The Rural Voice, 1991-07, Page 31SPECIAL REPORT;
WOMEN JIii:AGRI taI,TtJRE
Laurie's brother Hang Greenwood,
already on staff, assumed management
of cropping, and maintenance and
repair. Another employee, Murray
Elliott, headed hog production.
"I would have to do some looking
to replace Murray or Harry," Laurie
says emphatically.
Laurie moved into the office, and
began sorting through every box of
papers. She called on her husband's
colleague, Bob Hunsberger, whose
consulting company had set up the
computer system (as well as providing
the services of a hog specialist, a
veterinarian, an accountant, and a
computer expert).
Laurie quickly mastered computer
know-how, and now effortlessly com-
piles financial statements and weekly
production records. Managers receive
an up-to-the-minute report on any
aspect of the business at a moment's
notice.
The operation has grown to 800
sows. Pigs per litter have increased
from 15.5 annually in 1984 to 20.3 in
1990. They now employ 10 people,
with eight of the families living on the
farm.
Laurie's four children are share-
holders in the corporation, and meet
quarterly at the farm with manage-
ment.
"The kids are enthusiastic, and it is
financially rewarding," Laurie says
modestly.
In 1988, Laurie married widower
Clark Mitchell, who, knowing how
much she wanted to continue farming,
left his Ottawa job, and is now
Stratford's personnel director. The
couple live in the city, and Laurie
commutes to her farm office.
"Farming is not a breeze," says
Laurie looking back, "but it's been
easy for me because of the system that
was in place before. I'm sure Harry
and Murray feel as proud of the pro-
gress as I do ... Initially I didn't have
much choice. After a death, you need
a purpose and a focus. This became
mine, and very soon an important part
of my life. People who helped be-
came close friends."
Laurie has a final word: "I love
what I'm doing." by YR.0
See Our Display at the
LUCKNOW KINSMEN SUMMER
FARM SHOW
July 12 & 13, 1991
at the Lucknow Arena
Flex Augers
WIC
ITT
Enter Our Draw
Count the jellybeans and win
tickets to a Blue Jays game.
EMCOH'
45*
Give us a call:
LYNN LOWRY FARM SYSTEMS LTD.
R. R. 1, Kincardine (Amberley) 519-395-2615 519-395-2616
or call Jack Alton 519-524-4974
Serving You For 25 Years 1966 to 1991
We Handle Everything (Almost)
SURGE ECLIPSE MILKING UNIT
"16% Faster Milking Than Our Leading Competition"
- large capacity claw
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PRICED RIGHT!
GOOD TERMS!
HURON DAIRY EQUIPMENT LTD.
R. R. 4, Seaforth SURGE
Call Hank Binnendyk at 519-522-1935
JULY 1991 27