To Treat or not To Treat... that seems to be the question. This is my first of probably many attempts to show my side of the 'anti-everything-farming-related' story. I saw a CBC special interview the other day, and it (pardon the expression) ruffled my feathers. So, here is my rebuttal.
I am a chicken farmer. I see lots of chickens, everyday. Broiler Breeders. These are the loving parents of the baby chicks that go to our well run broiler farms in Ontario. I work my butt off in trying to keep barns repaired, feeders working, drinkers at proper levels, ventilation adjustments (all the time!), and observing thousands of chickens in their environment. I do not leave the barn to fend for itself, it takes my entire being to keep stuff running.
The thing I can't control beyond anything physical (feed, light, water and management) is bird health. We have stringent biosecurity... changing coveralls and footwear before entering each barn. We have a contracted rodent manangement company to keep our bait stations clean and functional with a rotating rodenticide program. (Yes, we do try to KILL the rodents that like to spread disease, sorry animal lovers, but I protect my own animals!!) We clean the barns after each flock goes out, (takes 4-6 weeks of intense power washing and slugging) and fog a disinfectant to kill anything that may infect our new flock. So, with all these and some intense management, how do our birds still once in a while get sick?
Our barns house roosters and hens in a free-range pen. There are slats for the nests to sit on as well as female drinkers and feeders. The raised slats are a good way to ensure the manure is isolated underneath so the birds don't have to sit in it. We do have a 'scratch' area down the centre of the pen, so males and females can breed on a solid floor. The males drink and eat here. Shavings bed this floor for bird comfort.
Birds are animals. There is a definate pecking order in every pen... in fact, in quite a few areas within these pens. There are dominant animals, and submissive animals (hmmm, not too different than humans eh??). The dominant animals can cause strife. They can cause injury if not kept under check. The weaker birds will eventually be culled out by their own kind. Not always pretty. This is nature. What happens when birds get injured? Do I cull out every bird that gets knocked around a bit? Doesn't THAT sound a bit inhumane? If these birds go down, they will develop a secondary infection. That is when I prefer treatment.
Our hatchery is Cargill. Kudos to them for being one of the first hatcheries to instill antibiotic protocol with all their producers. In this, every time we think a flock is to a point of medication, we must get a veterinarians OK and a prescription for usage and withdrawl dates. This to me sounds like we 'Farmers' DO know and record when we treat our animals, unlike what the CBC broadcast stated. I have treatments written down in a quality assurance program binder we are required to keep in our facilities. The Ontario Hatching Egg producers are a small, but mindful group. We follow rules because they benefit us. We need to sustain our flocks, our farms and our future. We do not WANT to treat birds. Its an expensive and exhausting road to go down.
Whoooh, that feels better...
Sandi
Friday, February 18, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
The One...
In light of Valentines Day, I thought I'd talk a bit about my beloved... heehee... I guess I should start from the top...
I met Mark in my second year at Guelph. Remember it clearly. He had worked with my friend Janice the previous summer for Sandoz. However, I remembered him as a long haired, Oakley wearing punk... soooo not my type. So in typical Sandi fashion, I didn't give him a second thought. (and he didn't milk cows...) Imagine my surprise when I saw him during a work fare in crop science all cleaned up and looking mighty fine. Too fine. Now he was WAY out of my league. So, in typical Sandi fashion, I didn't give him a second thought.
In the meantime, I went on a skiing trip to Collingwood and broke my friggin leg. As I held down a hospital bed for the week, I got a call saying my partner for the upcoming summer was Mark. Weird, I thought, but whatever... I'll be lucky if I'd be walking by then! April came and so did our job at Dupont. Mark quickly became one of my all-time favorite people. We talked (well truthfully, I probably did most of that) and realized we had lots in common even if he didn't have cows. Within a couple weeks, we started dating... and the rest, well, is still ongoing.
Mark was introduced to not only my parents, but the whole fam-damly at a 25th wedding anniversary party for my mom and dad. Needless to say, he saw us at our utmost best behavior... and well hydrated I must say. And he stuck around!! Crazy. He helped me in the barn, milked, fed, unloaded hay and straw and helped us in the field. All is a pre-requisite for the job of dating me. Crazy. My family instantly loved Mark. I think mostly because he kept me in line. Dad got a kick out of that.
I remember meeting Mark's family. We drove out to one of the fields where Dave (Mark's dad) was cultivating (or planting... can't remember). Anyway, this clean, nicely dressed man got out of the tractor (JD... forgot to mention I was a sucker for green). I asked Mark why his dad had good clothes on. He replied that those were in fact his 'work' clothes... What the???!! I'm used to overalls that could quite literally walk away on their own they were so polluted... Today, Mark is the exact same... best dressed tractor driver this side of TO for sure!!! I then met Mark's mom... I was SOOO nervous... I like to impress the parents, but by just being me. That may not go over so good all the time. Deanna was great. These two wonderful people opened their home and hearts for a hick chick like me!! They soon became my second family and close friends. Mark's brother was the next to meet.
Jamie. Wow, what to say here. I keep promising to make this part juicy to make him mad, but I won't. Lucky him! I met Jamie and his then girlfriend (now wifey!!) Hope at the farm. I really don't remember anything too significant except, like Mark, he was genuine. What you see with these cats, is what you get. Tim is the oldest brother, but I didn't get to meet him and his wife Lesley for a bit. Same attributes apply to Tim.
Talking about Mark's family is significant. These people have now shared almost 15 years of my life with me. We work together, hang out together and support each other. We look like we have it all figured out. But those closest to us know it hasn't been an easy path. But, that is a story on its own!!
Mark and I were married in September 1998, and God willing will be for life!!
More on the man later in my posts... again, too much to say!!
Later cats!!
Sandi
I met Mark in my second year at Guelph. Remember it clearly. He had worked with my friend Janice the previous summer for Sandoz. However, I remembered him as a long haired, Oakley wearing punk... soooo not my type. So in typical Sandi fashion, I didn't give him a second thought. (and he didn't milk cows...) Imagine my surprise when I saw him during a work fare in crop science all cleaned up and looking mighty fine. Too fine. Now he was WAY out of my league. So, in typical Sandi fashion, I didn't give him a second thought.
In the meantime, I went on a skiing trip to Collingwood and broke my friggin leg. As I held down a hospital bed for the week, I got a call saying my partner for the upcoming summer was Mark. Weird, I thought, but whatever... I'll be lucky if I'd be walking by then! April came and so did our job at Dupont. Mark quickly became one of my all-time favorite people. We talked (well truthfully, I probably did most of that) and realized we had lots in common even if he didn't have cows. Within a couple weeks, we started dating... and the rest, well, is still ongoing.
Mark was introduced to not only my parents, but the whole fam-damly at a 25th wedding anniversary party for my mom and dad. Needless to say, he saw us at our utmost best behavior... and well hydrated I must say. And he stuck around!! Crazy. He helped me in the barn, milked, fed, unloaded hay and straw and helped us in the field. All is a pre-requisite for the job of dating me. Crazy. My family instantly loved Mark. I think mostly because he kept me in line. Dad got a kick out of that.
I remember meeting Mark's family. We drove out to one of the fields where Dave (Mark's dad) was cultivating (or planting... can't remember). Anyway, this clean, nicely dressed man got out of the tractor (JD... forgot to mention I was a sucker for green). I asked Mark why his dad had good clothes on. He replied that those were in fact his 'work' clothes... What the???!! I'm used to overalls that could quite literally walk away on their own they were so polluted... Today, Mark is the exact same... best dressed tractor driver this side of TO for sure!!! I then met Mark's mom... I was SOOO nervous... I like to impress the parents, but by just being me. That may not go over so good all the time. Deanna was great. These two wonderful people opened their home and hearts for a hick chick like me!! They soon became my second family and close friends. Mark's brother was the next to meet.
Jamie. Wow, what to say here. I keep promising to make this part juicy to make him mad, but I won't. Lucky him! I met Jamie and his then girlfriend (now wifey!!) Hope at the farm. I really don't remember anything too significant except, like Mark, he was genuine. What you see with these cats, is what you get. Tim is the oldest brother, but I didn't get to meet him and his wife Lesley for a bit. Same attributes apply to Tim.
Talking about Mark's family is significant. These people have now shared almost 15 years of my life with me. We work together, hang out together and support each other. We look like we have it all figured out. But those closest to us know it hasn't been an easy path. But, that is a story on its own!!
Mark and I were married in September 1998, and God willing will be for life!!
More on the man later in my posts... again, too much to say!!
Later cats!!
Sandi
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Twin Tales...
During high school, I met a pair of girls who would direct me down the road I was meant to travel. I met Janice and Marilyn in grade 10 (they were in grade 11), however, they didn't go to my school, they went to our sporting rivals PJ in Brantford. I actually got to know them through the 4-H program.
These girls are twins. But, like most twins, complete opposites! They fit into my life as if they had always been in it. They too lived on a family run dairy farm, so right away, they knew the trials and tribulations of farm life. They too had to leave practices early to milk cows. We spent just about every weekend together, going to cattle shows, buck and does, jr. farmer dances or traveling up to Aunt Kaye and Uncle Jack's place in Kearney. We laughed together, cried together, fought like sisters and supported each other like family. I met so many people through this family. People in the ag sector who I still meet up with from time to time... and I still get referenced as the girl that hung out with 'the twins'...
As time passed, we headed to university together as well. Janice headed out the year before Mare and I, so we roomed together the next year at University of Guelph. Guelph was awesome. Absolutely, by far, the best time of my life! But, if it wasn't for these 2 girls in my world, I may not have headed in that direction. I owe them all my thanks. They brought me back to my proud roots. They basically led me through that part of my life, looking back at it now. We partied together, Janice usually stuck holding my head while I threw up... Marilyn staying awake all night making sure I didn't choke... (a proud moment!!) We went to countless dairy shows, where Janice always kicked butt... Mare and I were just usually glad to be there!! We went to 4-H camps and conferences, Jr. Farmer functions (all over the place...) and met so many wonderful people along the way.
During university, Marilyn ended up going another route to pursue a career in teaching. Which she is still successfully doing today... Janice graduated the year before me and is truly a person I often strived to be like. She is now currently married to Glenn with 4 (yep, thats right, 4 kids!!) living in Ridgetown. She has her own Pioneer dealership, and is one of the hardest working people I know today.
Even though we have all gone our separate ways, I think of those days often. Some of my happiest memories by far. I am so very proud of them and what kind of people they have become. I've been blessed with the greatest friends ever...
oh, and by the way, they don't milk cows anymore either... :(
Sandi
These girls are twins. But, like most twins, complete opposites! They fit into my life as if they had always been in it. They too lived on a family run dairy farm, so right away, they knew the trials and tribulations of farm life. They too had to leave practices early to milk cows. We spent just about every weekend together, going to cattle shows, buck and does, jr. farmer dances or traveling up to Aunt Kaye and Uncle Jack's place in Kearney. We laughed together, cried together, fought like sisters and supported each other like family. I met so many people through this family. People in the ag sector who I still meet up with from time to time... and I still get referenced as the girl that hung out with 'the twins'...
As time passed, we headed to university together as well. Janice headed out the year before Mare and I, so we roomed together the next year at University of Guelph. Guelph was awesome. Absolutely, by far, the best time of my life! But, if it wasn't for these 2 girls in my world, I may not have headed in that direction. I owe them all my thanks. They brought me back to my proud roots. They basically led me through that part of my life, looking back at it now. We partied together, Janice usually stuck holding my head while I threw up... Marilyn staying awake all night making sure I didn't choke... (a proud moment!!) We went to countless dairy shows, where Janice always kicked butt... Mare and I were just usually glad to be there!! We went to 4-H camps and conferences, Jr. Farmer functions (all over the place...) and met so many wonderful people along the way.
During university, Marilyn ended up going another route to pursue a career in teaching. Which she is still successfully doing today... Janice graduated the year before me and is truly a person I often strived to be like. She is now currently married to Glenn with 4 (yep, thats right, 4 kids!!) living in Ridgetown. She has her own Pioneer dealership, and is one of the hardest working people I know today.
Even though we have all gone our separate ways, I think of those days often. Some of my happiest memories by far. I am so very proud of them and what kind of people they have become. I've been blessed with the greatest friends ever...
oh, and by the way, they don't milk cows anymore either... :(
Sandi
Thursday, February 10, 2011
A Goodbye Too Early...
So I'm taking a break from my very self centred blog for the night...
I got a text from my sister 2 days ago. She informed me that a family we know from Paris has had the unthinkable happen, a death far too early... I don't know this couple well, but in the few times I had the privilege of meeting them, I thought of them as one of the happiest couples I had met. My sister has confirmed my assumptions many times.
Lynne and her family has had to say goodbye to a wonderful husband and father, Al. A tragic accident that should never had happened. Starting out as typical day I'm sure, then the dreaded call.
Have we taken the time in our so horribly hectic lives to say what needs to be said? Have we hugged and kissed our kids as we are kickn' their little draggy butts out the door in the morning to catch the bus? When's the last time you talked to your parents or your siblings?
We take these things for granted. In a flash, they could be taken from us. These accidents happen all the time, but when its close to home it hammers me in the gut. We probably all put work, chores, sports and running around before those who mean the most to us.
To my family and friends, I love you all. I don't say it enough, I don't show it enough.
To Lynne, no words can honestly relay how I horrible I feel for your loss. Al was a true gentleman, and love radiated from him towards you every time I saw you two together. Be strong, ask for help. Remember Al as you watch your children grow. Remember him in actions and mannerisms you see in them. Talk with them about the good times, keep him a part of your lives as he always will be.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sandi
I got a text from my sister 2 days ago. She informed me that a family we know from Paris has had the unthinkable happen, a death far too early... I don't know this couple well, but in the few times I had the privilege of meeting them, I thought of them as one of the happiest couples I had met. My sister has confirmed my assumptions many times.
Lynne and her family has had to say goodbye to a wonderful husband and father, Al. A tragic accident that should never had happened. Starting out as typical day I'm sure, then the dreaded call.
Have we taken the time in our so horribly hectic lives to say what needs to be said? Have we hugged and kissed our kids as we are kickn' their little draggy butts out the door in the morning to catch the bus? When's the last time you talked to your parents or your siblings?
We take these things for granted. In a flash, they could be taken from us. These accidents happen all the time, but when its close to home it hammers me in the gut. We probably all put work, chores, sports and running around before those who mean the most to us.
To my family and friends, I love you all. I don't say it enough, I don't show it enough.
To Lynne, no words can honestly relay how I horrible I feel for your loss. Al was a true gentleman, and love radiated from him towards you every time I saw you two together. Be strong, ask for help. Remember Al as you watch your children grow. Remember him in actions and mannerisms you see in them. Talk with them about the good times, keep him a part of your lives as he always will be.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sandi
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Fields, friends and foes...
Friends. We make them, love them, cherish them, and unfortunately finally drift away from them. Thankfully, not all the time. Thankfully, we are quite often blessed with more that come into our lives.
Living on a farm I had 2 main sets of friends. The ones from town, and the ones that would help me in the barn, build forts in the snow, and ride those decrepit bikes I had the privilege of owning! The ones from town would often come out and see what farming was all about, but as for getting down and dirty??? they usually bowed out of that. There are a few friends I have to mention, because they are such a big part of how I became me.
Amy M and Jen T., what laughs. We spent many years together in the little school of Glen Morris. They were and still are wonderful people, mothers and wives of some very lucky families.
Amy L however was my soul mate. She moved to a house across our field and we would often meet somewhere in the middle and walk to her place or mine. Hours would pass, yet they felt like minutes. Her dad happened to also be our vet, so her family quite graciously let me hang with them often! Amy taught me manners (which I sometimes use), and is by far, the nicest person you could EVER talk to on the phone (unless you talk to her mom or sisters... same goes...) We attended Glen Morris also, then I moved over to the high school for 7&8, and didn't get to see her as much... To this day, I cherish those memories and think of her often. (thank goodness for Facebook!!).
High school brought around my urban friends. A circle I had never been a part of. The girls I remember most were Pam B, Heather H, Kate F, Kathryn D, Melanie R, Jen H, Jodi R and of course Krista S. (my buddy) just to name a few... They were great friends... Unfortunately, like most high school friends, we have long since drifted. Universities and colleges move us all in different directions and futures. Mine was agriculture. Their's were not. I have had the opportunity to sneak peaks into their lives through FB, but thats about it.
Friends are easy. Foes are not. Foes are challenging and sometimes crushing. But they too mold us into the kind of person we are to become. I always seem to have a foe. At least I always perceived them as foes. Kindergarden to grade 2 was a big bully on the bus. I was petrified to get on that damn yellow thing everyday because of this dude. He just seemed to only pick on me. He'd go through my lunch, and somehow make me feel ashamed (why is that? its a friggn lunch?!!) and tease the living crap out of me... Let me make this clear... DON'T BULLY!! Karma can be a real brute given time. That same boy ended up as one of our relief milkers for dad (when I was at the barn too... can you say awkward??)... took him a long time to get me to warm up to him (I sooo hold a grudge). Other foes in my life? Crushes. The boys I was sure I was going to marry. After all, they were the dairy boys right? WRONG!!! But not for lack of trying! Oh well, I was being led to someone perfect... well, for me that is!
My friends who are some of the most genuine, hard working, loving people I have had the privilege of knowing, I have met through 4-H and university. That story however, will have to wait for another night. Too much to say.
Eventually, I will get to my present boring life... but for now, I have you captive in my even more boring past!!!
Living on a farm I had 2 main sets of friends. The ones from town, and the ones that would help me in the barn, build forts in the snow, and ride those decrepit bikes I had the privilege of owning! The ones from town would often come out and see what farming was all about, but as for getting down and dirty??? they usually bowed out of that. There are a few friends I have to mention, because they are such a big part of how I became me.
Amy M and Jen T., what laughs. We spent many years together in the little school of Glen Morris. They were and still are wonderful people, mothers and wives of some very lucky families.
Amy L however was my soul mate. She moved to a house across our field and we would often meet somewhere in the middle and walk to her place or mine. Hours would pass, yet they felt like minutes. Her dad happened to also be our vet, so her family quite graciously let me hang with them often! Amy taught me manners (which I sometimes use), and is by far, the nicest person you could EVER talk to on the phone (unless you talk to her mom or sisters... same goes...) We attended Glen Morris also, then I moved over to the high school for 7&8, and didn't get to see her as much... To this day, I cherish those memories and think of her often. (thank goodness for Facebook!!).
High school brought around my urban friends. A circle I had never been a part of. The girls I remember most were Pam B, Heather H, Kate F, Kathryn D, Melanie R, Jen H, Jodi R and of course Krista S. (my buddy) just to name a few... They were great friends... Unfortunately, like most high school friends, we have long since drifted. Universities and colleges move us all in different directions and futures. Mine was agriculture. Their's were not. I have had the opportunity to sneak peaks into their lives through FB, but thats about it.
Friends are easy. Foes are not. Foes are challenging and sometimes crushing. But they too mold us into the kind of person we are to become. I always seem to have a foe. At least I always perceived them as foes. Kindergarden to grade 2 was a big bully on the bus. I was petrified to get on that damn yellow thing everyday because of this dude. He just seemed to only pick on me. He'd go through my lunch, and somehow make me feel ashamed (why is that? its a friggn lunch?!!) and tease the living crap out of me... Let me make this clear... DON'T BULLY!! Karma can be a real brute given time. That same boy ended up as one of our relief milkers for dad (when I was at the barn too... can you say awkward??)... took him a long time to get me to warm up to him (I sooo hold a grudge). Other foes in my life? Crushes. The boys I was sure I was going to marry. After all, they were the dairy boys right? WRONG!!! But not for lack of trying! Oh well, I was being led to someone perfect... well, for me that is!
My friends who are some of the most genuine, hard working, loving people I have had the privilege of knowing, I have met through 4-H and university. That story however, will have to wait for another night. Too much to say.
Eventually, I will get to my present boring life... but for now, I have you captive in my even more boring past!!!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
I wish Oprah was a farmer too...
Oprah is cool. A voice for millions... however, if you happen to be on one of her more recent trends regarding some new diet, farming is a target. I wish she was a farmer. A voice for us!! Every occupation can be viewed in any negative light given the right media. She has that power. We, unfortunately do not. Sucks. Oprah, come out to our farms. The ones we are proud of. Yes, there are bad seeds... guess what, Jerry Springer doesn't do much for promoting your profession either. (even though I think he's kinda cool)
Okay, thats my rant. Where was I in my ever so intellectual story... Oh yeah, whining about being a hard working kid. Don't get me wrong. We had fun. Living on a farm is a life like no other (of course, I haven't experienced anything different...) so yes, I'm biased. I remember playing Dukes of Hazzard (we, of course were Bo and Luke... I think we made Lisa be Uncle Jesse... or Cooter... hehehe). I remember my dumpster bike that was supposed to have 2 handlebars, but of course only had one. I remember hanging in the haymow with dad on the hottest frigg'n day in June, July and August thinking I was going to die, but cherishing that time with dad. So yes it was hard work, but we got to spend day in and out with family. Something we don't see much of anymore.
My friends (you know who you are) laughed at me through school. Not being spiteful, laughing at the fact that I was (and still am) USELESS in the domestic area of life. Mom would make our meals, and wash our clothes, so I was clueless when it came to cooking, cleaning or housework in general. I used to begrudge the fact she didn't go to the barn much and GOT to stay in the house... little did I know, who the heck would actually WANT to stay in the house to do housework??!! I know now. Cause I hate it! Throw me back in the barn anytime!
Thats all kids,
Gotta prep for big storm!!
signing out...
Sandbox
Okay, thats my rant. Where was I in my ever so intellectual story... Oh yeah, whining about being a hard working kid. Don't get me wrong. We had fun. Living on a farm is a life like no other (of course, I haven't experienced anything different...) so yes, I'm biased. I remember playing Dukes of Hazzard (we, of course were Bo and Luke... I think we made Lisa be Uncle Jesse... or Cooter... hehehe). I remember my dumpster bike that was supposed to have 2 handlebars, but of course only had one. I remember hanging in the haymow with dad on the hottest frigg'n day in June, July and August thinking I was going to die, but cherishing that time with dad. So yes it was hard work, but we got to spend day in and out with family. Something we don't see much of anymore.
My friends (you know who you are) laughed at me through school. Not being spiteful, laughing at the fact that I was (and still am) USELESS in the domestic area of life. Mom would make our meals, and wash our clothes, so I was clueless when it came to cooking, cleaning or housework in general. I used to begrudge the fact she didn't go to the barn much and GOT to stay in the house... little did I know, who the heck would actually WANT to stay in the house to do housework??!! I know now. Cause I hate it! Throw me back in the barn anytime!
Thats all kids,
Gotta prep for big storm!!
signing out...
Sandbox
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