"Farmers harness the power of nature to make things grow" but the way they do it has changed since May 23, 2003 when Canada’s first case of BSE (Mad Cow Disease) was found.

The Farm Line Support Service is kicking off its investigation into the long and short term affects of the BSE Crisis on farmers, their families and their rural neighbours and communities throughout Lanark, Leeds and Grenville.

Two positions funded by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities under the Job Creation Project have been filled by very enthusiastic and friendly researchers. Rhonda Hill, a Perth area resident who grew up surrounded by farming neighbours and spent many memorable hours visiting and helping them out, feels "this is an opportunity to work locally and support the farming and rural community at the same time."

Anne Swerdfager, who has roots in Renfrew County and now resides on a small farm property in the Kemptville area, is "looking forward to learning how BSE has affected farmers and the rural community."

The pair will be calling the farmers and rural residents of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville to ask about their lifestyles prior to and since May 2003 and any plans for the future.

Shirley Munro, Research Coordinator, reminds farmers "this is your opportunity to voice your opinions and make suggestions for future programs to ensure they will be a benefit to them".

Anyone interested in assisting with or participating in the project can call 613-774-5404 or email:

thefarmline@thefarmline.ca