The Rural Voice, 1998-02, Page 22The sign in the yard tells a lot of
the story. "Woodhill Holsteins,
Arnie, Wilma, Randy,
Jennifer", with a Holstein cow
painted predominantly in the centre.
Behind the sign, set amidst a grove of
maples is the well maintained brick
farmhouse which has been home for
Arnie and Wilma Woodhouse since
they were married just over 50 years
ago. To the right is the imposing
barn, which has been added to several
times over the years, and the two
silos standing sentinel over the home
farm. Down the hill to the left, in the
corner of a field is the new split-level
home of the next generation of
farmers, Randy and Jennifer
Woodhouse, who are now raising the
third generation of Woodhouses to
live on this prosperous farm
overlooking the hamlet of Heathcote.
Arnie and Wilma Woodhouse are
the latest recipients of the Agricul-
tural Heritage Award presented
annually by the Euphrasia Township
Federation of Agriculture. The
purpose of the award is to recognize
farmers who have contributed to the
agricultural heritage of the township
by being stewards of the land for over
50 years.
Like most young couples striving
to establish their own farm, the
Woodhouses began their life together
with very little other than some land,
a handful of cattle, and a lot of
ambition and desire. Through their
determination and diligence the few
Holsteins has grown to a very
respectable herd of purebred cows,
calves, yearlings and fat cattle.
Additional land was purchased for
growing feed which includes hay,
grains, haylage and corn, as well as
for pasture for the young cattle. The
one W6 tractor and basic machinery
has been upgraded regularly and now
two drive sheds house an array of the
latest technology necessary for
operating an efficient and successful
dairy enterprise.
Farming on the hillsides presents
special challenges. From working
around gullies, creeks and
streambeds, Arnie is keenly aware of
the importance of leaving any
cultivated land worked across the
slopes to prevent erosion. He keeps
the plow out of any watercourses and
has established grass waterways. He
strongly believes that tile drainage
18 THE RURAL VOICE
50 years of farming
The Woodhouses started with little and now
have a model dairy operation
By Greg Brown
Don McCausland (centre). Mayor of Euphrasia l ownship, presents the
township's Agricultural Heritage Ward to Arnie and Wilma Woodhouse.
benefits the land as well as increasing
production and making field work
easier and more efficient.
On a family farm doing the chores
and working in the fields is not just a
one person job. Besides her
responsibilities in the house, tending
the garden or driving the school bus,
Wilma has spent much of her time
feeding calves, helping pick stones,
running the baler and helping with
the many jobs where four hands are
better than two.
The Woodhouse's accomplish-
ments are evident to anyone seeing
their herd of strong, healthy cattle
housed comfortably in the well -lit
stable, the fields with tall, even stands
of alfalfa, oats and corn, or the cluster
of well -kept, steel -clad out buildings
protecting equipment and feed.
Perhaps one of their more subtle
accomplishments is proving that the
family farm can be one of the best
places to live and raise a family.
Their five children all contributed to
the farm and still have an interest in
the farming operation and help when
needed.
Besides their dedication to each
other, their family and their farm, the
Woodhouses have made a strong
commitment to their community.
They are supporters of community
events and are very active in their
church. Arnie coached hockey for
many years and Wilma has been a
busy member of the Heathcote
Homemakers for over 30 years.
Their willingness to help
neighbours whenever needed,
the high standards they have
set in their farming practises, and
their positive and optimistic outlook
towards the lifestyle they have
chosen, and any challenges they have
faced, have earned them the respect
and admiration of their neighbours.
Their well-maintained homestead,
barns, machinery sheds, equipment
and fields are an asset to their
community and contribute to the rural
charm of the township.
The Woodhouse's hobbies also