The Pletts
Year-round chicken farming still leaves time for FUN – Introducing Kevin, Laurel Plett, and family of Kevlar Farms.
Having the space to build an outdoor rink is a privilege that many farm families can enjoy, but married farmers Kevin and Laurel also do it because they are dedicated to caring for their animals.
Winter on Manitoba Broiler Chicken Farm
What comes to mind when you think of winter in Manitoba? Hockey, of course! Like so many Manitoba families, Kevin and Laurel spend a lot of their free time at the rink. When they aren’t busy with games and practices in town, the family can be found playing hockey on the outdoor rink they built on their Manitoba broiler chicken farm.
Chicken Farming Relies on Precise Science
It may be cold on the ice but it’s nice and toasty inside the barn. On the day of our visit, it was -4 Celsius outside, but inside the barn it was +27 degrees, the perfect temperature for 3-day old chicks. Chicken farming relies on some very precise science. Small shifts in temperature or humidity can have an impact on the chicken’s health; therefore, conditions are monitored very closely in the barn at all times. In Manitoba, chickens are raised in barns not only for protection from the harsh winter weather, but also for protection from predators and diseases that are carried by migratory birds. This protection ensures Manitobans have access to fresh, local chicken year-round. Having the space to build an outdoor rink is a privilege that not many farm families can enjoy, but the Pletts also do it because they are dedicated to caring for their animals.
With Farm Life Entertainment is Often Found at Home
With farm life, entertainment is often found at home, finding avenues for entertainment at home is imperative for young families who know that their first priority always has to be the wellbeing of their livestock. Hockey is a passion that brings Kevin, Laurel, and their three boys together, and they are happy to be able to share their rink with friends, family, and teammates.
View the Plett’s Day in a Life Video for a full appreciation of their busy life on a Manitoba chicken farm:
A sincere thank you to Kevin and Laurel and their family for sharing their story.
