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Diane Pastoor and Family

Saskatchewan - Diane Pastoor

Diane Pastoor is a proud Canadian chicken farmer – a relative newcomer to farming, who is excited about the opportunities she and her family have been given in this growing industry.

“It was always our dream to own a farm,” says Diane, “And we moved to beautiful Saskatchewan to make our dreams come true.”

Moving from British Columbia to 30 kilometers outside Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in 2003, Diane and her family have really taken chicken farming to heart, getting involved at all levels.

Diane and her husband, Mark, take a comprehensive approach to their operation, implementing new programs and technology, and ensuring that the tricks of the trade are passed along to their four girls, Shawna, 17, 15 year-old twins Brandee and Breanna, as well as 10-year old Stephanie.

The family operates 3 barns, all of which are relatively new, with one being built in 2000, the second in 2002 and the third in 2006. Their operations are automated to a great extent, but the family enjoys ensuring that they remain hands-on in all aspects of their farming and in ensuring that they provide a safe, quality product to Canadians.

Every member of the family plays a role. Diane works on the Board of Directors of Chicken Farmers of Canada, as well as on the Board of Chicken Farmers of Saskatchewan. Mark, who used to have off-farm employment, is very excited to be able to work full-time on their farm, where the family grows about 1 million kilograms of chicken per year.

The girls have also taken to the farm like ducks to water, learning all about farming, from taking care of the baby chicks to using the pressure washer during the cleaning and disinfection stages after each flock leaves the barn.

“I am really grateful to be living this dream,” enthuses Diane, “The Canadian chicken industry is a wonderful industry to come into – I can be with my family, provide a good environment for my children and play a valuable role in my industry”

Diane goes on to say that none of this could have come without the supply management system, which has given their family a stable income and allowed them to contribute to their community.

“Supply management gives me and my family the stable income we need, as well as the opportunity to do what we want to do, which is farming. I am concerned that, in this latest round of negotiations at the WTO, our farms could be in jeopardy. My husband and I want to be able to pass this farm along to our children and if the interests of supply management aren’t promoted, we may not be able to.”

Diane turns to Chicken Farmers of Canada and Chicken Farmers of Saskatchewan for reliable information and credits the staff and Boards of each agency for helping her to learn about the tremendous partnerships that exist from gate to plate. She gives special acknowledgement of her Board predecessor, Eugene Zagrodney, who passed away earlier this year, for teaching her that every part of the industry is important.

“This is an industry of partners,” says Diane, “Each and every one of us is an important link in the chain – from farmer to processor. Each of our roles is critical – and I am proud to stand alongside people who take such great pride in their work.”

Farmer Profiles

Chicken Farmers of Canada: 350 Sparks Street, Suite 1007, Ottawa, Ontario K1R 7S8 Tel: (613) 241-2800 Fax: (613) 241-5999 Email: cfc@chicken.ca