Hey readers!
I’m Carling Christine Matejka, a young agricultural activist with a passion for farming. I can’t remember a day in my 17 years on our beautiful, 1200 acre, farm without the agricultural influences being a part of my life. Whether it was stripping naked in my rubber boots and teaching the chickens how to fly (I was 3), helping grandpa put bands on the tails of the lambs, or vaccinating cattle with my dad. Our farm originated in 1920 and has been going strong ever since. (You can check out the farm history in the “In the Beginning” tab) I don’t think you can spell farm girl without: falling asleep to an auctioneer, sleeping on square bales, playing in mud, creating rivers in your rubber boots, saving earth worms, castrating, picnicking with the livestock, bottle feeding, gopher hunting, rescuing kittens, vaccinating, and complete happiness. 
My farm really is my true sanctuary. It’s the fact that I can have the worst day ever and it can all be turned around by a venture out into the farm to be greeted by my unconditional loving friends. No matter how loud, cluttered, or busy it may be it’s always a peaceful place to relax and there’s always a shining star in the sky, despite how dark it really is. Farming isn’t only a job, it truly is a lifestyle that you have to have a passion for, to succeed.
I’m currently a grade 12 student, at Ponoka Composite High School, focusing my attention strongly on my academic studies. I am employed at Wolf Creek Golf Resort waitressing, Northcott Care Centre assisting Senior Citizens, and for the Town of Ponoka doing general maintenance. I also try to spend as much time possible helping my Dad and Grandfather with the farm chores. I am involved in a variety of extracurricular activates such as 4-H, baseball, figure skating, synchronized skating, co-chair student council, and the Junior Farmfair Committee.
Next year I am attending Grant MacEwan University in Edmonton to start my first of many years in hopes of becoming a Veterinarian. Do I hope to make a difference? Sure I do! I hope to help livestock producers find ways to continue to improve herd health while still sustaining a viable living and producing the quality end product that our consumers are demanding!
~Carling
