AG Council Bio: Josh Biemond, Upper Canada Creamery

JOSH BIEMOND – Upper Canada Creamery

Josh is one of the owners of Upper Canada Creamery near Iroquois, Ontario. His

parents bought the farm back in 1981 after emigrating to Canada from Holland. In 2011

he and his brother, Rudi, purchased the farm and along with their two partners, they

operate a 400 acre certified organic farm, milk approximately 50 cows, distribute milk

and have a yogurt processing facility.

Q&A:

1. When did you realize you wanted to be a farmer?

It wasn’t until my wife and I were talking about starting a family that the thought even

crossed my mind. Shortly after we found out we were having our first child an

opportunity came up that we could come back to the family farm. Being the youngest

boy in the family I didn’t think I’d be the one to take over the farm.

2. What’s your favourite thing about being an agricultural business owner?

Is that every day is different and that even though our industry is becoming more and

more regulated we are still able to be different.

3. I know it’s early yet, but do you think your children, nieces or nephews will be interested in running UCC once you retire?

One of our main reasons for building the creamery was to diversify our business so that

the next generation would have the opportunity to be apart of the family farm.

4. If you could tell your younger, new-farmer self anything, what would it be?

Ask me in five years it’s not been long enough to know how our plans make out.

5. What issues do you think are most important for the new Food & Agriculture Advisory Council to address?

I like to build a network and culture between growers and retail to work together. And

also have a local plan to educate consumers Why local food is best. Ie ( food security,

flavour, nutrient density economics, carbon foot print.)

6. What is something you’d like to see come out of this new council?

I’d like to see all of the available resources for the agri-food all in one spot. So starting a

new business is a lot less complicated and the resources are being used to there full

potential.

7. What’s your favourite thing about this region?

We have it all!! Four seasons. A river to play on and good climate to grow crops. Close

to major cities but live in a nice small quiet communities.

(Left to right) Ellen and Josh Biemond with Rudi and Jen Biemond.