More About Wikkerink Farms

Our farm began in 1964 in Cobble Hill, Vancouver Island BC where we milked about 55 cows in a double 4 herringbone parlour and freestall barn. In 2002 we moved the herd to a new farm in Norwich, Ontario (see Map) where we presently milk the 55 head herd with a Lely Astronaut Robotic Milker in a sand bedded freestall barn.

OPERATIONS
The farm consists of 100 acres, of which 85 is actively cultivated. Forage grown on the farm include alfalfa/grass and corn which is put up as silage in Ag Bags.

NUTRITION
The cows are fed a partly mixed ration consisting of; 60% corn silage, 40% grass and 5kg/cow of concentrate. The balance of the concentrates is fed in the robot according to production. Grass hay is fed once a day.

PRODUCTION
The herd has been averaging around 36-38kg /day at 3.85% fat and 3.15% protein. The yearly herd average is 11 000kgs.

BREEDING PHILOSOPHY
Over the years we have strived to maintain a balance between type and production, as in our minds, this has been the key to breeding profitable and marketable cattle that offer long term satisfaction. This balanced approach which qualified Wikkerink Farms for a Master Breeder Award in 1994, has throughout the past produced show-winning cows at the local and provincial levels, has added to foreign sales of live cattle, embryos and perhaps most importantly, has contributed to a steady increase in production. It is safe to say that this approach will continue to influence our future breeding decisions.

Thank you for your visit!