett and Erin’s daughter Kaylee represents the fifth generation of the farming family.
VIDEO: David and Cathy Stockdale of Embrdale Farms
Embrdale is a 1999 and 2016 Master Breeder Herd, an award that represents the pinnacle of success for members of the Holstein Association of Canada. Master breeders are recognized for having the best ratio for breeding cows with high production and high proficiency in reproduction, health, and longevity.
The Stockdales are all active in 4-H, either as members or leaders after graduating 4-H. They sit on the 4-H Board of Directors and are also involved with the Peterborough Holstein Club and the Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture (Embrdale Farm hosted this year’s annual barbeque).
The family also volunteers with the Norwood Fair and Lang Pioneer Village Museum and enjoy time on the ice with teammates in synchro skating.
This is the third time the Stockdale family has been named Farm Family of the Year.
The family will receive their award at the Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture’s Annual Banquet on Friday, November 24th at the Peterborough Curling Club (2195 Lansdowne St., Peterborough). For tickets, contact Karen Jopling at 705-927-5677.
