About the O’Connells
Randy and Shelley O’Connell began operating the 3rd generation family farm in 1989 which had been operated by Randy’s father. The farm had previously been a dairy farm turned beef operation in 1985. The farm was a cow / calf operation and the herd in 1989 was increased from 20 cows to approximately 60. Traditionally, the feeders were sold through the Maritime Cattle Market and then buyers were approached directly on P.E.I. or sold through a broker off the farm, often giving a better return.
In 1986, a video / convenience store was built on the farm property. By 1996, some freezers were placed in the store offering frozen, inspected cuts of beef, creating a new market for the feeders. Although the video / convenience store was closed in 2000, provincially inspected, individual cuts of beef were sold out of this building. Sales were mediocre, but enough to continue with the business of offering farm gate sales.
In 2004, it was decided that new markets could possibly be developed so freezers full of frozen cuts were taken to Sheet Harbour once a month and sold roadside. Even though there were some very good sale days, because of the increasing cost of fuel, high cost for mail out advertising to remind people that we would be there, and the time it took to make the day trip, it was decided to discontinue this way of marketing the beef product. Now, phone orders are taken and delivery is made when there is enough volume of orders.
Since 2003, many small businesses have been added in order to keep the family farm operating. A small strawberry operation was started, agricultural custom work was provided, and flat deck and cattle trailer trucking services were for hire. With the partnership of 2 other community businesses, the Stewiacke Valley Farmers’ Market was created, gaining new customers for the beef. However, even with all these efforts, the farm is at a point of having to either diversify or drastically down size the operation and find full time employment off the farm. The traditional way of agriculture has become a part of history and it is believed that the market and consumers are ready for the future of agriculture.
The renewed objective for this agricultural business is to get the product to as many consumers as possible and to develop new markets for this product. In November, 2007, the services of James Moore & Associates Consulting was hired. With Mr. Moore’s guidance, knowledge and enthusiasm, the possibilities for O’Connell’s Family Farm are exciting and well beyond anything ever thought possible.
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Contact
Randy and Shelley O'Connell
4180 Hwy 289
Upper Stewiacke, NS,
B0N 1C0For more information call our store at:
902-671-2148