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NATURALLY Vice family carries on the organic farming traditions practiced by their grandfather The pristine farm situated on the scenic rolling hills of the Oak Ridges Moraine looks like many other typical Ontario farms. But there’s a major difference: Birchwind Holsteins is a 100% organic dairy operation, and a member of the Organic Meadow Co-operative. “We farm the way my grandfather did,” says Ron Vice. No chemicals are used. Antibiotics are forbidden. Synthetic herbi- cides and fertilizers are banned. There’s no GMO. “We go with nature, not against it,” explained Ron, who is a third generation farmer. His grandfather Clarence purchased a farm near Solina in 1941, and his dad Murray took it over in 1966, and started to register Holsteins. Birchwind Holsteins’ 40 dairy cows are fed certified organic grain and hay, and they graze in green pastures abundant with fresh grass and sweet clover. “The cows are healthier and happier,” says Ron’s wife Deb Vice. “They enjoy the summer sunshine, fresh air, exercise and socialization.” Birchwind Holsteins’ cows spend two hours inside of the barn in the summer, and two hours outside of the barn in the Deb and Ron Vice of Birchwind Holsteins, are @ third inter. generation family, carrying on the farming traditions Ron’s ‘WInIer. grandfather Clarence started more than 50 years ago. Please turn to page 68 Photos by Lynn Campbell FOCUS - JULY 2014 67