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 Lochert family


Ontario – Cindy Lochert

On one of the hottest days of the summer, the Lochert family bravely posed for the camera and cast only a few longing glances at the pool that glistened behind them. The family agreed to be profiled because they wanted to make a contribution to their industry.

“We have a successful industry here in Canada and one of our strengths is that we stand together even though we’ve been challenged for years,” said Cindy Lochert. “It’s a solid system, very stable.”

The Lochert farm is in Belwood, Ontario just north of Guelph and only one hour away from the feed mill, the hatchery and the processing plant. Their location has been beneficial in keeping some of their costs down and keeps the transportation drivers happy. “The distance to travel is so short that they can get a couple of runs in during their shift,” said Cindy.

Cindy, her husband Dean and their four children (ranging from 5 to 10 years old) love living in the country and find chicken farming helps them fulfill that dream. Dean also works full-time off-farm which poses a challenge when maintaining the balance between work, the farm and family. “Scheduling can be tough, especially when it comes to trying to plan any vacation time,” said Cindy. “We have some difficulties with getting everything together.”

While Dean is away, Cindy has had to take on a larger role with the farm, especially as “everything always seems to happen when Dean is at work,” she says with a laugh. “I’ve had to learn the industry quickly but our reps are good and I’m not afraid to ask questions.”

As second-generation chicken farmers, the Locherts’ have grown up knowing the benefits of the lifestyle that supply management can provide. Cindy’s brother has taken over the “home” farm but Cindy still regularly picks her dad’s brain when she needs important information, “He’s retired but his experience and knowledge is respected by my husband 
and I .”

The Locherts have been chicken farmers for 6 years now and want to continue. They are concerned about the current round of trade negotiations at the World Trade Organization (WTO) but feel powerless to influence decisions made across the ocean.

“We count on others to work on our behalf, and we do what we can to make sure they get the message that supply management is not up for negotiation,” said Cindy. “We are counting on our guys (negotiators) to get the best deal for all of Canada’s agriculture industries.”

After the photos were done, the Locherts said goodbye and made a b-line for the pool, a reward for their patience in the heat.

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