JD Farms began as a small commercial egg farm in 1979 and has since transformed into a specialty turkey producer with an on-site bistro, retail store and wholesale distribution channel.

Described as a "32 year overnight success", JD Farms is a family-owned and operated business.  Jack and Debbie Froese both grew up on farms - he hailed from egg country and she from a dairy farm, and two of their children are active in the business.  And with six grandkids to date, the family farm could foreseeably continue for another generation or more!

What sets JD farms apart is the sense of tradition engrained in their specialty turkeys, as well as their business practices.  "We have families coming to pick out their Thanksgiving or Christmas turkeys every year.  Their family tradition has become ours, and that is very important to us," says Jack Froese proudly.

Indeed, personal relationships have been pivotal for the success of JD Farms.  From loyal customers returning for their famous turkey peppeeroni, to the number of staff who have been with the farm for over 17 years, JD Farms was built on personal relationships.

Froese advises anyone interested in starting a small business to be aware of the challenges, but don't be discouraged.  "You don't have to have an MBA to be successful, but having the right business coach and some training goes a long way.  We were 25 when we started this - we certainly didn't have all the answers but we learnt from experience and from the people around us."

www.jdfarms.ca