At the same time, Barb & Jim Pipher, with
daughters Catherine & Rebecca, were in the process of selling their
cow/calf operation in northern Ontario with the intention of moving
to Alberta. It didn't take Norman long to convince Jim to take the
job of Farm Manager at Putney Heath. The two families have been
together ever since.
Twenty-four years ago, our first cows were
purchased from L.R. Dale Harris, at Wotton House Farms, Uxbridge,
Ontario. Since that time, we have had the privilege of participating
in the Louada Farm Sale in Peterborough, as well as some other top
fall production sales in the province.
A highlight at one Louada production sale was the
sale of Putney Dom First Lady for $22,000, to Harry Coates and Sons,
of England. This heifer went on to be England's Supreme Grand
Champion Hereford female, for two consecutive years.
We have enjoyed success in the form of quite a few
Canadian Championships, over the years of showing cattle. But the
ultimate pleasure in all the activities has been meeting the people
in the Hereford breed. Many breeders welcomed us and were willing to
share their knowledge with us when we were new in purebred circles.
These people are one of the main reasons we are still in the
Hereford business today.
The farm is nestled in the Caledon Hills, about 45
minutes north-west of Toronto. Pastures are lush here and over the
years, the farm has also supported a cash crop hay business, a
commercial cattle herd dominated by white faces and a thriving
large-scale maple syrup operation. Hardwood bush and Maple trees are
a feature on the farm and down the side roads around us.
The Program
We've built our reputation on honesty and
after-sale support for our buyers. We guarantee all our seedstock to
be sound, functional breeders.
For nearly a quarter century, we've selected for
milk, broody females and functional cattle with solid feet and legs.
We've always preferred the easy-doing kind. These selection criteria
have never changed.
More recently, we've reduced the herd and now
concentrate on quality through some top cow families we've
identified in the breed.
Our Plain Lake Keyn's Extra 12 E herd sire is well
known in the breed and we continue to offer his service and
influence. His females are feminine and heavy milking with
beautifully shaped, strong udders.
