Ode to those who strive to build a farm/ranch

I was raised on a modest-sized mixed farm, and right after high school, left for the “big city” to pursue a professional career.

Eight years later, I was back, now married with two small children.

By then, my parents had sold off their cattle and pasture, reduced their land holdings to three-quarters of grain land, and were headed to full retirement. The equity held in the land was their pension fund.

I spent the next twenty-five years paying for those quarters, building up a modest hobby farm while maintaining a full-time job.

Meanwhile, our youngest son became a professional horse trainer, so we built an indoor and outdoor rid- ing arena. He launched North America’s only private- sector training program for mounted patrol horses.

It was successful but with a very demanding clientele.

I helped with the purchase of horses plus handled most of the marketing, export, and transportation paperwork.

This was before there was something called “YouTube” or “Facebook” whereby you could take a video with your smartphone and immediately post it to interested parties.

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Each year we looked at hundreds of potential candidates across Alberta and Saskatchewan consequently wearing out a couple of trucks and trailers.

We sold equine graduates of the pro - their region. And just like that, we were out of business.

So, we retooled and went into cattle, which has now evolved into a feed yard and grazing program for several thousand head per year.

I don’t plan to die rich; I just hope to break even before standing before the Pearly Gates.

So, every time I meet with a young couple looking to make their way farming or ranch - ing, I can’t help but think about what challenges they will inevitably face. But there is something about wrestling a living from the land for your family that somehow makes it all worth - while. We may have made better choices along the way, but what we have, we earned. with RE/MAX of Lloydminster and an active partner in his family’s livestock operation.

I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Exceptionally busy mechanic shop is looking for a

Service Writer

Job Description:

• Gather customer and vehicle information

• Type up estimates for vehicle repairs

• Order and receive parts

• Maintain exceptional client relationships

We offer:

• Competitive wage

• Comprehensive bene t package pennyspitstop21@gmail.com

5202 62 St., Lloydminster, AB Phone: 780-875-0755 as the efficient and profitable operations of that location. Primary duties include sales and service of seed, fertilizer, and crop protection products as well as managing custom application. This individual would also be responsible for leading a small team of employees and managing plant operations.

Please email cover letter and resume to: Kneeljb@telus.net

Closing date: August 18, 2023

Vern McClelland

is an associate broker

Comments on this article are welcome either by emailing vernmcclelland@remax.net or calling 306-821-0611.

Entreprenual Opportunity

The Royal Canadian Legion Lloydminster Branch #39 is seeking a proposal to lease the food service operation at the Lloydminster Legion facility commencing in September 2023.

The operation entails the opportunity to serve food to the public in the Legion facility including catering to Legion functions and catering to persons/organizations that rent the legion facilities for their own functions. The operation may also serve food on a home delivery basis or cater to functions held elsewhere.

There is a complete kitchen facility and a large dining area within the Legion building.

All proposals should provide the experience of the principal operator in the food service industry.

Compliance with local and provincial food handling, health, safety and food serving regulations is a requirement.

It is the intent that this entity will operate independent of the Royal Canadian Legion and have its own accounting function, liability insurance, required licensing and government registrations.

Please send proposals to

The Royal Canadian Legion Lloydminster Branch #39 PO Box 277, Lloydminster SK S8V 0Y2

All proposals shall be in writing and will be reviewed by the Branch executive that may require an interview of the potential principal.

Primary duties include sales and service of seed, fertilizer, and crop protection products as well as managing custom application. This individual would also be responsible for leading a small team of employees and managing plant operations.

Please email cover letter and resume to: Kneeljb@telus.net

Closing date: August 18, 2023

Thursday, July 20, 2023

MERIDIAN SOURCE

306-825-5111 admin@meridiansource.ca

REAL ESTATE

LOOKING TO INVEST IN REAL ESTATE to accommodate the College/University Student in your family?

•Edmonton •Red Deer

•Calgary •Lethbridge. Call/ Text/ Email Dan Rizzoli at Maxwell Devonshire Realty 780940-6508; drizzoli@ maxwellrealty.ca.