20 The Trusted Source for Canada’s Pork Producers Better Pork | August 2024 UP CLOSE While reaching his goals is important for Sheldon Dyck, helping others do the same is his top priority. His quest to succeed in the pork sector began at his father’s side while growing up, leading to his first industry job in Grade 10. In 2000, he signed on with Porcherie Gauthier near Steinbach, Man. as a technician and never looked back. From there, he transferred to Super Gro Gilts in 2004 and has worked his way up to senior manager and part owner. Today, he watches over three sites, including a 1,500-sow farrow-to-early wean operation, a 1,350-sow multiplier for Topigs Norsvin, and a nursery gilt grow-out. Fittingly for Prairie producers, hockey brought Sheldon and his wife Candy together. They met as young teens and were friends while pursuing the sport, with him playing the ice version and her engaged in ringette. Following their hockey days, they began dating, and are now celebrating their 25th anniversary with son Jadden and his wife Morgen. What is your role on the farm? It’s hard to think of what I don’t do. I oversee all three farms, taking care of employee issues, hiring, wages, billing, reporting, repairs and maintenance, sourcing equipment, supervising capital projects and troubleshooting with our three site managers on a weekly basis. I also coordinated our conversion to loose housing in 2017 and renovation of our farrowing rooms with new flooring and more square footage. How many people do you employ? We currently have 18 employees across the three sites. Describe your office or workshop. It’s actually my son’s old bedroom, equipped with a desk, computer and filing cabinet. TOP-NOTCH STAFF BOOSTS BOTTOM LINE Pork farmer playing to win-win. By Geoff Geddes Sheldon Dyck of Steinbach, Man. in the barn with his father. Sheldon Dyck photo
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc0MDI3