Glenview Farm in Duncan, BC has been operated by the Laszczyk family since 1983. Check out the video below to learn how Michelle, Chris and Mike work together to produce safe, quality milk for British Columbians. Read on to hear more about Michelle’s experience as a dairy farmer.
Q & A with Michelle Laszczyk
Did you always know you wanted to be a dairy farmer?
I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with my life. I went to University for Criminology right after high school, but during classes I found myself thinking more about what work I could be doing on the farm than about school work. So, taking that path made me realize that the family farm is where I really wanted to be.
What do you love most about being a dairy farmer? Why?
The thing I love most about being a dairy farmer is the variety of things I get to do. No two days of work are exactly the same. One day might be full of paperwork; the next may be spent entirely in the barn with the animals; another may be spent repairing something, and the next may be all day out in the field.
What is your favourite farm chore? Why?
My favorite activity on the farm is monitoring herd health. It’s a day that the vet comes to check out the animals, ensures everyone is happy and healthy, checks for pregnancies with an ultrasound machine, and can even tell the calves’ gender! It is a good time to talk about what is happening in the industry, ask all sorts of questions about animal health, or things I may have read about. I learn a lot those days working alongside our vet.
What is the best piece of advice that you have received from a fellow dairy farmer?
Never let someone tell you you can’t do something.
What’s one thing you wish you could tell consumers about dairy farming?
One thing I wish I could tell consumers about dairy farming is that we love our animals! I would rather work with an animal than a person any day. They don’t talk back or argue, and they are always there to give a snuggle if you are having a bad day. I dairy farm because of my love for animals.
What is the thing you are most proud of about your dairy farm?
The thing I am most proud of about our farm is where our herd is at today, compared to ten years ago. We have done many upgrades to improve cow comfort in the barn and now because of our improvements our cows are living longer, happier lives here on the farm.
What’s your favourite dairy product?
My favourite dairy product is Island Farms Bubble Gum Burst ice cream. However, Island Farms chocolate milk is a close second!
What is your favourite thing to do when you’re not farming?
My favorite thing to do when I’m not farming is taking photos and spending time with my horses.
Thanks Michelle!
Michelle Laszczyk, Dairy Farmer
