The Durkin family has been farming in Tyendinaga Township since the area was settled nearly 200 years ago. For the past 40 years they have run the farm as a beef farm. Kevin Durkin plays a major part in the local agricultural community. He has been chair of the Hastings Federation of Agriculture and the Hastings Cattlemen's Association. He is past chair of the Hastings Stewardship Council.

 "As a farmer, I see first hand the relationship we have with the land and understand the challenges we face as land stewards in a complex society," says Durkin. "However, when, we as individuals and organizations, take steps to change and improve our stewardship activities, we can make a difference." Kevin Durkin hopes the stewardship council will continue to focus on sound resource management and to continue to promote sustainable living, He sees farmers as an integral part of rural communities and leaders in land management and innovative agricultural practices. "All of us, whether it be our dairy or beef producers, organic farmers, farm woodlot owners or especially resource consumers, each play an important part."