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Farming has been part of one Norfolk County family’s story for more than 150 years, and today the eighth generation is continuing that legacy while exploring new opportunities.
Rebecca Compton works alongside her parents at Dalton White Farms, where the family grows asparagus, blueberries, hazelnuts, ginseng and cash crops on land that has been in the family since the mid-1800s. While asparagus remains the farm’s main crop, hazelnuts have become an exciting niche addition.
Only about 400 acres of hazelnuts are grown across Ontario, making them a rare crop. The family currently grows three acres and is building an on-farm processing facility to expand production and create new opportunities.
After spending several years away, Compton returned to Norfolk County to raise her family on the farm, saying it confirmed agriculture was where she wanted to build her future.
Her children, Sable and Anson, already enjoy life on the farm, whether it’s helping at the family market or, for Anson, spending as much time as possible on the ball diamond.
While the farm has reached its eighth generation, Compton said there is no expectation that her children will take over. Instead, she hopes they choose their own path, while knowing the opportunity to continue the family tradition will always be there.
The full conversation is featured in the latest Growing Up on the Farm podcast.
