Andrew and Anne Bromley, of Westmeath in Renfrew County, and Randy and Tara Bullock, near Lakefield, are both energy and environmentally conscious. The Bullocks have a Nutrient Management Plan in place and use soil tests to eliminate over fertilization.

The Bromleys are keen on alternative sources of energy and energy conservation. The dairy part of the operation consists of 125 Jerseys. They use the AI Young Sire program to pick their new bulls. Registered bulls from the test station are used for the beef herd of 35 Black Angus cows.

Married in 1993, the Bromleys took over operation of the farm six months later, after Andrew’s father died in an accident.

Like most farmers, they work at saving energy and labour. To increase milk production, the farm has done many renovations, including increasing the size of the stalls and installing comfort mats. To save labour, the farm has installed a computerized bale feeder on a track. Andrew says he’s always on the lookout for ways to save labour.

The couple met through Junior Farmers and have three young children.

The Bullocks met through 4-H and have been married five years, taking over the farm shortly after their marriage. They have two small children.

Cedarvilla Farm milks 55 registered Holsteins and six Jerseys, acquired as a new adventure into marketing. Randy is an ambitious young farmer. Since he’s taken over, the farm has increased the quota by the equivalent of 18 cows. He’s built a new heifer raising facility, consisting of eight pens capable of holding 40 animals.

"Our barns are full to the maximum," Tara said in an interview. She was brought up on a farm at Norwood.