On the outskirts of Winchester, Ontario, where rolling farmland meets generations of tradition, Baker Farms is rewriting what a modern sheep operation can look like. Led by Zac and Shelby Baker, this fourth-generation family farm is home to 900 ewes on an accelerated lambing program, producing upwards of 2,000 to 3,000 lambs annually. But their journey to greater productivity and improved quality of life didn’t come without challenges and a big part of their solution came in the form of a sealed silo system from OHS Feeding & Storage.
Growing a Full-Time Operation
Farming runs deep in the Baker family, with the farm itself being in the family for over 150 years. Originally a dairy operation, Zac started raising sheep as a hobby while still in high school. What started as a side interest has grown into a full-time career, one that now supports multiple employees, cash cropping, and a busy family life with two young children.
Zac explains. “When I realized I wanted to pursue sheep full-time, we knew we had to think differently—especially around how we feed and manage the flock.”
The Feeding Challenge: Time, Waste & Stress
Before installing a sealed silo, Baker Farms relied on ag bags for storing haylage. While functional, the bags came with drawbacks.
“We had problems with animals damaging the bags. One rip could spoil a huge section of feed,” Zac says. “That kind of waste adds up quickly – both financially and in terms of time and labour.”
In addition to spoilage, feeding was a time-consuming, multi-step process that required navigating multiple locations to collect and mix different feed ingredients. “Feeding used to take around an hour and a half to an hour forty minutes every day. Plus, it relied on me being there to do it. It wasn’t simple to train someone else,” Zac adds.
The tipping point? Realizing how much of their lives – especially time with their children – was being dictated by a system that didn’t support flexibility or efficiency.
The Solution
The Bakers turned to OHS Feeding and Storage for a solution that would not only reduce feed loss and daily labour but also give them back some of their time. They looked at different options like cement pads or concrete bunks but a sealed vertical silo made the most sense and offered the best benefits for the farm.
Installed in just a few weeks, the silo allowed the Bakers to centralize their entire feeding system. Their haylage, previously stored in bags, is now protected from the weather, dispensed at the push of a button, and ready to mix with minimal effort.
“We no longer need a loader just to feed. No more second tractor. It’s all streamlined,” Zac says. “And that means anyone on the farm can now help with feeding – even my dad, who’s in his seventies, or our high school student. It’s no longer dependent on me being there.”
Measurable Results: Time Savings, Better Nutrition & Healthier Lambs
Since making the switch, Baker Farms has seen tangible improvements. “We cut our feeding time down by about 20 to 30 minutes,” Zach says. “But more importantly, our flock is performing better.” With higher-quality, more consistent haylage, the Bakers saw a notable improvement in conception rates and lambing percentages.
Financial Payback & Long-Term Flexibility
While sealed structures are an investment, the Bakers did the math.
“Our biggest input cost is feed,” Zac says. “Based on the savings from reduced spoilage, labour, plastic, and equipment wear, we’re looking at a 7–8 year return on investment. And that doesn’t even include the gains in productivity.”
Additional savings come from no longer needing plastic wrap, tires, or fuel to run loaders and other equipment.
Plus, the structure adds long-term flexibility to their operation. “If we ever need to change course, the silo could be repurposed for grain storage,” Shelby notes. “That kind of versatility made it the smartest long-term choice.”
A Better Quality of Life
Perhaps the biggest transformation for the Bakers wasn’t just on paper—it was in how they live and work as a family.
“Before, our feeding system was so specialized that only I could really do it. That made taking a vacation nearly impossible,” Zach says. “Now, it’s all centralized. Someone else can follow a checklist and get the job done. That means we can take a weekend off or even travel with our kids.” With two young children, the couple prioritizes spending time outdoors, hiking, and exploring new areas.
Building for the Future
Looking ahead, Baker Farms plans to continue improving their infrastructure without necessarily expanding their herd size.
“Our focus right now isn’t on getting bigger—it’s on getting better,” Zac says. “We’d like to build a second silo for corn silage and add a shop or storage building. But it’s all about doing a better job with what we have.”
The Bakers believe strongly that high performance comes down to three key areas: genetics, environment, and nutrition.
“We’ve worked hard on the genetics and created the right environment,” Zac explains. “The silo was the final piece that brought it all together.”
A Positive Experience with OHS
From start to finish, the Bakers appreciated the support they received from OHS Feeding and Storage.
“They built the silo in just two weeks, and we were putting feed in it the week after. That was our goal, and they made it happen,” Zac says.
“Any time we’ve had a question or needed help, they’ve picked up the phone and walked us through it. The service has been excellent.”
Final Thoughts
At Baker Farms, tradition and innovation go hand-in-hand. With a clear focus on quality, efficiency, and family life, Zac and Shelby have built a thriving lamb operation—and OHS Feeding and Storage has helped make that possible.
For farmers like the Bakers, investing in better feed storage isn’t just about reducing waste. It’s about gaining time, improving outcomes, and building a system that supports the lifestyle they want for themselves and their children.
“We’re just trying to do a better job with what we’ve got,” Zac says. “And with the OHS, we are.”