Page 49 - RealDirtENG2020

A block what?
A blockchain is the latest traceability tool for food producers. It’s an incorruptible digital ledger of all transactions in a supply chain: information is passed digitally along the chain instead of through a paper trail, and the permanent links between the blocks keep data safe. Pilot projects underway in different countries around the world are all designed to make it easier to do business; to know where food is coming from; and to reduce payment security risks.
Keeping farm animals healthy
Healthy livestock and poultry are a priority for farmers and their veterinarians. A serious disease outbreak or health problem can make animals sick, and occasionally kill some or all the livestock or poultry on a farm. In extreme cases, a disease can affect more than just one species of animal.
That’s why farmers use many strategies and tools to ensure that their animals are healthy, including providing a good living environment, ensuring good nutrition, and working with a veterinarian who is responsible for prescribing medications and vaccines.
It’s Health Canada’s job to evaluate the safety of animal health products, and to approve them for farmers to use. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is responsible for ensuring the safety of animal vaccines and feed additives.
Farm Boy Productions
Career Pro le
Processing Plant Floor Manager
Lyane Cypres-Zepik
In 2008, one of Canada’s leading pork producers, HyLife, acquired the processing plant known as Springhill Farms. This expansion resulted in hundreds of newly created jobs, many of which they were unable to ll with domestic workers.
Located in the rural area of Neepawa, Manitoba, which has a small population and low unemployment rate, they found that recruiting skilled workers from abroad, like Lyane Cypres-Zepik, is essential to lling positions that many Canadians are not interested in doing.
Cypres-Zepik was born in the Philippines, where her family raised pigs and ran a butcher shop. She studied food technology at the University of the Philippines and shortly after began working in quality assurance and production at one of the country’s largest meat processors.
She moved to Canada in 2009 as part of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program, which seeks internationally trained and experienced workers who have the skills needed in the local labour market and nominates them to receive Canadian permanent resident visas to settle and work in Manitoba. In
the Philippines, life and career advancement can
be challenging, so being recruited by a Canadian company was an exciting opportunity to improve her family’s quality of life.
Cypres-Zepik quickly moved from the production oor to management where she had worked as the QA Assistant Manager and now as the Cut Floor Manager. “I enjoy the opportunity to grow at my
job. It makes you feel proud,” Cypres-Zepik said. “Who would have thought that you would get to this position?”
The workforce at the HyLife has grown vefold since 2008, bringing more diversity and opportunities to the area. “I am very grateful for the town of Neepawa for embracing us new immigrants and for helping us integrate and become part of the community.”
Photo courtesy of HyLife
Chapter 7: Healthy and safe food 49