Albert Mutcher: 73 Years in Agriculture

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

‘You have to hang tough & stay with it.’

By Emily Croft

Albert Mutcher has been farming in Stephenfield, Man. since he was 18 years old. After 73 years, he is still managing his cattle herd on his own and hopes to pass on his passion to his great-grandchildren.

“I was born and raised on the farm, and I just fell into livestock farming. I worked at home until I was 18 and then I got out on my own and got started on my farm with eight head of cattle,” says Albert.

“When I bought my first cattle, at that time I paid 26 cents a pound and I sold them in the spring for 32 cents a pound. At that time, that was a pretty good markup.”

At one point in time, Albert built his herd up to 300 head of cattle, and he farmed 2,500 acres of grain. Now he is downsizing his herd and has rented out his crop acres.

“There were lots of years that I probably didn’t make too much money, but I can’t say I ever lost money on livestock,” says Albert.

He says that farming has changed drastically over the past 73 years.

“It’s been a very big change. It’s gone from farming half-sections to thousands of acres,” he explains.

“That makes it pretty tough for cattlemen, as it’s hard to compete with crop people. Land is worth so much that the only real chance a livestock man has anymore is if it isn’t real cattle country and can’t be harvested or cropped. That’s how it is in the area that I have my livestock.

“You have to make real good use of the land if you’re going to make it pay.”

Sharing his passion for agriculture with his community has been a priority. Albert has been a part of his local fair board for 55 years and started his local livestock committee 65 years ago. He has also been involved in 4H, judging many cattle shows over his years in the industry.

“He is very well-known and respected in the cattle industry,” states Albert’s granddaughter Karla Last.

“He was a long-time fair board member, 4-H member, and now a sought-after judge.”

Albert also aims to share this passion with the younger generations of his family. He has two granddaughters, a grandson, four great-grandsons, two great-granddaughters, and another on the way.

“My grandchildren are all interested in livestock,” says Albert.

“When they were six years old, I gave them all one cow and that got them started. Of course, Grandpa had to look after them, but they sure knew their cow even when they were six or seven years old. They could pick them out as quick as I could.

“They had a calf every year and when it sold, I told them they had to put the money in a trust, and they couldn’t touch it until they turned 18. They had a pretty nice little trust fund when they were 18 and they were all pretty happy with that.”

Albert plans to do the same for his great-grandchildren.

“They really seem interested in livestock. They like to see Grandpa’s cows. They come and visit quite a bit. I’m hoping some will be cattlemen when they grow up.”

After 73 years in agriculture, Albert has some advice for new farmers, which may someday include his great-grandchildren.

“It’s pretty tough for young farmers. There are going to be some bumps in the road. You just have to hang tough and stay with it,” says Albert.

“I’ve had quite a few bumps in my time farming. During the second year I farmed on my own, we had some big storms and I got hailed out. I thought that was the end, but I had a banker who had lots of faith in me, and we carried on from there. It worked for me. It’s not easy but I really enjoy it – or I wouldn’t be doing it right now.

“There’s a saying – ‘If you don’t like your job, you shouldn’t be there.’”

Albert is proud of his career as a livestock farmer. Now 91 years old, he is winding down to a more manageable size. But he still believes that cattle play a key role in his province.

“I think livestock farmers are pretty important in our economy. We produce a lot of beef here in Manitoba and I think a lot of people don’t realize how valuable we are in the economy. Livestock is a pretty big industry.” BF