Farming is in Ryan De Ruyck’s blood. At a young age, he remembers helping his father, Benny, along with his three sisters on their family’s dairy farm near Bruxelles, Manitoba. As soon as he was old enough he started helping his father by feeding the calves, making hay beds, and cleaning up. Now, Ryan and his wife Lisa have continued his father’s and grandfather’s legacy: Lakeshore Holsteins Ltd.
Pictured L to R: Logan De Ruyck, Ryan De Ruyck, Connor De Ruyck, Lisa De Ruyck, Gavin De Ruyck, Benny De Ruyck, and Doreen De Ruyck.
Ryan and Lisa, moved onto the farm in 2006 when their oldest son was just one year old. Now with four boys of their own, Riley (19), Logan (17), Gavin (15), and Connor (12), Ryan and Lisa have plenty of farm hands to help with chores. Like their father, the De Ruyck boys started helping in the barn when they were old enough to hold a bottle and feed the calves. As a family farm, when they need extra help, they look to their cousins and other family members to fill that need.
In 2019, Ryan officially took over the farm from Benny. Having taken over the farm his own father started in 1933, Benny knew it was time to step back and make room for Ryan. Like most farmers, retirement does not mean Benny is done working on the farm; he is still involved with Lakeshore Holsteins
and offers his help and expertise to Ryan. He and Doreen live on a neighbouring yard, and most mornings, Benny can be found looking out of his living room window to see Ryan and the boys hard at work doing chores. Benny and Doreen have a well-thought-out transition plan ensuring that Ryan and their three daughters are treated fairly.
With the addition of milking robots in 2020, Lakeshore Holsteins now milks 80 cows. Looking back, Benny remembers joining the dairy sector in 1979 and milking 32 cows by hand. Ryan and his three sisters would help with milking and feeding the cows multiple times per day. The robots have been a game changer for the De Ruyck family. Gone are the days when they were tied to the farm and planning their day around the milking schedule. The robots have provided the De Ruyck family with flexibility that allows them to have more work-life balance, something that many farmers have dreamt of for many generations. Ryan and Lisa can now attend their sons’ sporting events and spend more time off the farm.
Pictured: Logan De Ruyck feeding a calf.
As with many family farms, it is always all hands on deck. Both Doreen and Lisa have spent their fair share of time working on and off the farm. Doreen would help on the farm and has been driving a school bus for 33 years.
With the addition of milking robots in 2020, Lakeshore Holsteins now milks 80 cows. Looking back, Benny remembers joining the dairy sector in 1979 and milking 32 cows by hand. Ryan and his three sisters would help with milking and feeding the cows multiple times per day. The robots have been a game changer for the De Ruyck family. Gone are the days when they were tied to the farm and planning their day around the milking schedule. The robots have provided the De Ruyck family with flexibility that allows them to have more work-life balance, something that many farmers have dreamt of for many generations. Ryan and Lisa can now attend their sons’ sporting events and spend more time off the farm.
Pictured: Logan De Ruyck feeding a calf.
As with many family farms, it is always all hands on deck. Both Doreen and Lisa have spent their fair share of time working on and off the farm. Doreen would help on the farm and has been driving a school bus for 33 years.
Lisa has worked at the local school as a secretary but now works full time on the farm doing the books and helping wherever she is needed.
Pictured: Lisa and Ryan De Ruyck
Pictured: Lisa and Ryan De Ruyck
Ryan and Lisa’s boys are hard workers and are starting to plan for their futures, and the farms future. Their oldest son, Riley is gaining valuable experience and knowledge with post-secondary education with plans to become a Heavy Duty Mechanic. Riley knows the value of having a variety of skill sets on the farm. With the technological advancements in farming equipment, he knows that his schooling will be invaluable. Logan, their second oldest, is interested in attending college for Agri-science and hopes to return to farm with Riley. Benny, Doreen, Ryan, and Lisa all stress the importance of farm kids gaining experience on and off the farm and are excited for Riley and Logan to attend post-secondary education.
The De Ruyck family’s love for farming is matched only by their adaptability. They firmly believe that the farm is the best place to set roots and raise a family. Ryan loves farming, with its challenges and need for constant adaptation. It’s a rewarding lifestyle where you can enjoy all the benefits of your hard work and see what you have done. Ryan and Lisa are excited for their kids to be able to follow in the footsteps of their grandparents, Benny and Doreen, and themselves, embracing change and the future of farming.
The De Ruyck family’s love for farming is matched only by their adaptability. They firmly believe that the farm is the best place to set roots and raise a family. Ryan loves farming, with its challenges and need for constant adaptation. It’s a rewarding lifestyle where you can enjoy all the benefits of your hard work and see what you have done. Ryan and Lisa are excited for their kids to be able to follow in the footsteps of their grandparents, Benny and Doreen, and themselves, embracing change and the future of farming.
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