Sidebar 2: Alice Uher, 52, north of Blenheim (Municipality of Chatham-Kent)

Monday, May 4, 2009

Uher is a full partner with her husband, Steve, in a cash crop and lamb operation. They have three daughters and one son. Over the years, they have also been involved in hog production and are currently partnered in a 1,200-sow operation and conduct contract finishing. They own 200 acres, which includes farms formerly owned by their parents. Some of this they sharecrop, rent or operate themselves, depending on crop contract availability.

They also operate the Purina feed dealership for Chatham-Kent.

Greatest success. Her children.

Greatest challenge. As a woman, "trying to get the credibility that you think you've earned."

Words of advice. Farming is tough going right now. "Get as much education and training that's diverse yet complementary to what you want to do in life so you will have a financial backstop, because you're going to need it. It's also good to know you have access to other opportunities to supplement your income as you try to make your way along. But get it early on."