Harry & Leony Koelen
Paisley, Ontario

$2000, a backpack and a dream, is how Harry Koelen started his future in Canada. In 1991, after earning a degree in pigs and poultry in Holland, Harry answered an ad in a Dutch farm newspaper and came to Canada to work on a large farrow to finish hog operation. Hard work and determination proved that dreams can come true as Harry & his wife, Leony now own H. & L. Koelen Farms Limited consisting of 1100 acres and housing 5400 sows and 600 gilts on two locations.

In 1995, Harry and Leony arranged financing to purchase their own farm where they could keep 500 sows farrow to wean.  Optimism for the future lead the Koelens to sell this farm and move north purchasing 220 acres at their current site.  Harry acting as his own general contractor, built his first barn to house 2500 sows.  The barns are designed for minimal movement of sows, with the piglets being shipped at 17 days of age. They rent out their farmland but have agreements to spread their manure.  Through the Environmental Farm and the Nutrient Management Plans, the Koelens have made many improvements, including water computers and meters, decommissioning wells, and containing compost area runoff.   Many production awards have been received and they attribute much of their success to their team of 16 employees.   Daily and weekly schedules are maintained for feeding, breeding, heat checking and building maintenance in order to stay efficient.

The Koelens have hosted over 35 exchange students on their farm since 1991.  Harry & Leony volunteer their time to educate local high school students about hog farming.  The Koelens are very proud of their family operation.  Their 5 children, aged 3-12, help out in the barn on a regular basis and they feel that learning a good work ethic is essential for their children.