Farming is more than just a way of life for the Renwicks – it’s in their blood. The family’s Renwick Ridgeview Acres farm, situated across 700 acres in Wheatley, Ontario, has been farmed by the Renwicks for over 200 years. Today that tradition continues in earnest. Chris runs the farm along with his wife Rachel and parents Tom and Karen, while their three kids, Melyse, Shawn and Sadie, are already helping out and picking up the farming wisdom that’s been handed down through seven generations.
But there’s much more to the Renwicks than farming. Which member of the family loves singing along to Journey? What would they be doing if they weren’t running the farm? And who gives the best advice? Find out below…
CHRIS
Devoted dad Chris is the family’s renaissance man, with an interest in ice hockey, drawing – and car karaoke!
You’re driving down the highway, the sun is setting, you’re on your own, what’s on the stereo?
I would say country is a big part of what I listen to. My favourites are Brad Paisley and Eric Church, but I also enjoy some Journey – those songs that you can really belt out!
Outside of your family and your business, what’s your proudest achievement?
In the late 1990s I was assistant coach for the Southpoint Capitals Atom A/E, a championship-winning Ontario Minor Hockey Association youth team for nine and 10-year-olds. The players worked hard all year and went undefeated in the playoffs, which doesn’t happen often!
What would you be doing if you weren’t a farmer?
I always had an interest in technical drawings in high school. I looked into architecture but stuck with agriculture.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
My dad told me to make a decision and go with it. I remember when I first started in farming, I asked him plenty of questions and we talked about what to do but he forced me to be independent and make decisions for myself.
RACHEL
Mom Rachel daydreams about the tropics when she’s not busy raising her three children with Chris and managing the business side of Renwick Ridgeview Acres.
If you weren’t living and raising a family on the farm, where would you be?
It’s hard to imagine being anywhere different than where I am now. I’m where I’m meant to be. But if I had to go elsewhere — white sand, palm trees and an island breeze are often in my dreams!
Outside of your family and your business, what’s your proudest achievement?
Obtaining my mutual fund licence after passing the Canadian Investment Funds Course when I was 23.
What three things would you take to a desert island?
My glasses, endless coffee and a Turkish towel.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
My dad always says to tell the truth the first time; that way you will always remember what you said!
MELYSE, SHAWN AND SADIE
The Renwick children are already showing they are talented young farmers. But what about their hidden talents?
What’s your perfect meal?
Sadie and Melyse: Homemade mac and cheese – our great grandma Renwick’s recipe!
Do you have a favorite movie?
Sadie: Moana and The Greatest Showman
Shawn: Home Alone: Lost In New York
Melyse: Mamma Mia!
What’s your hidden talent?
Shawn: My family says I’m kind of a math whiz. I enjoy calculating answers and making change at our garden stand.
Melyse: Crafting ideas and making things, like a birthday card or a fun poster – anything to be creative.
Sadie: My memory! I can always remember funny things that happen or interesting facts.
Outside of farming, what’s your favourite thing to do for fun?
Melyse: I like to do some painting or go for a beach walk and look for beach glass.
KAREN AND TOM
Chris’ parents Karen and Tom ran the farm before he did, and have plenty of wisdom to share…
What three things would you take to a desert island?
Karen: Lots of water, my piano and a cell phone
Tom: A knife, matches and a cell phone.
What do you do when you want to treat yourself?
Tom: Eat ice cream!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Karen: Enjoy today!
Tom: Don’t count the bushels til harvest.