The Rural Voice, 1992-06, Page 33through 4-H and showed cattle at
many shows, including the Royal.
She brought that to the family. The
kids have been in calf clubs since
they were three years old." Larry's
sister, Marlene, also showed calves in
4-H. She and her husband Bill Davis
have a beef farm in Bruce County.
Heather is active in the Sydenham
Agricultural Society, and she helps
lead 4-H Calf Clubs at the Sydenham
Fall Fair and at the Owen Sound Fall
Fair. She leads a few other clubs for
4-H during the year.
Larry is a member of the Grey
County Milk Committee, a group of
eight representatives of dairy farmers
to the Milk Marketing Board. "The
group does presentations at area
schools on milk production in Grey
County," states Larry. "We get
around to about 1,400 students a year.
We use videos and have question -
and -answer periods."
The future looks positive for the
Parkin farm operation. Brad, 12, says
he'd like to be a farmer. "But get an
education," urges his dad, Larry.
"That way you'll have that to fall
back on."
"Amanda and Brad have been
with us in the barn from the time they
were babies," smiles Heather. "The
kids went with us to the barn in a
buggy, then in a playpen. They were
always around animals. The animals
are used to the kids, and I think
having kids around quiets the
animals, too."
Both Amanda and Brad take an
active part in the operation. "We
used to hire two students in the
summer," says Larry. "Our kids are
older now so we only have one
student now."
"Both kids can run the milking
parlour," states Gordon.
The Parkin family farm is a three -
generation farming operation with all
family members involved in the
business. The family enjoys the
work, whether keeping detailed
records of herd management or doing
the land work or doing the milking.
They are particular about what they
do and they are proud of their
accomplishments and successes.
Gordon sums it all up. "We are
privileged to have worked at farming,
and that we are still farming!" He
smiles. "If there are any regrets, it is
that I didn't choose a farm that didn't
have stones!"0
Donald J. Dietrich & Famil
P1N111 f ENININ ---
MIFI PORK PRODOCE12 (NTHE YEAR._,
"Promote Your
Professional Image"
BRODHAGEN, ONT. 519-345-2603 Fax # 519-345-2695
FORAGES NOW
July 9th, 1992
Victor and Margaret Roland
Highway #87, 5 miles west of Harriston
PROGRAM
Morning:
WALKING TOURS: (every 15 min.) 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 Noon
• Multileaf Alfalfa Varieties
• No -Till Forage Seeding
• Insect and Disease Management
• Forage Additives
• Big Bale Handling and Storage
• Manure Management
Afternoon: 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
EQUIPMENT DEMONSTRATIONS:
• Rakes, Tedders, Inverters
• Large Round and Large Square Balers
• Plastic Wraps, Bags and Tubes
COMMERCIAL EXHIBITS
Contact:
Ontario
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food
Box 159
Clinton, Ontario
NOM 1L0
(519) 482-3428
or 1-800-265-5170
JUNE 1992 29