30 It’s Farming. And It’s Better. Better Farming | May 2024 much. Crystal: My favourite part is the flexibility it gives for raising a family, and the spontaneity. You wake up in the morning and you might have something in your mind that you have to do, but that’s not always how it goes. It’s also a great way to involve children and develop their work ethic. There’s lots to do and it’s never boring. Brian: If you like the outdoors – and I think most of us do – farming gives you that opportunity. If you are into snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, or four-wheeling, it allows you to pick a time to do that. But a lot of the time, you’re outside anyway. Joan: We have enjoyed being on the farm with our children, and we must have built something into them, because they are all now involved in the farm in some way. It’s been a great ride. What is a goal you have for your farm? Nick: I would like to see my grandchildren have the opportunity to farm if they wish to. Crystal: The goal for my farm is for it to be fulfilling and fun for everyone. Joan: The grandchildren ventured into different experiences, ranging from travel and volunteer work to apprenticeships, co-ops, and higher education. They are all excited to share their skills with the family and integrate them into work and farm life. What has your biggest challenge been in farming? Nick: During the 1980s, interest rates went up to and beyond 20 per cent, and I had never envisioned that. It was very difficult to keep all the loans paid on time, but we did it. Crystal: Keeping all the balls in the air with the farm and the family, with Ben working 24- or 12-hour shifts as a paramedic. It meant some creative things had to be done work-wise in terms of getting chores done and looking after children at the same time. Brian: I think going forward it will be a double-edged sword. Land prices are high and equipment prices are high. I think it’s a good thing that farm assets are valued the way they are – it’s a healthy environment overall – but it is a bit of a struggle wrapping your mind around buying a farm or equipment at these prices. What technology would you like to add to your farm? Crystal: We would like to put auto-start generators in all the chicken barns. Murray: We are currently using some GPS and AutoTrac technology but feel we could take advantage of using more of the benefits satellite has to offer. We would also like to put ammonia readers in our chicken barns. What keeps you up at night? Nick: Nothing. Crystal: Not too much. You want your children to be successful, although that looks different for everyone. I want them to be happy. What do you do in your time off? Nick: At the back of our farm, we have a log cabin beside a pond and a spring creek. It is a focal point for all of our UP CLOSE Kerri and Brian grow corn, soybeans, and wheat. Crystal Whyte photo
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