Petheram Farms Ltd. of Hagersville is a cash crop farm that grows corn, soybeans, and wheat. The multi-generational farm is operated by Don and Marion Petheram and their son and daughter-in-law, Doug and Beverly, who are now also joined by their son, Matthew.
Doug has always worked with his father and the farm has expanded as needed. With two combines they have done as much as 3,000 acres of custom work in addition to their own crops. In 2011 they reduced the custom work, which meant only one combine was required.
“Doing less is kind of nice,” Doug admits. “I don’t have to work around the clock. (Before), you worked until it was done or until it rained.”
They currently own approximately 500 acres; their total worked acreage may reach up to 1,000 depending on how much custom work they take on. Doug says, “I will help someone out when they need it. If I’m able, I will do it.”
Don remains actively involved planting corn in the spring and mowing the wheat fields after harvest. Matthew, who is entering Grade 12 in September, also works on the farm when not in school or at his summer job.
Harvesting is done efficiently as the three generations work together. Matthew does the combining when he’s available, which enables Doug to drive the truck and deliver the outputs from the combine to the home farm where they are dried and stored. Don looks after the drying process.
“The product has to be at a proper moisture level to be stored in the bins,” Beverly explains. The bins are monitored for moisture and it is sometimes necessary for the grain to be re-dried.
“Because we are a small operation,” Doug says, “we are able to deal with it on our own.”
They also look after the maintenance and repair of their equipment. Beverly says, “Doug is very mechanically inclined and others will call and ask him for advice.”
As a crop farmer, Doug chuckles whenever he’s asked, “What do you do in the wintertime?” His response: “I go through all the equipment.”
Well maintained equipment saves time and money and ensures they are ready to go when the next season arrives. It contributes to the longevity of machinery as well. This is important considering a new combine costs approximately $1 million. Doug says, “The older (2006) combine meets the needs of the farm.”
Innovation plays a role on the farm as well. Doug says, “Technology is good. That’s what keeps dad planting corn and cutting grass. It has auto steering…. Dad can keep an eye on the corn planter but he doesn’t have the strain of keeping it straight.” Similarly, the self-propelled sprayer is automatic, taking the stress out of spraying.
A drone was introduced to the farm thanks to Matthew’s interest in that technology. He chose a drone with good weight to withstand the wind and a screen on the remote means he doesn’t need to rely on his phone to operate it. He wanted to take pictures during wheat harvest and they took the time to set up a photo that included the late 1950s antique combine that Doug restored (as seen above).
The drone provides aerial views of tile lines and fields. When the wheat is tall, it can help to see if there are problems in the field. Doug believes, “It’s the latest and greatest in technology for scouting farm fields…. It’s another good management tool.”
Investing in the farm is investing in the next generation – and Matthew plans to carry on the Petheram farming tradition. The fields are tiled, which promotes drainage for better crops. Doug says, “It’s a long term investment; Matthew won’t have to do that.”
Following high school, Matthew plans to attend Ridgetown College to study agriculture. But his best teachers will be back home at the farm. Beverly says, “Doug has a high standard and Matthew knows that. (Doug) is very meticulous and does not want ruts in his fields.”
“Doug and Matthew take huge pride in what they do,” she continues. “They take their time and produce a quality product.”
Doug adds, “Matthew’s a big help. He knows what he’s doing.”
Doug also acknowledges, “If Matthew hadn’t grown up with this, there’s no way he could get into farming on his own.”
From weather to regulations, the Petherams are aware of the challenges that come with farming, but ultimately those are outweighed by the benefits. Doug asserts, “There’s not a lot of money in farming but it’s a lifestyle we love.”
