AgriSuccess
Tupling Farms, a successful family-run potato operation in southwestern Ontario
Anne Howden Thompson
Asked what’s behind his family’s success, Bert Tupling doesn’t hesitate. “Respect.”
That, and employing the lessons learned while working with his own father. “I always want to treat my boys the way my dad treated me.”
Now in its seventh generation, Tupling Farms produces 32 million pounds of potatoes in southwestern Ontario each year. The operation is a partnership between Bert, his wife Pat, and sons Andrew and Aaron. Bert believes a business plan is a must for a successful farm family business. “And everyone in the family has to be on side.”
The family also carefully considers how business decisions will affect the each family unit. “We always take into account how this will affect Jennifer and Dawn, our daughters-in-law,” Bert explains. “One thing that we have all learned – if things aren’t going well at home, things don’t go well in the business.”
While Bert is still a few years shy of his 65th birthday, he and the family are already thinking ahead to succession of the assets. Paramount in Bert’s mind is viability of the business.
The Tupling family uses many of the prescribed tools for ensuring a successful business: open communication, respect and a strategic business plan.
Does it work? Bert thinks so. “There is nothing more you can wish for than to work with your sons.”
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