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Locally grown. Locally raised. Locally made. When it comes to food, many consumers seek Local products as much as possible. Whether they want to reduce their footprint, know where their food comes from or they just want the freshest food possible, Co-op is here to help Working alongside growers and producers, Co-op is uniquely positioned to source high-quality food ingredients, making local products accessible to consumers on store shelves. Co-op Team members across Western Canada provide informed advice and innovative, data-driven recommendations, helping farm customers achieve sustainable and profitable operations. Prior to winding down operations at Pine View Farms, Kevin and Melanie Boldt had a full circle, local relationship with Co-op that saw them working together to provide consumers with locally raised and processed poultry. “Supporting local producers is foundational to Co-op and the Boldts have a wonderful story to share," said Shelley Revering, Farm to Fork Manager at Federated Co-operatives Limited. Starting from (chicken) scratch Starting out as grain and dairy farmers, Kevin and Melanie Boldt never expected to raise and process meat — yet that's exactly what they ended up doing. When they bought their farmyard 26 years ago, it was equipped with a poultry barn and small abattoir. Despite never having raised chickens, they decided to diversify their operation. This marked the beginning of Pine View Farms. As their meat business began outperforming the grain side of their operation, they shifted their focus to raising poultry and processing meat. ALL of the poultry that came from Pine View Farms was raised by the Boldts following their ALL Natural Protocol, which ensured their chickens were fed a healthy vegetarian diet without the use of growth- promoting medications. Shared values This is where the expertise of the Co-op Feed Team came into play. Kevin worked closely with Santosh Lamichhane, Senior Poultry Sales Specialist with Federated Co-operatives Limited, to ensure their chickens had a balanced nutrition plan that took their needs into consideration. Following this customized diet consistently resulted in flocks of healthy, evenly sized birds that provided great- tasting meat for consumers. The Boldts found value in Santosh's knowledge and attention, and Santosh appreciated their dedication to their business and the community. “| admire their support for local businesses, dedication to animal welfare and commitment to environmental sustainability," said Santosh. “Our partnership was built on shared values." Local Love Working with Co-op was also important to the Boldts since they believe in supporting local as much as possible. They're proud to be long-time members of their local Co-op, and they know that money made and spent in the local community helps create more jobs and economic activity. “When business owners support local charities, buy equipment and supplies locally, invest locally and pay taxes locally, more and more people start to benefit,” said Melanie. “The economic pie gets bigger for everyone." it was a mutually beneficial relationship that benefitted the community in more ways than one: It also meant Saskatoon Co-op members and customers had better access to high-quality, local poultry. One of a kind Pine View Farms was the only farm-to-fork operation of their kind in Western Canada. It was the only operation that raised and processed poultry on their farm before selling and marketing the end product. This required them to go through provincial and national inspections and audits to ensure safe procedures and products for everyone It was also the only carbon neutral chicken farm in Canada, a status confirmed by Chicken Farmers of Canada. Becoming carbon neutral was an important goal for them, as caring for the environment was an important aspect of their sustainability pillar. Preservingthe land and leaving it in better condition than they received it is very important to the Boldts, which is a value they share with Co-op. They know that protecting the land for future generations is not only the right thing to do, but also recognize the immediate impacts. “Our livelihoods depended on the health of people, animals and the land. it was in our financial best interest to work with nature, preserving and improving our little piece of the earth," said Melanie. Co-op is closer to home Co-opis always Looking to support local producer’ operations and get their products on to store shelves. It's part of Co-op's commitment to helping grow and support the communities where their members, like the Boldts, live and work: The Boldt's dedication to their birds, processing procedures and sustainability ensured that when you picked up Pine View Farms' products at Saskatoon Co-op Food Stores, you were always getting a high-quality product from close to home. At Co-op, we are fortunate to be able to work with local producers like Kevin and Melanie Boldt, getting their products to consumers and being a part of their story. While Pine View Farms' products are no longer available in Saskatoon Co-op Food Stores, there are plenty of other Local options to watch for. The next chapter After 26 years of feeding chickens — and people — Kevin and Melanie are adjusting to a slower pace oflife. We wish them allthe best as they enterinto the next phase, enjoying their new-found time to focus on other ventures. LCD CAT OC CUS CIS TE] Co-op farm-to-fork ÉCHECS Œ FARM TO FORK | 17 ED LE
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