Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen-Agriculture 2001, 2001-03-14, Page 24G & M 2 n Auto Portz Plus Auto Parts mr r Quality Parts plus Personal Service Come in and see us for all your farm & industrial needs • auto parts & accessories • tools & equipment • body & shop supplies Come in and see us for all your welding supplies FARM, AUTO AND HEAVY TRUCK PARTS 235 Turnberry, St. Bill Glousher Brussels, ON Res.: 523-9023 NOG 1H0 Gary McArter Tel.: 4519) 887-8002 Res.: 887-6027 MckERCHER CONSTRUCTION LTD. R.R. 2 Bluevale • LICENSED SEPTIC INSTALLATIONS • SCREENED & FIELD TOPSOIL • BARK MULCH • SAND • GRAVEL • FILL • BACKHOEING • BULLDOZING • EXCAVATING • LOADING & HAULING Give us a call 887-9061 Fax 887-9999 SIUR GAIN KICKSTART EXTRA-FORTIFIED FEED FOR EARLY WEANED PIGS KICKSTART Early Wean Pig Starter is uniquely formulated to help baby pigs' transition from sow's milk to a complex pig starter. It contains high concentrations of fat, milk proteins (casein and whey) and lactose. KICKSTART is a non- medicated creep feed containing a high concentration of milk protein and no soybean meal. 2001 Chick Days Chicks - Sexed or Mixed ORDER DATES Also available: Turkeys, Geese, Ducks, Layers MARCH 30th for pick-up FRIDAY, APRIL 27th APRIL 27th for pick-up FRIDAY, MAY 25th A complete line of SHUR-GAIN Homestead Feeds and Animal Health products as well as feeders, waterers, teat lamps, baled shavings, etc. Serving our friends & neighbours in the farming communities, with quality products and personalized service, for the past 15 years. DAUPHIN FEED & SUPPLY DUNGANNON 529-7951 1-800-665-5675 Mon. - Fri. 8 AM - 5 PM Sat. 9 AM - Noon WALTON 887-6023 PAGE A-4. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2001. Bridges offers different perspective on farming A learning experience Through Bridges to Agriculture, students interested in a career in agriculture or ag-business can gain some hands-on experienca through a co-op work placement. Continued from A-3 If they spend one, eight-week work period learning to repair farm implements, the next co-op place- ment could be working with live- stock or in a retail outlet. "The intent is also to give them a different experience from what they have had at home or thFough a sum- mer job," he added. Matt Denys of Seaforth District High School is definitely getting a different perspectjye. Though his goal is to farm once his education is completed, he is curently working at W.G. Thompson and Sons Ltd. in Hensall, bagging, shipping and restacking skids for the agricultural goods supplier. "I would rather be doing this than school work," said Denys. "It broad- ens your horizons." Nick Denhaan, also of Seaforth District High School is gaining a greater range of experience in a sec- tor with which he is already some- what familiar. Having worked on a diary farm after school, Denhaan said he want- ed to learn the other side of that industry. His placement at Lenco Dairy Supply in Atwood is doing just that. Denhaan has been kept very busy repairing pumps and helping with the installation of milking systems. Both young men said they are enjoying their placements, and grin- ning, said it is a better way of earn- ing four credits than being in school. Case stresses this program is not just for kids from farm backgrounds. There are students who have never lived on a farm, but worked there, and are just as interested. For a group of students which are intent on getting to work after the schooling is completed, the Bridges program often opens doors to employment. "Several students have been offered jobs by their co-op place- ments," said Ritchie. "They would riot have had that opportunity if not for working through Bridges." Aside from learning the many facets of agriculture, Case said they also realize they don't have to own a farm to be involved in the industry. While the experience opens doors for immediate employment for some, it has also encouraged other to continue their education at Ridgetown, Guelph or Kemptville. "They learn that there are high tech jobs in agriculture too," added Ritchie, noting several research and chemical companies. "The University of Guelph has spots for 135 first-year students and only 100 applicants," said Ritchie. "There are four jobs for every gradu- ate." Though the course formula has evolved over time, the students now spend approximately three weeks with in-class work learning resume writing, taking interest and aptitude tests and listening to guest speakers on a number of topics, among other things. The rest of the semester is spent on two, eight- week place- ments. They are expected to complete two assignments during each placement, a health and safety report as well as a newspaper-style article. Log sheets are maintained by the students and signed by the employ- ers. Case said the majority of students are very enthusiastic about their placements, working beyond the required hours and even putting in time on the weekend. R newsletter is published after each semester to keep those involved updated on the accomplishments of the program and its participants. Aside from course work, the stu- dents also discover that volunteerism is a component of the course. They have worked with the Slice of Huron program for elementary students, helping commodity farmers display their goods and assisted with set-up and tear-down at the International Plowing Match in Dashwood. They also attend several farm shows, exhi- bitions and fairs throughout their term. The objective is to allow the stu- dents to rub shoulders with as many in the agricultural sector as possible, said Ritchie. Denys and Denhaan encourage anyone interested in an agricultural career to look into the program as participants learn things they would not through the regular school cur- riculum.. Students interested in applying to Bridges to Agriculture should con- tact their in-school guidance coun- selor.