About WestWillow Farms
Westwillow is a partnership between various members of the Graff Family from Kipling, Saskatchewan. John and Teresa Graff have lived in several parts of North America, active in farming and ranching.
John used to teach ag classes at Olds College before being recruited to run several agribusiness corporations in the US. John is a nutritionist, chemist, and production consultant. He has provided technical support and business management to several companies as well as consulted on food security issues, livestock health and nutrition, soils, and alternative energy. During these consultations, he has written agricultural policy and advised world leaders in food and agriculture and economic development.
Teresa is a physiotherapist who came home to raise their kids and assist John in the farm operations. At each place they lived, they brought cows and tractors and rented land or bought small farm operations to ensure their kids were raised in farming. Teresa has been critical in the maintenance of the business, records, home, and family. At the end of this career, when the kids were getting old enough, John and Teresa came back to farm in Canada. They settled in the Kipling/Broadview/Whitewood area of Saskatchewan. Here they operate a small farm with the various aspects included. They understand the struggles of small farmers to make ends meet and try to grow from nothing to a size that allows the farm to support a family. It is this struggle and the calling of God upon them that has brought about the various endeavors they are engaged in. John and Teresa have four children who are active on the farm now as young adults.
Jared is an expert production and operations technician and is the foreman of the operation. Kristen is involved in operations and heads their row crop division. Justin is naturally inclined to understand mechanics and heads the service and repair division. Kara is a phenomenal combine operator and heads the supply department making sure the crew and equipment are adequately supplied. We look forward to adding to this list as the young people choose spouses (who are approved by Dad). This farm family team is backed up by a tight-knit team of friends and family that bring vibrancy and energy to the team. We look for ways to help these members of the team build their operations and be productive members of the community.
The Graff family, in the short time they have been back in Canada, has built a reputation for honesty, hard work, and community spirit. They are each leaders in various philanthropic organizations such as Living Streams Institute, the National Citizens Inquiry, and their church organizations.
Corporately, Westwillow Farms LP is a limited partnership with Westeward Corporation being the limited partner, and Saxum Management being the general partner. Westeward Corporation is wholly made up of the Graff family and John and Teresa’s descendants. Its role is to manage and develop shareholders (family members) and to invest in various long-term operations like Westwillow Farms or our cattle operations. It also handles the philanthropic aspects of the family. Saxum Management Inc. is our management team that includes family members and other team members as employees, and who give operational direction to the business as the general partner. While this structure is a little pretentious for a small family farm, it projects the vision the family has and will allow the Graff family and its team to be effective and build a legacy of hope across the country.