Farmers share life lessons and livestock at Canadian Western Agribition

As Agribition nears its final days, farmers and producers showcase their work at this year’s event. Damian Smith has more.

While thousands flock to the Canadian Western Agribition, livestock are a major draw. Farmers from across the region brought their animals to Regina, showcasing life on the farm.

Joanna Walker, who runs Furze Farms, lives 20 minutes southwest of Moosomin, said sheep can be more profitable than cows.

“Making a profit comes quicker with sheep than it does with cows,” she said.

“Your first lamb pays for you and your feed, and the next lamb brings the profit.”

Walker has more than 275 breeding ewes and 90 ewe lambs. She also owns cows but has a soft spot for sheep, having grown up with them in England.

“They have quite a good character,” she said.

“Cows I suppose do as well, but sheep, once they’re tame and quiet, are very food-motivated and easy to handle.”

• Download the CTV News app to get breaking news alerts sent to your device

For larger-scale cattle operations, the financial challenges can be significant. Dawn Wilson, a farmer at Miller Wilson Angus in Bashaw, Alta., said managing about 200 cattle requires more than just farming skills.

“There are times you’ll go six months with no cheque, so you have to be good managers,” said Wilson.

“Farmers are also electricians, carpenters, accountants. We’re multi-purpose people.”

She adds that farming isn’t a 9-to-5 or seasonal job. The workload is 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“We’re out there when it’s -50 C, and we have to look after the cattle first,” said Wilson.

“Often, we and our kids get looked after second or third.”

Walker said the demands of farm life can limit extracurricular opportunities for children.

“You don’t always get to do sports or other activities because you’re busy on the farm,” she said.

Despite the sacrifices, both producers say farm life builds character. Wilson points to her ten grandchildren as examples.

“They learn responsibility very young,” she said.

“They care for livestock and help with chores every day. Kids who grow up on a farm are highly employable because they learn how to work early.”