I was invited out to Eyredale Farms to document and help celebrate some pretty exciting milestones in this farm family’s life. Being on a farm, myself, sessions like this are near and dear to my heart. Seeing something that’s been built up by a generation of hard labourers, who often stared with so little, handed down to the next equally hard working and passionate generation – There’s just something so special about it.
Upon arriving at the house, I was greeted with a smile by Mr. Lawerence Eyre, who is lovingly called “Poppy,” by the vast majority of the family members. They told me about the events that brought them to wanting some family photos. The first of which is that Poppy will be celebrating his 90th birthday this year! Wow! Mr. Eyre was born on the farm in 1927. In 1952, he took over the farm after his parent’s moved off that makes this year #65 of farm ownership. A couple years later, he married the lovely Thelma. They celebrate 61 years of wedded bliss this year. If that isn’t the best example of wonderful marriage, I’m not sure what is.
A handful of kids and a few years later, those kids now have kids and some are following in their father’s and Poppy’s footsteps. This was another cause for celebration – Another generation of Eyre’s gearing up for a future in Ag.
The weather wasn’t ideal, but with kids in school and home for the long weekend and the busyness of summer on the farm ahead, we persevered. A little rain never hurt anyone anyway, right?! AND you can hardly even tell that it was actually raining. If it wasn’t for the water drops on their grey shirts, I bet you would have never known!
So thanks for being troopers, Eyer family. It was a pleasure to have a little glimpse into your farm family dynamic. Happiest of early birthday’s to “Poppy”! I wish him another year filled with many, many blessings. You’ve certainly got a lot to be proud of, with that beautiful family that you and your wife have created!
“A farm is more than land and crops, it is a family’s heritage and future.”