How Is The BSE Crisis Affecting You?

May 30 2007

The Farm Line Support Service has been successful in securing funding to investigate the short and long term affects of the BSE Crisis (Mad Cow Disease) on farmers and their families, rural families and the rural community throughout Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Counties.

The BSE Crisis which began in May 2003 caused many changes in the lifestyles of farm and rural families across Canada. Despite what many people think, the crisis is not over. "Even though it is four years since it began the affects of BSE are still being felt. Many farmers have been forced to change or sell their operations, some have gone out of business, and some have had to get off-farm jobs to support their families and keep the bills paid," states Farm Line Manager Susan Klein-Swormink.

The study will examine how the BSE Crisis contributed to any changes in how farmers fulfill the day to day obligations of their operations and the affects on their families as well as their rural neighbours. Over the next few months the Farm Line will be contacting farmers and their neighbours to discuss the difficulties they encountered and ask what could have been done differently.

As this research is only the second known project to be conducted into the affects of the BSE Crisis, the Board of Directors has set up the study as a "Pilot Project" in order to develop a template that can be used in similar studies throughout Ontario. "We are encouraging farmers to take this opportunity to voice their opinions about what they felt didn't work and make suggestions for future programs" says Research Coordinator, Shirley Munro. The resulting report will be circulated for use in the development of further assistance and training programs for farm and rural families.

The project, which is being funded by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, will also offer a valuable employment opportunity to two participants who wish to learn new skills and gain work experience, allowing them to improve their employability while they continue their search for gainful employment. Anyone who is interested in assisting with or participating in the project or would like additional information can call 613-774-5404 or email:

For more information contact:

Susan Klein-Swormink, Manager or
Shirley Munro, Research Coordinator

The Farm Line Support Service
Tel: 613-774-5404
P.O. Box 569
Winchester, Ontario KOC 2KO