‘Green’ Eggs from Masstown
On the drive to the Masstown Market from Truro there are several farms that checker landscape. Some are small field crop operations and others are large well established farms that are generations deep in history. As you approach a large turn, where Lower Onslow blends into Masstown, you will find a fourth generation farmer by the name of Glenn Jennings. Tucked in a dirt road on the outside portion of the bend Glenn operates Bayview Poultry Farms which has been using technology to offset some of the extensive input costs farmers have been experiencing as of late.
Glen has been working with his father Cecil, retired, full time on the farm since he graduated from the Nova Scotia Agricultural College in 1989. Today they produce approximately 11,000 eggs per day with their 18,000 hens (12,000 layers and 6,000 replacement pullets), as well as perform all the grading and marketing for their eggs on site. With his education in the farming industry Glen is aware of the positive opportunities technology can give a farm that is willing to make the necessary changes. One such opportunity presented itself when he attended a Halifax trade show and learned about Second Source Power Company. Here Glen chatted with Mark Richard, president of Second Source Power, and was sold on the benefits to not only his farm, but to the environment.
Second Source Power Company works primarily with the agricultural and commercial sectors. They offer alternative, renewable energy such as wind and have been broadening their scope to include biodiesel and solar power. Their new location is situated in Burnside near Halifax and can be reached via their website www.secondsourcepower.com
After a conference call with Second Source, and his family, he decided to install three Skystream 3.7 turbines in an open field behind his farm. The cost to the farm was about $25,000 per turbine, but he went on to say that the cost can be reduced if you have access to the equipment to prepare the area for installation. He initially hoped for savings of $100 per turbine each month, but has been getting about $80 consistently after some troubles he had with one of his turbines. At the present time he produces enough energy on site to completely power his lay barns and is looking into making the entire property self sufficient with regards to power in the near future.
When asked why he decided to go with wind energy he stated “We get a lot of wind out here, especially in the non-summer months. I saw it as an opportunity to take advantage of the strong winds off the bay and haven’t regretted it thus far.”
Glen has also been working with Impact Communications, located in Halifax, to let the public know that his eggs are created with wind power. He is waiting on his new packaging that advertises the eco-friendly approach the eggs receive. Once he obtains the cartons they will be sold locally, hopefully, by early September of this year.
A Family Affair
The Jennings’ family has been grooming their fifth generation of farmer. Glen’s son Blake, 13, runs the pumpkin U-pick every fall. He helps manage the acres of pumpkins they grow and then works 9-5 on weekends and holidays when the Halloween crowd arrives for their un-carved jack-o-lanterns. Pictured above with his father, it was easy to recognize the pride Glen has for his son. It goes without saying that Blake will undoubtedly follow his father’s example of being an environmentally conscious farmer.