Couple named Atlantic region’s 2017 Outstanding Young Farmers
Lauchie MacEachern (BSc (Agriculture)’01) and Jolene MacEachern (BSc (Agriculture)’02) have been named the Atlantic region’s 2017 Outstanding Young Farmers for their achievements on their Holstein operation, Folly River Farms Ltd., in Debert, N.S. Among other things, they were recognized for becoming successful dairy farmers through a unique, non-family succession plan.
The succession planning process for the MacEacherns is a positive example to those interested in farming but without a family farm to take over.
“Our farm was in the Eisses family for over 50 years,” Lauchie MacEachern told Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers program. “We are grateful to the entire family for allowing us to work with them for seven years to learn and grow the operation, and also for trusting us with such an important piece of their history.”
During his second year at the Agricultural Campus, Lauchie, who’s from Antigonish, N.S., met Jolene, who was raised on a dairy farm in Cape Breton. Once married, the young couple wanted their own farm but weren’t sure how to make that happen. When Henry Eisses’s plan to succeed his farm to his sons fell through, he contacted Lauchie with a proposal. It was a long transition and it took a leap of faith for the couple. Jolene was pregnant with their first child at the time; the couple now has three children.
Folly River Farms Ltd. today is a 100-head purebred Holstein operation that includes more than 200 acres of crop land. With a strong work ethic, a lean approach to management and measured growth strategies, the MacEacherns have introduced new technology, invested in infrastructure, and increased forage quality and milk production – all of which caught the interest of Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers, which recognizes farmers that exemplify excellence in their profession and promote the tremendous contribution of agriculture.
Read more in “Nova Scotia Outstanding Young Farmers Lauchie & Jolene MacEachern credit unique succession plan for their achievements” on oyfcanada.com and “Folly River Farms Ltd” on dal.ca.