Farming in a Winter Wonderland

What comes to mind when you think of Manitoba in winter? Hockey, of course. Like so many Manitoba families, Kevin & Laurel spend a lot of their free time at the rink. When they aren’t busy with games and practices in town the family can be found playing hockey on the ODR they built on their Manitoba chicken farm. It may be cold on the ice but it’s nice and toasty inside the barn. On the day of our visit it was -4 outside, but inside the barn it was +27 degrees Celsius – the perfect temperature for the, then, 3 day old chicks. Chicken farming relies on some very precise science. Small shifts in temperature or humidity can have a negative impact on the chicken’s health; therefore, conditions are monitored very closely in the barn at all times.  In Manitoba, chickens are raised in barns not only for protection from the harsh winter weather, but also for protection from predators and diseases that are carried by migratory birds. This protection ensures Manitobans have access to fresh local chicken twelve months of the year. Having the space to build an outdoor rink is a privilege that many farm families can enjoy, but they also do it because they are dedicated to caring for their animals. Finding avenues for entertainment at home is imperative for young families who know that their first priority always has to be the wellbeing of their livestock. Hockey is a passion that brings Kevin, Laurel and their three boys together, and they are happy to be able to share their rink with friends, family and teammates.