Muran Farms
Diversification for Success
Murray and Ann Kerr epitomize the work ethic, dedication and stewardship
that set farmers and ranchers apart from all other professions. Their pride
in their family, their farm and their life's work are evident everywhere.
At first glance, Muran Farms of Meaford, Ont., appears to be your average Ontario
family farm--with several basic enterprises to provide stability and balance.
Not so - Muran Farms is far above average in its entrepreneurial spirit and
family commitment.
Muran Farms had very humble beginnings. In fact, to quote Ann, "We started
from scratch", in 1977. And Murray adds, "We bought this farm with
a $1.00 deposit and the lady who owned the farm held the mortgage." Today,
Murray and Ann, along with their children Natalie and Eric, own 150 acres on
the home farm and a 100-acre grass farm.
The farm began as a hog farm with about 120 sows. As the hog prices became increasingly
unstable and vertical integration within the industry began to dominate, the
sows were sold and a 400 head swine finishing operation began. That allowed
for diversification into the beef business as well as increasing the cash crop
portion of the farming business.