New York Colony

Q & A

How many generations has your family been in egg farming?

Our colony has been egg farming since 1924, which covers many generations. I am a 3rd generation egg farmer, as both my father and grandfather managed our colony’s egg barn.

Why did you first get into egg farming?

I proudly followed in the steps of my grandfather and father. It was a dream come true to become the egg manger, getting to raise the birds and care for them, collecting eggs and monitoring the flocks.

What does being an egg farmer mean to you?

I have the opportunity to feed Albertans with a safe, top quality product. Consumers care about where their food comes and how it was raised, and I’m proud to provide local food that was raised in a way they can be happy with.

What do you enjoy most about being an egg farmer?

There’s always something to learn with every flock. Working with the birds – seeing them every day, hearing the sounds they make, understanding them and what they need – and then having them get to know me.

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

The colony has dairy, beef, hog, broiler chicken, turkey, geese and duck operations, and we grow wheat, barley, canola, peas and durum on 18,000 acres.

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 provide high quality food that is raised right here in Alberta. That’s a great responsibility that always drives me to do better, even when consumers are happy with the eggs we provide.

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

Supply management provides stability for consumers and farmers, ensuring there is a constant supply of safe, high quality eggs from hens that are raised in accordance with a strict animal care program, on farms that are using increasingly environmentally responsible farming practices. The stability enables farmers to look to the future and be committed to continuous improvement.