20 Questions with Don Ruzicka - Ruzicka Sunrise Farm
We would like to welcome Ruzicka Farm to Keep Edmonton Original. Don Ruzicka was kind enough to answer our 20 questions….
1. Why Ruzicka Sunrise Farm?
As a small farm, we are competing in global markets against huge multinationals with the food that we raise and grow. This challenge leads to either growing the cheapest food to get into the market, or growing food and selling it at a profit which allows us to care for and steward the land for future generations.
2. What did you want to be when you grew up?
A helicopter pilot.
3. What is your biggest pet peeve?
Farmers who complain about not getting a fair price for what they raise and grow and doing the majority of their shopping at the large corporate grocery giants because the food is “cheap.”
4. What are some of your favourite things in life?
Enjoying our family, great food, good health,nature and a farm that is giving something back to the common good because of the way it is managed.
5. What has been one of your finest moments in this business?
When our customers phone or send a card that thanks us for the great tasting poultry, pork or beef that they purchase from us.
6. Do you have any quirks, strange mannerisms, annoying habits or other defining characteristics?
I talk about stewardship, conservation and sustainable farms and communities “a lot!”
7. What is the most craziest or most adventurous thing you’ve ever experienced?
Marie and I took a course in Holistic Management in 1995-1996. It influenced us to change from the industrial farming model to an holistic model of farming. It changed our life, the way that we farm, and most of all, how we have come to care for the land. It has taken our quality of life to a level that we never imagined possible.
8. Do you have a family, and are they involved in your business?
We have three children, Anna, Matt and Paddy and all are pursuing their own careers around the world. They come home and look after the farm on occasion so that Marie and I can get away.
9. How largely are your products local/organic/fair trade?
Our chickens, turkeys, pheasants, laying hens and beef are certified organic and our pork is free range.
10. What made you choose to open a business independently instead of as part of a chain/corporation?
A small farm like ours would not last a day competing in a global market.
11. Where does your business’s name come from?
This farm was settled by my maternal grand parents in 1909. The local school district was called “Sunrise” and my grand parents named the farm, “Sunrise Farm,” which makes us third generation.
12. Have you ever lived in another country? If so, where/why?
No.
13. What do you do in your free time?
What is “free time?” Since all that we raise and grow is done on certified organic pasture, our season slows down at the end of September. This leaves us the late fall and winter months with only the range cows and laying hens to look after. During the fall and winter, I present talks at various conferences on this model of organic-holistic-stewardship based way of farming.
14. What do you think you’ll be doing five years from now?
We are transitioning the farm toward a vocation/vacation venture. We are slowly cutting back on production and moving toward mentoring people who want to experience the way we farm or roll up their sleeves and learn first hand how we farm.
15. When do you feel your best? In the morning, afternoon, evening?
Mornings are an awesome experience when you get up to do chores as the sun comes up. The land is alive with the sounds, sights and smells of nature. It sets the tone for the day and you go to bed in the evening anticipating the next morning will be just as great!
16. What are some jobs you did before you opened this business?
I attended the U of A for three years, worked in a logging camp for six years on the west coast of Vancouver Island, topped trees for a tree service company based by Nanaimo for four years, worked in a sawmill in Smithers B.C for four years and then farmed conventionally for 12 years. Also helped Marie raise our three kids which was most enjoyable.
17. Out of those jobs, what was the absolute worst one?
I can’t say that any of the jobs were the worst. Topping and falling trees around and over top of houses was the most stressfull, but also rewarding in that it tested ones skill or lack of.
18. What do you have in your pockets?
I always carry a pocket watch and a handkerchief.
19. What makes you laugh?
Doesn’t take much. Marie and I make an effort to exercise the “laughing muscles” as much as possible every day.
20. Do you like being interviewed?
Not particularly. I quite often forget the good answers to the questions and remember them when the interview is over.
