Our Chicken

Featured Producer

Mark and Diane Pastoor, Chicks R' Us Poultry

Mark and Diane Pastoor moved to Saskatchewan from British Columbia in 2003 to fulfill a dream of owning their own farm. They are proud Canadian chicken farmers - relative newcomers to farming, who are excited about the opportunities they have been given in this growing industry. "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 and my community." The Pastoors take a wide-ranging approach to their chicken operation, implementing new programs and technology, and ensuring their techniques and practices are passed along to their four daughters.

The Pastoors successfully operate three relatively new barns built between 2000 and 2006. Their operations are highly automated, but the family enjoys being hands-on in all aspects of their farming and in ensuring they are providing a safe, quality product to Canadians. Every member of the family plays a role. Currently Diane plays a very active but rewarding role on Board of Chicken Farmers of Saskatchewan as Chairperson. Diane was also a Director to the Board of Chicken Farmers of Canada, our national agency in Ottawa. Mark works full time on their farm where they grow about one million kilograms of chicken per year and looks after their daughters when Diane is away on business. The girls have also taken to chicken production, learning all about farming, from taking care of the chicks to using the pressure washer during the cleaning and disinfection stages after each flock leaves the barn.

Diane has noted several times that none of this could have happened without the supply management system in Canada, 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.

Diane turns to Chicken Farmers of Saskatchewan and Chicken Farmers of Canada for reliable up-to-date information regarding the poultry industry and credits the staff and Boards of each agency for helping her to learn about the tremendous partnerships that exist from gate to plate.

"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."