Our Inspiration, J. W. Maus Made with Xara When I decided to go into raising beef, I had some pretty big boots to fill.  My grandfather, Jairus W. Maus, owned one of the largest beef operations in Ontario. To quote a statement in a newpaper article about him in 1966 : "For many years the name Maus has been synonymous with beef cattle production, and Fairview Farms Ltd., the Maus holdings, were among the largest suppliers of beef not only to Toronto markets but to Buffalo and other American markets, on occasions... In fact, in recent years, the Fairview Farms, brought east 400 or more carloads annually, according to the Canadian Cattleman publication. " At the time of his death in 1966, there were 2,300 acres of Fairview lands in the Ayr Ontario area and larger holdings around Kincardine Ontario. "  My father, John H.  Maus, was the only son not to be a farmer.  He became a doctor and I was raised in the city.  However, I spent many a weekend and vacation at the homefarm. In my mind's eye, I must remember the type of cattle that I saw at Granddad's farm because that is the conformation type I am looking for. I am looking for depth, good loin, quality legs and feet. I was 16 when I started to buy, show, and breed dairy cattle - first Holsteins and later Ayrshires.  (my true love) From Canada and Her People, Encyclopedia Vol. 2, History of Central Ontario (Southwestern), Mabel Burkholder - 1951-52 "J.W. Maus & Sons (Ayr, Ont.)  are the largest feeders of commercial cattle in Ontario and finish for the market approximately 1500 head of steers per year.  They have recently imported a small herd of Large English Hogs for breeding and development purposes. J.W. Maus & Sons have for several years fed and exhibited carlots of cattle at the Royal Winter Fair at Toronto, Ont. winning several championships over the best herds in Canada. Jairus Wilton Maus who has spent his lifetime as a Farmer and Drover was born on July 25, 1890, in the Township of South Dumfries, County of Brant and is the son of John W. and Agnes (Hall) Maus.  After attending Public School in South Dumphries he farmed with his father (mixed farming) taking over his father's property upon reaching maturity.  He acquired additional properties from time to time until today there are 10 farms with a total of 1400 acres owned and operated by Mr. Maus and his sons.  They also operate under rental a large area of pasture land, some total of 1800 acres, in the vicinity of Ailsa Craig for grazing beef cattle.  The principal activities of Mr. Maus are concerned with the handling of livestock.  In 1950, Mr. Maus imported approximately 5000 head of feeder cattle from Western Canada which were eventually sold to Ontario farmers.  Mr. Maus markets much of his stock in Canada, with a good percentage going to the U.S.A. On  June 13, 1917, Mr. Maus was married to Elizabeth Ann Baxter of Blenheim Township, Co. of Oxford; the daughter of Richard and Elizabeth Baxter, Lillico farmers.  The family consists of eight children: John H., Elizabeth M., Agnes I., R. Douglas, Jean L., Margaret W., Donald S., and Hugh C