The Rural Voice, 1981-08, Page 10Livestock
Hauling
Local & Long Distance
Box 22, Dublin, Ont.
PCV -F -FS
Business
(519)345-2913
Residence
(519)348-9009
FARM FANS, DRYERS
13 models to chose from- 88 BPH to
1000 BPH at 15% moisture removal
Dry and Cool
Automatic batch, continuous,
continuous or multi -stage, low fuel
cost, low horsepower requirements,
low maintenance, low purchase price
Also available
bins, mills & elevators
HURON
FEEDING SYSTEMS
887-6289
PG. 8 THE RURAL VOICE/AUGUST 1981
pays off with one of the best milk supplies
of any province or country. In addition to
quality tests, his branch also administers
composition tests for butterfat, protein,
and lactose contents. By September 1 of
this year, all Group Two milk producers
will be required to meet Grade A
standards, and over -seeing this change
is another responsibility.
Dave came to the Ministry of Agricul-
ture and Food in 1965, leaving the
position of assistant manager of Dixon
Dairy in Cambridge (Galt).
The first thing greeting the visitor to
DENISE EDWARDS' office is an ironing
board, complete with iron and quilt
patches. The quilt samples are being
prepared for a display, and illustrate the
diversities in the job of Home Economist.
Denise graduated from the University of
Guelph and joined the Grey County Office
in 1973.
Her primary responsibility is the 4-H
Homemaking Clubs, where she organizes
projects and trains leaders. She also
prepares a Senior program, training
group leaders for courses ranging from
crafts to gardening and food. In addition,
short courses are held throughout the
year on a range of topics --coming up are
"Fundraising with Crafts" and "Food for
Fun & Profit". Denise also acts as a
resource person, handling a multitude of
telephone requests. Grey County is still a
very rural area, with a network of very
active Women's Institute groups with
whom Denise works closely. Denise sees
financial concerns a major problem right
now, and hopes that the OMAF programs
can help develop skills that will help. Like
most working women, she laments the
lack of time, but enjoys her job. "I have
the flexibility to do the things I want. and
it keeps me hopping."
As the Extension Assistant, ALEX
LEITH is responsible for the 4-H. Junior
Farmer, and Farm Safety groups. He has
been with this office for 11 years, nine of
them with the ARDA program, and was
also a field representative for the
Federation of Agriculture. He speaks
with genuine enthusiasm about his work,
which he says has "given him a new
appreciation of youth." He feels that 4-H
gives farm children tremendous oppor-
tunities, through camps, tours, and
exchanges. Last year, for example,
through Open House Canada, 33 kids had
an exchange with a group in Alberta.
There are also events like the judging
competitions held in Hanover in August
where members get a chance to exercise
their skills in evaluating livestock. There
are beef, dairy, calf, field crop. goat,
sheep, swine, horse, potato, farm safety,
and veterinary clubs involving almost 400
members, but Alex would like to see
more. He also works with the Junior
Farmers, extremely active in Grey
County, but a much more autonomous
group, organizing their own activities and
social occasions. Yet he worries about the
opportunities these kids will have to
become farmers; without help from their
parents, it's almost impossible.
Alex grew up on his family's farm near
Dromore, and now is farming nearby,
running a beef and hog operation. With
him is his wife Linda and their three-year
old son.
A year as Grey County's Dairy Prin-
cess, combined with extensive 4-H and
Junior Farmer experience, make
VALERIE LUCKHARDT a natural to
coordinate the summer's Agricrew Pro-
gram. Her first month was spent promot-
ing the program, interviewing students,
and hiring her crews. There are three
crews of four, with ten alternates, and
she reports the response from farmers
has been excellent. Valerie has com-
pleted her first year of the agricultural
program at Guelph, and is interested in
the public relations aspect, feeling that
the farmers' side of a story doesn't
always get told. What does she enjoy
most about her job? She smiles. "the
challenge. There's a lot to be done, and I
enjoy the challenge."
When you call the Grey County office,
the friendly voice you hear will likely
belong to HELEN McCORMICK. After
graduating from Northern Business Col-
lege in Owen Sound, she started her first
job with ag. rep. Tommy Cooper 20 years
ago. There were no specialists attached to
the office then; operations are much more
complex now, and there are many more
government programs. And the inevit-
able is coming this fall -computer termi-
nals will be installed in the office to
handle farm management programs, 4-H
records and so on.
Helen grew up on a farm near Durham,
and her years of experience make her
well-equipped to handle the multitude of
requests that come into the office. When
she's away from the office. Helen makes
time for her family; husband Don and
three children Donita, David and Jeffrey.
She is a member of her church group. and
involved in minor sports with her
children.
Never knowing what the next phone
call will bring is what Agricultural
Engineer KEN MULLEN appreciates
most about his work. A farming back-
ground in Peterborough County and a
professional engineering degree from the
University of Guelph give Ken the
expertise to advise farmers knowledge-
ably on building plans and renovation
difficulties. The emphasis has shifted in
the past few years away from new swine
buildings to expansion of dairy facilities,
and Ken is able to assist. He works with