48 FOCUS - OCTOBER 2018 scale without Steve and his family. He’s an ‘outside-the-box’ thinker. And the additional manpower pro- vides flexibilities for both families. “There’s an irony, too. As a young guy, Luke worked for Steve. Luke’s in the middle of his career now, and Steve’s sons, Zach and Lucas, are now playing important roles in their 20s. That’s how it goes with farming generations.” The modern Carncroft farm con- tains new elements as well as remind- ers of the past. “We have beef cows as well. We grow wheat, corn, soy beans, and hay, and keep some pasture land. Today we have grocery stores, but in the 1800s, farms generalized to be self- sufficient and included an even wider range.” She also nods toward the future. “In the next five years, we’ll consid- er succession planning. The kids will still be young then, and together we’ll make some important life decisions. “As a farm kid, you can’t escape chores, but we recognize that some of our kids are keener than others.” Her statement hints that one among Logan, Alyssa, and Bree will assume that role in due time. Given the Carnaghan family’s 181-year his- tory with Carncroft, that unspoken hope – that one of them will continue the family tradition – is, almost cer- tainly, one fondly held by the current proud keepers of the family’s history. By Scott Mercer, Focus on Scugog Sheep and lambs grazing. Four-and-a-half-month-old Max the dog, keeps the sheep safe and is so gentle and friendly with them. Carncroft Farm (continued from page 47) to all of Scugog and surrounding area for a great first year! 3580 Byer’s Road, Blackstock • 905-986-4437 to all of Scugog to all of Scugog