OXFORD COUNTY & AGRIBUSINESS

The gently rolling land in Oxford County is fabulously rich. The value of the farmland is the reason for the very close monitoring of any expansion of the hamlets, villages, towns and cities in the area. It’s the reason that new homes in the country have been so seldom available. The land was used to farm, in order to feed people. This was a simple, obvious situation.

However, recent developments in Oxford County may be changing this point of view. With the coming of a huge new Toyota plant and many other manufacturing facilities opening here, the prized agricultural zoning has easily been changed to industrial zoning. Who knows what the attitude will be regarding expansion of residential needs!! We are in the midst of change.

In 1986, when I moved to Woodstock, huge truckloads of straw and hay were often seen rolling through the centre of town. I can’t remember when I last saw that sight. We must keep in mind that farming in this part of Ontario is mostly a business. There are some small acreages used as “Hobby Farms”, but not many. Some folks dream of life on the farm as a cleaner, clearer way to live, and it just may be that!

Features of rural life include:

• Taxes are generally slightly lower than in town
• Larger lots, with privacy
• Well
• Septic system
• Animals, chores, back to basics
• Bussing to all levels of school - Catholic, Baptist, non-denominational
• Lots of local activities for young people such as baseball, soccer, hockey, figure skating, fishing and, of course the 4-H clubs

If you're looking for a living on the land, this could be the place for you. Information about farms for sale in our area is available when you e-mail me.