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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2000-11-22, Page 25THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2000. PAGE 25. Co-op program teaches youth about agriculture By Matt McCall What would you think of if you heard the slo­ gans, “noth­ ing runs like a Deere”, or “Beef! It’s what’s for dinner.” Well you would probably think of John Deere tractors and a- good steak. But not myself, Matt McCall a 17-year-old, Grade 12 co-op student attending F. E. Madill Secondary School in Wingham. I would think of my co-op placement near Gorrie, Bennett Farms, one of the largest cattle feedlots in Ontario. Why? Well everywhere you look there are green John Deere tractors driven by employees of Bennett Farms. These tough tractors almost go non-stop all year ’round doing farm duties such as spreading manure, bedding pens, cleaning pens, ploughing, haying, strawing and pretty much any other farm chore you can think of. I also think of Bennett Farms when I hear the slogan on beef because Bennett Farms consist of nine bams filled with 6,000 head of cattle. This is where my work comes in since the cattle always have to be taken care of. I start my day getting instructions from my supervisor Les Cairns, the foreman, who gives me different tasks every day that usually consist of sorting finished cattle ready for market. Once that is done there are younger cattle trucked in to replace these finished cattle going out. These yearlings have to be weighed, then processed. Processing refers to vac­ cinating them for diseases, worming them and implanting them. This is done by putting a pill in their ear that helps them to grow. I also bed pens with straw or saw­ dust, clean them out and spread the manure. I have learned to run a big tractor with a manure spreader on it. The manure is spread on com land that com has been taken off of. I also help with shop work greasing trucks, painting and making gates, helping fix tractors and anything else they can think of for me to do. I have also observed the boss’s job, harvesting com. This was really fascinating to me., I chose co-op because I think it gives you a taste of what the work world is going to be like and it gives you a chance to explore any occupa­ tion you enjoy. I hope I have a better understand­ ing of cattle and general farm work when I am through with my place­ ment. I have learned a lot and am •---------------------------------------------- ifKBTPl Lucknow Travel I All Inclusive or Cruise Holiday X Travel Voucher I i i i i i i i i I i i i i i ; 528-2388 Save up to $75 per couple* ♦for Toronto departures only Some restrictions apply 1-877-582-5669; ON Reg.# 50006589------------------------ ---------* learning something new every day. I would like to follow in this line of work in the future and I would rec­ ommend the co-op program to any­ one. ___ ____ T I I I I I I I I I Youth works in auto service I | By Dean Wilson “Quality Job One”.. This is the motto at Montgomery Ford in Kincardine. My name is Dean Wilson and my co-op starts at 8 a.m. My placement is in the service department. Gord Kemp is the serv­ ice manager and my supervisor. I work with the mechanics doing oil changes, brake services, trans­ mission services, shop maintenance, delivering parts and all other vehicle repairs. I hope this will help me get the experience needed to get an apprenticeship in the future. I’m learning better ways to fix vehicles and getting a better under­ standing of the way things work. Co-op is a great course to take because it helps you get out and started in the world. It also makes you better prepared for college. Call 1-800-5656 USC to pledge your support today! 56 Sparks Street, Ottawa ON KIP 5Bl www.usc-canada.org Supporting local projects in a global context Bernie MacLellan GODERICH^ ‘(519) 524-8524 J.R. MILLWRIGHTS • Millwrighting • Welding ♦ Machine, Hydraulic & Pneumatic Installations & Repairs • Industrial & Commercial FREE MACHINE CHECKS & ESTIMATES y Jim Elligson - Benmiller J < VANDRIEL A EXCAVATING INC. EXCAVATING-BULLDOZING BACKHOEING-SEPTIC SYSTEMS FARM DRAINAGE-PONDS •TOPSOIL • SAND • GRAVEL \Clinton 482-3783/ Computerized Accounting & Income Tax Preparation Personal, Farm, Business &, Corporate • Monthly Bookkeeping Services • Electronic Tax Filing< 887-9248 J Thank You I want to say thank you to the voters for turning out in such large numbers. It's good to see so many people take an interest in municipal politics. I'm looking forward to working with the newly elected council. Although we have a unique task ahead, I believe we will all work well together. Business Directory Large & Small Trucks fridgecarts - piano dollys- moving blankets Complete Selection of Cars Our rates qualify for insurance replacement Passenger Vans full size or mini NESBITT A CONSTRUCTION INC. BACKHOE • BULLDOZING • EXCAVATING SAND & GRAVEL SEPTIC TANKS FARM DRAINAGE Donald Ives General Contractor RR #3 Clinton 482-3232 A STRICKLANDS . 344 Huron Rd. 524-9381 \GODERICH 1-800-338-11 ■-bl.’iw.tr RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • AGRICULTURAL Complimentary Estimates, Drawings and Consultation Over 25 years experience ~ Licensed Carpenter EVERT STRYKER RR #4 Brussels V (519) 887-9291 V Y ALLAN FRETZA WELDING & REPAIR Tel: (519) 887-9707 Fax: (519) 887-9163 ' Custom Built Loaders * Tractor Attachments • Buckets * Bucket cutting edge replacement ■ Bucket quick lit plates ‘ Stone or Manure Forks • Pallet Forks ‘ Lawn Sprayers Snow or Silage Blades (plastic) RR #3 Brussels Products also available l at Radford Auto & McGavin Farm j \________Equipment Ltd.yv: Frank Workman) Electric R.R. #3, Brussels k 887-6867 7 ^Brussels 887-9024^ < D&J CONSTRUCTION 20 years serving Brussels & area •Farm *Home •Commercial General Carpentry • Roofing • New Buildings & Renovations \J/m McDonald 887-9607^ r^lioldice i j Insurance Ltd. "Locally owned & operated" P.O. Box 69 470 Turnberry Street Brussels, ON NOG 1H0 (519) 887-6100 Fax: (519) 887-6109 y^e-mail: sholdice@wcl.on.ca^/ GENERAL J. Richard Elliott (519) 523-9725 Berg Farm Equipment Clark & Son Lawn Maintenance • Custom Grass Cutting and Snow Removal for driveways • Spring & Fall Clean-ups • Lawn Rolling • Core Aerating and much more Call Jeff for a free estimate \^R R. #3 Brussels 887-9668/ LIFE R. John Elliott (519) 523-4323 "N ELLIOTT INSURANCE BROKERS LTD. INSURANCE IN ALL BRANCHES ESTABLISHED 1910BLYTH, ONTARIO NOM 1HO 519-523-4481 I \___________Livestock Mortality Insurance___________