Old Elm Colony

  • Type of Farm Organic Free-Range
  • Type of eggs Organic Brown
  • Years farming 18
  • Type of hens Lohmann Brown
How many generations has your family been in egg farming?

Our colony has been egg farming since 1918, which covers many generations. Although my father never managed the layer operation, I believe my grandfather did at one point, so our family does have a history of egg farming here on the colony.

Why did you first get into egg farming?

I was assigned to the egg barn in 1998 and have been managing the layer operation ever since.

What does being an egg farmer mean to you?

It’s my livelihood; it’s what I do. Caring for animals and providing food is good work.

What do you enjoy most about being an egg farmer?

It’s nice to see a new flock come in and to raise them from the time they’re just pullets, watching them grow and learn how to live in the aviary and on the range. It’s fascinating to learn more about bird behaviour all the time.

Do you raise any other livestock and/or crops on your farm, in addition to your egg laying hens?

The colony has dairy, hog and cow-calf operations, and we grow wheat, barley, canola, peas and flax.

How does it make you feel to know you provide your fellow Albertans with fresh, nutritious and delicious, locally produced eggs?

I’m proud to be able to provide good food. I’m glad to be able to help out by feeding them fresh, local food that I hope everyone enjoys. Being able to feed ourselves in Alberta and across Canada is very important.

If there is one thing you would like people to know about egg farming and/or egg farmers, what would it be?

I don’t think the average person realizes just how much hard work goes into egg farming, to get the fresh, high-quality eggs onto the shelves at your local grocery store. Providing quality animal care for our birds and taking all the necessary steps to ensure food safety – just doing the right thing – is a challenge that we are pleased to undertake on a daily basis.