82 Years in the Making

Our family farm is something that means the world to me! My grandfather and his family moved onto the farm when he was age one! He is now the young age of 82 years old and is still going strong! My grandpa is my inspiration, his dedication to the family farm is incredible, and he is by far the most skilled tractor driver I know. Our farm, a mixed cattle and grain operation, has been running for 82 years, and is still going strong.In 2002, our farm won the Farm Family of the year award, sponsored by Northland's farmfair and exhibition. We were recognized for our past in the agriculture industry, and it was a true honor to my Grandpa to be recognized for all of his past years as a dedicated farmer!
Note: If your not able to determine which one I am, I am the one with the denim vest on, standing to the left (your left) of the sign!  

Receiving the Farm Family of the Year Award,. 2002

My grandpa, with no thoughts of retiring, has been designated the job of feeding the cows each morning to prevent as little injury as possible. From broken hands, ruined hips, and busted noses, there is always plenty of injuries and accidents to talk about. 

Cattle being fed, January 2011

Safety on the farm is something that most people don't take as seriously as needed. I realize after owning the farm for the past 60 years, my Grandpa considers himself a pro farmer (meaning that he is able to overcome any injury that is thrown his way.) But this is not the case, proper safety equipment is needed on any farm. Accidents resulting in injury, can strike when least expected. Our family had our own personal scare on October 30, 2002. We got a phone call from my grandmother, my grandpa had driven my dad into the Ponoka Hospital, and from there, he had been flown by STARS air ambulance to the Royal Alexander hospital in Edmonton. Luckily his injury was NOT life threatening and he was fixed back up with hundreds of staples and stitches on the left side of his head. 




Now for the story behind the accident! 


My dad and grandpa had been posting pounds on the home quarter, my grandpa driving the tractor which had the post pounder attached to the back. My dad was holding post in place, so that it could be properly pounded into the ground, and he slipped on the ice. His coat sleeve caught the lever in which would bring the cement block down, unfortunately, it came down directly on his head. My grandpa noticed the head shot, jumped out of the tractor, and drove my dad to our house. Since my dad was wearing a toque, neither of them new quite exactly how bad the accident had been, until the toque was removed, and remnants from my dads head were left in it. The Edmonton hospital was short in beds, so all zonked out and stitched up, my dad was sent home on the same night as his accident. My mom had driven up to the hospital to be with him, so my Oma and Opa came to spend the night with us. The next morning was Halloween, and of course, my dad was able to fit the part of Frankenstein very well! Thankfully all is well, but the lesson behind the story is.... Wear a safety hat when dealing with dangerous farm equipment.  



For those of you who don't know what a post pounder is, it is a tool used for driving fence posts and other types of posts into the ground.


Our farm would not be successful without the help of the right safety precautions. Important safety tips include: 

• Keep hay bales away from power lines, to avoid electrical fires 
• Always have first aid kits and fire extinguishers handy in every vehicle and building on the farm
• Know the behavior of the animal you’re working with to anticipate their actions 
• Fencing and corrals are in good condition and replace broken or damaged sections immediately to avoid danger
• Make sure your farm workshop is organized
• Take every possible step to reduce the risk of fire at your fuel storage area. Position tanks at least 30 meters from any buildings. Clean up minor spills and keep the fuel storage area free of tall vegetation and debris
• Wear appropriate safety gear when working on the farm 

Please remember that safety is a super important key factor of running any farm smoothly. For the safety of you and for the safety of others, gear up! 

Grandpa, Grandma, and Jess 

Thanks for checking in:) Don't forget to check back tomorrow for the story of the Ponoka District 4-H Beef Show and Sale 2011! 




-Jess