Nestled in the community of Union Road, Wilbert Talen, alongside his wife Denise and their three children Joash, Mataya, and Gideon, is living the dream — one robot-milked cow at a time. With the help of his father Harrie during the busiest seasons, this multigenerational farm is truly a family affair. Denise keeps the books, the kids handle some chores and fieldwork, and the cows? Well, about 55 of them are living their best lives thanks to a new free stall barn and a Lely A5 robotic milker — a big change that’s improved both quality of life and production.
Farming runs deep in Wilbert’s roots. His parents, Harrie and Geesje, brought their farming legacy from the Netherlands to Canada, making Wilbert the second generation on Canadian soil. After returning home 14 years ago, Wilbert found his favorite part of dairy farming: the variety — and the chance to raise his family on the land he loves.
Thinking about a life in dairy? Wilbert’s advice: start by volunteering evenings or weekends to see if the rhythm of farm life is a fit.
From daily chores to community concerts, it's not just about cows — it’s about family, legacy, and loving what you do.
