Sidebar 3: Trudy Reid, 29, District of Thunder Bay

Reid and her husband, Jason, have one daughter and run a 60-head beef cattle operation on 138 acres which they own and also rent 300 acres. They started by raising heifers, then explored pre-conditioned veal before getting involved in beef cattle. They try to market calves locally. The couple supplements farm earnings with off-farm work, such as custom farm work and relief milking. They are currently considering dairy goat production.

Greatest success. “I continue to persevere even through tough times, which makes me appreciate the small things in life.” 

Greatest challenge. Remaining optimistic while dealing with a tight cash flow.

Better Farming - May 2009