Young farmer shares the credit for his success
By Geoff Dale
July 01, 2010
Photo by Geoff Dale
IONA, ON – When Brett Gosnell discusses his successes as manager of Beldoon Farms Limited, he’s quick to share credit with several people he considers important in his life.
“I was raised on the farm and agriculture has always been a part of my life,” says the 23-year-old son of Tony and Michelle Gosnell. “I’ve been a member of 4-H and Junior Farmers, which are both good for future development and growth. To some degree it’s always come naturally but family support is also important for a young farmer like me. You learn as you go and knowledge is passed down along the way.
“Clarence Deboer, my hired hand, has been a great help in many ways and a lot of the knowledge I’ve acquired has come directly from 77-year-old Angus Campbell, who is now retired. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I am so grateful for what he has taught me and what he has done for me. He made everything possible. He’s been like a mentor to me.”
Brett began his lifelong education learning the ropes as a young child. A Grade 12 graduate, he began farming at 1200 acre Beldoon Farms Limited full time in 2007, moving on to the role of manager in 2009, a move he says translated into some “big time” changes.
Beldoon Farms Limited specializes in quality Limousin seed stock – red, black, homo polled and homo black.
“I look after all the cash crop (corn, soybeans, wheat and hay) from start to finish and all the cattle (59 cow calf pairs), ensuring they are healthy, well fed and cared for around the clock. Essentially as manager I look after all the day to day operations.
“As a young farmer you have to keep your pencil sharp, look out for the best prices, shop around and ensure you are aware of what’s going on in the all marketplaces. You have to work closely with financial institutions to keep track of money transactions, work with grain dealers and make sure you have a close relationship with veterinarians for the well being of your animals.”
Angus Campbell employed Brett’s father and has known Brett all his life. He describes Brett as a keen worker, always eager to learn from an early age and participating in virtually every aspect of the farming operation.
“I’d help him out with whatever he needed it,” he adds. “It’s very important for someone to be around to give new farmers advice. Brett is very interested and dedicated – you need to be in farming because it is so competitive.
“I still offer advice and see him nearly every day, because we live so close. Farming is still a good industry for young people to get involved in but it is very difficult. You need to be dedicated, willing to learn and be a little lucky as well.”
Growing up in agricultural circles, Brett, who is a member of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, says there was never any doubt he’d end up being a farmer. And while he didn’t pursue post-secondary education, he admits it’s important to keep on top of current farming developments.
Two courses he plans to take in the coming months are a two-three day artificial insemination session at GENCOR, just outside of Woodstock and a sprayer program in either the fall or spring.
And he readily acknowledges having the support of his family and growing up on a farm has made the transition to management much easier for him.
“Someone who is just coming from the city who wants to change his or her career is going to find it difficult,” he explains. “I was very lucky to be involved at a very early age.
“The reality is farming is a great profession to be involved in, an interesting and fulfilling lifestyle and not just a nine-to-five job. There is the freedom, getting out in the fresh air, watching the growth of your products and knowing at the end of the day you are involved in something that can affect people in so many positive ways. It’s a great feeling.”
Even though he sees the ups and down of the beef industry, particularly since BSE (Bovine spongiform encephalopathy) has had such tragic implications for producers in recent times, he sounds a note of optimism about his chosen work.
“My short and long term goals are really much the same,” he adds. “Work hard, raise healthy animals and keep on top of all developments within the industry. There will be ups and downs but in the long run, farming is worth it and what I’ve always wanted to do with my life.”
