2012 CWEA Finalist: Rose Keunen

Rose Keunen, CEO & Founder, Henro Dairy Farms

In 1997 my husband and I immigrated to Canada from The Netherlands to start a new business. Prior to immigrating, I received a Master in Agricultural Business and worked as a senior agricultural account manager for Rabobank, specializing in large farm accounts and business accounts with major financial challenges. In 1997 we constructed a new dairy facility and began milking 80 cows. Within three years, we doubled the herd size. Currently we are milking 330 cows twice daily and grow 700 acres of corn, soybeans and alfalfa.

Henro Dairy farms is well known for its exceptional technical and financial performances (top 10%). Henro Dairy farms is the largest farm in Ontario that produces the highest quality of milk. We give back to our community and the dairy industry in different ways. I participate in the advisory committee for University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus to review the current dairy curriculum.  I have been president for Oxford Women for the Support of Agriculture, which offers the members educational and social programs. We host farm educational events and offer tours to farmers who seek advice and options to improve their production or financial management.  After many years, our hard work has paid dividends in terms of exceptional farm performance, and earning the respect of the Agricultural industry in Ontario.  We can finally say: Canada is our home! Through my career I have gained many skills and love to use them to;

•           Improve and revitalize other farm organizations,
•           Train entrepreneurs in farm financial management in cooperation with the bank
•           Help farmers or organizations with team building and goal setting, which is the foundation of success.

Finally, my husband Henry and three children are very inspirational for me, as we always find time to enjoy life together.

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