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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1998-09-30, Page 60 -THE HURON EXPOSITOR, SIPTEMBER 30, lose Hiker tour gives close look at farms By Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot It's hard to imagine two farms more different from each other. Frenetic emus, barrell racing horses and hand - painted eggs are among the niche marketing products and services at Fotheringhams. Then, a 15 - minute drive away, cows calmly chewing their cuds to the melodic clinging of bells are found at a more traditional enterprise - the Gubelmann dairy farm. Yet, as opposite as these two feature farms on the 1998 Huron Farm Hiker Tour may seem, both owners exemplify exactly what farming in the county is all about - pride in production. "Huron farmers really want to make people aware of the products they sell, the time they put into it and how proud they are of their farms," said Charles Regele who is chairing this year's tour which begins Sunday, Oct. 4. at 12 noon at the Seaforth Agri-Plex (beside the arena). The event is free with a donation of a non- perishable food item. At Bill and Amy Fotheringham's farm, it's the quarterhorses and major barn renovations for emu breeding that bespeak pride. Their farm is anything but traditional and the two can't help but laugh at the number of niche markets they are trying to capitalize on to make a living at farming. But it's a serious business. "It's tough for young couples to become farmers and make a living," admits Amy. "It's been an insane five years with all that we have taken on and tried to do." In five years, the couple has maintained Bill's custom spraying business. cash cropped their 100 acres plus rented property; established an emu flock. marketed emu oil products and handpainted emu eggs. designed and created a waterfall and pond for a farm attraction. built horlgip# doplis Eor_ p y's horse training and ming classes. ventured into the stud market with a breeding stallion, and travelled to horse shows and rodeos where Amy barrel races her newest horse. Cruisin Calvin. Also during the five years. they had two children. "We both want to stay at home and make a go at farming," said Bill. "This•is how we do it." The pleasure they take in their horses and birds also makes it worthwhile. The Gubelmanns have the same goal but take a different approach. Although they do some cash crop. Ernst and Yolanda Gubelmann focus almost all of their energy on one supply -managed commodity. the milk market. They supply that market with the milk from 60 cows, half holstein and half brown swiss. Before you hear the Gubelmann's charming accents. you'll likely hear the clanging of the bells around the necks of the brown swiss cows; a noise that keeps homesickness at bay for these Swiss immigrants. Brown swiss is one of the oldest cattle breeds in the world and is bred for milk, beef and draft in Switzerland. However, Ernst breeds them strictly for milk production and the brown swiss compete drop for drop with the more common this year. The plant produces sour cream, yogurt, quark and specialty cheeses such as limburger, edam, gouda, taleggio and esrom under the "Quality Jersey Products" label. "We'd like people on the tour to learn the benefits of jersey milk in cheese production," said Tammy Sparling. "It improves the taste and texture." Gubelmann dairy farm is one Farm Hiker Tour this Sunday. holsteins. Top genetics and excellent management contribute to Gubelmann's consistently high standing as one of the top herds in Huron County. Ernst said in his herd, "the better cow has the better chance" of staying in the herd. But partly because of his Swiss heritage. and partly because of the merits of the brown swiss cow, his heart is with the brown breed. He can't help but recite the brown swiss' traits for heat tolerance. protein production, easy calving, strong feet and legs and quiet temperament. The Gubelmanns care about their cows and they care about how their milk is produced. Ernst has strong feelings about farming in an environmentally -friendly manner and keeping farming natural, rather than becoming dependent on chemicals and genetically altered plants. "I wanted to be on this tour because I wanted to show people that our food is safe to eat and drink because 'we care about making sure it is safe," said Ernst. • That same desire is echoed by other host families on the Hiker Tour. "It's good for people to see that farmers are trying hard and doing a good job out there," said Mary Ann Drost, who with her husband Carmen. operates a sheep farm near Clinton. She also points out that visiting farms is just plain fun. "It's great to sec the kids faces when they get to pet the sheep," said Mary Ann. The whole family can learn from the sheep shearing. spinning and knitting demonstrations. Other 'attractions on the tour include a visit to a new milk processing plant in Seaforth where innovative milk producers arc developing a market for jersey dairy products Few members of the public have had a chance to sec the facility since it's only been operating since March of of the stops on the Huron Tastes will come into play at another of the Hiker Tour sites, including the market gardening farm of Tyler and Summer Papplc near Seaforth. This couple grows a full range of vegetables on 30 acres of land. Fall produce such as cabbage, carrots, beets, gourds. pumpkins and corn will he for sale. Visitors.can also tour the fields to see how the crops arc grown and examine the specialized machinery the Papples use to' plant and harvest their vegetables. Other sites to visit include Yvonne and Harvey Hoggart's 'beef farm near Londeshoro and Jack and Marg Kroes swine tarm near Clinton. The Huron Stewardship Council has put up "Points of Interest" signs at all the farms or, the tour. Also. the Hullett Provincial Wildlife Area can he visited the same day. Conservation staff will be there to answer questions about migrating waterfowl. Tour participants will get directions to ji the.farrns in McLaughlin Chev-Olds Ltd. 13 Main St. Seaforth. 527.1140 •Service .Selection •Savings 'Satisfaction 'Leasing •Complete BODY SHOP Service OM GRA � INSURANCE BROKERS Allan Carter,' Broker • Home • Auto • Commercial • Farm 522-0399 Seaforth 1-800-265-0959 Strathroy Cara rose to the challenge In 1996 Cara was introduced to the Kids Help Phone program. Seeing an opportunity to help others, she reached out to her community, recruiting 21 young people from Niagara area high schools to attend the 1997 training conference. All 21 of these young volunteers are now actively involved with Kids Help Phone. Cara Agar was honoured last year as an Ontario Junior Citizen. There are young people in our community who have risen to the challenge. If you know a young person, aged 6 to 18, who is involved in worthwhile community service. a special person who is contributing while living with a limitation, or a youth who has performed an act of heroism, help us recognize their contribution — nominate them today! Nominations will be accepted until October 31, 1990. Contact this newspaper or the OCNA at 905439-8720, Loc. 230. *yt ONTARIO JUNIOR CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS eeraraw lly • their tour kits when they register for the tour at the Seaforth Agri-Plex on Oct. 4. The kits also include a trivia quiz about agriculture which, when completed, can win door prizes. Regele said participants should bring a cooler if they wish to purchase farm products. He also stressed that this is a family event (minus pets) and is entirely flexible meaning that participants set off on their own, choosing which farms to visit within the noon to 5 p.m. time frame. Families can congregate at the Agri- Plex after the tour for a country supper. There is a cost. Regele expects about 500 people will take part in the Hiker Tour. if past attendance levels are any indication. The Hiker Tour is a non- profit event designed to increase agricultural awareness. said Regele. Funding to sponsor the event was provided by the "U -Can Adapt Program" via the Ontario Agricultural Adaptation Council and Ontario AgriFood Education Inc. The Huron County Federation of Agriculture and other Huron County commodity groups also sponsored the event. CENTENAIRES JR. DIVELOPMe)I't IIOCKIV CLUB Belmont at CENTEMAIRES Sat., Oct. 3rd 8:30 p.m. Visit the BLUE LINE CLUB UPSTAIRS k Investment & Tax Planning Secure Irrvestment Products ... from people you can trust SEAFORTH 96 Main St. 527-0420 Serving Seaforth Since 1986 SEAFORTH INSURANCE BROKER LTD. 527-1610 • Home • Commercial • Auto • Farm • Life • Out of Province Travel Insurance Bath Wan. Joanne Williamson. Lynn Pfefsch, Ken Cardno 41 Main St. S. Seaforth SEAFORTH FALL FAIR BABY SHOW Where: Seaforth Agricultural Building When: Saturday, October 10, 1998 Time: 2:00 p.m. Categories 0-6 months 6-12 months 12-18 months 7o register please call Elaine De Corte at 527-2166. Registration Deadline: Wednesday, October 7, 1998. CAN TIRE OIL CHANGE CLUB ...only at Canadian Tire, Goderich HERE'S HOW IT WORKS Q Purchase a card for $59.95 plus tax and receive four complete lube, oil and oil filter changes. © When your vehicle is due for the regularly scheduled oil change we will replace the oil filter and up to 5 litres of Quaker State oil. We will also perform a complete chas- sis lube (if required) and a 20 point inspection. Your card will be documented on each visit and there is no time limit for using the four services. a Other items required will be charged out at regular everyday low prices, only with your approval. © Our promise, fast, efficient, and we only do the work you car requires. •Trained Technician •Top Quality Parts *Nationwide Warranties 'NOT APPLICABLE TO DIESELS - Certain Restrictions Apply [RIIR[)IRII , TIRE K.D.LEROUX SALES LTD. Loa*Own•d and opmaNd CANADIAN TIRE OIL CHANGE CLUB CARD This card entitles holder to FOUR comoist° Lube, Oil and Oil Filter Packages. Package includes up to 5 litres of -Quaker Slate Oil. NAME ____ __ _ _-- Valid at VEHICLE Goderich Store only. DATE DATE DATE MILEAGE DATE MILEAGE MILEAGE MILEAGE CANADIAN TIRE GODERICH HWY. 8, GODERICK 524-2124 Long Distance 1-800-899-5849 SERVICE HOURS... Monday -Friday 8 em -6:30 pm; Saturday 8 am -4 pm Sunday 11 am -3 pm (tks b tones onty) 1 1