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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen Agriculture, 2003-03-19, Page 45Interest in sheep began decades ago Friendly gathering Though they operate on a small acreage, Lee and Lila Rintoul of St. Helens have achieved success with their flock of Suffolks. (Janice Becker photo) Farming a way of life He recalls time spent with both daughters when he hired them part- time during their high school years, to help with chores. “I got to know them better. We got to talking in the bam and it was good.” Stefan attended Ridgetown College to study agriculture and his wife works on a pig farm. Though Yolanda didn’t grow up on a farm, she is actively involved now. However, she jokes, Ernst said she was the most difficult apprentice he ever had. “Usually when you have an apprentice you tell them what to do, but she always knew better,” he laughs. Apprenticing was a good part of rural life in Switzerland. However, agriculture in that country is highly- regulated, something he hopes not to see happen in Canada. ‘I am concerned that sometime it will be. I see things coming, but I hope they don’t overdo it.” After all, Canada has been the place for Gubelmanns to make dreams come true. “It is a nice country, with nice people.” Continued from A-19 For the Gubelmanns at least, what they do is a way of life which has been embraced by the entire family. “Farming is family,” says Ernst. “Working together.” A look see A curious Brown Swiss calf takes a peek out of its outside shelter to check on a visitor passing by. (Bonnie Gropp photo) By Janice Becker Citizen staff Her affinity for the animal began a few decades ago because her parents raised sheep. Lila Rintoul of St. Helens then carried that activity into married life and today, a third and fourth generation continue the tradition. Lila and husband Lee began their own flock of purebred Suffolks when Lee gave five ewes to Lila as a Christmas gift. In the early days, the sheep were sold for meat, but the Rntouls soon decided they couldn’t stay with that expensive breed just to supply the that market. As the Rintoul children grew, they began showing beef calves at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, as Lila had done years before. She had even shown champion herefords in 1961. All three of their daughters, Carol MacPherson of Lucknow, Kim Higgins of Morris and Debbie Smuck of Wingham, participated in the Royal, earning awards for showmanship throughout the years. Today, MacPherson’s eldest son has begun showing locally through his 4-H club. In 1989, they had the champion Belgian Blue Cross carcass. When the family decided to switch from calves to sheep “as a challenge” said Lee, they were soon achieving success. In 1990, the first lambs were exhibited and they earned a third for a lamb carcass which fetched $5 per pound. The following year, the Rintouls showed the champion pen of three and in 1992, their champion market lamb sold for $30 per pound. “We’ve gotten something most years,” said Lila. When asked why they made- the changed to sheep, Lila said it was “something different and a learning experience.” In recent years, the Rintouls have only shown sheep at the Royal, and have continued to have consistent success. Down to just six sheep this past year instead of the previous 12-15 lambs, Lee said there is still a certain amount of consideration needed before selecting the animals to show. “The sheep have to be checked so that they stay within a weight range and you have to know the animal well,” he said “You have to look for uniformity, type and weight.” Obviously not attending the show for the money (expenses are not always covered by winnings), the Rintouls continue to show for other reasons. “We meet so many people and we would lose contact if we didn’t go back,” said Lila. She also notes the many benefits of showing. “It is an accomplishment. You try and succeed, but you don’t know until the last minute.” “You do the best with what you’ve got,” added Lee. The status attached to winning at the Royal also helps in selling their animals. “Buyers know your product so they come back for .another purchase. 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