Robert and Laura Stockdale married in 1969 and started dairy farming in 1970 in Asphodel Township. In 1986, they purchased Embrdale Farm from Robert’s parents. They were well-known for receiving many Milk Quality Certificates and top-producing herd awards.  Embrdale was the first leucosis-free herd in Peterborough County and a two-time Master Breeder herd. The Stockdale’s hosted international tours and exported breeding stock and embryos worldwide. In 1996, they diversified by adding Ouse Valley Gardens, a local destination for top-quality strawberries.  

Robert was a 4-H member and graduated from the Ontario Agricultural College.  He was on the winning team of the 1961 Inter-County Livestock Judging Competition and the 1962 Provincial 4-H Inter-County Club Competition.  In 1963, he won the CIBC Outstanding 4-H Member Award.  Robert was a 4-H leader for over 20 years and received the Canadian 4-H Council Leadership Award.   Laura, a graduate of Peterborough Teacher’s College and the University of Guelph with a specialization in Home Economics, was a 4-H dairy, homemaking, and gardening club leader.  In 1990, Laura coached the team that won the Provincial 4-H Go for the Gold competition. Laura is a Master Gardener Emeritus. 

Robert held leadership roles with the Peterborough Holstein Club, Milk Committee, Norwood Agricultural Society, and Peterborough District Co-op. Laura was a dedicated volunteer with Peterborough and Norwood Horticultural Societies. She shared her knowledge with school children at Farm Comes to Town and the 2006 International Plowing Match.

Robert and Laura’s family was recognized as the 1993 and 2010 Peterborough County Farm Family of the Year and received the Peterborough County Agricultural Leadership Award. In 1997, they bred the first-place two-year-old Holstein cow at the World Dairy Expo. In 2014, they completed a farm succession plan with their sons.

Nominated by David and Cathy Stockdale and family, 2023.