Wheat Industry Newsmaker
C&M Seeds recognizes Howson and Howson Ltd.
 For 132 years, Howson Flour Mills has been milling wheat in Ontario including Durum wheat since 1971. What began in 1875 at Aberfoyle went through several re-locations before a branch of the family settled in Blyth next to a rail siding. Howson and Howson Ltd. now holds the record as the longest surviving independent mill of its size in Canada.
“Each generation has expanded the business,” says Doug Howson. Doug Howson has one son Jeff who is the 5th generation to be involved in ownership & operation. Perhaps innovation and a willingness to try new technology or ideas are the secrets of the company’s longevity. In 1996, Howson says, the company installed the first de-branning equipment in the country. By peeling the bran off the wheat before it is milled the company can give its customers a cleaner product.
In addition, the mill is always willing to experiment with new varieties which led it to the partnership with C&M Seeds to mill Ontario durum wheat. The Ontario product is blended with western durum and Howson sees this program expanding as better varieties are developed for this province’s climate and soils. “There is a future for durum in Ontario,” predicts Howson. “For us it costs to transport durum from western producers, so there will be a cost saving as more durum is grown here.”
Howson sees smaller mills coming along to meet the needs of speciality markets, such as the organic industry. But, he says his customers are pleased with the 450 tonnes his mill produces per day and that’s what Howson Flour Mills will continue to provide.
For a company that has been milling “forever”, according to Howson, tradition, quality and innovation are keeping it moving forward to the next generation of millers.
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