Don (84) and Deborah (75) Wytinck have enjoyed the ‘family’ of Sheep producers for many years together and this year was no exception. They travelled from Nanaimo, transporting their sheep to compete in the 2023 All Canada Sheep Classic in Barriere and winning the Supreme Flock category.
The Wytinck’s met in their 20s in the Yukon, after Deb had immigrated from England as a nurse in London. Following some time as a nanny when she first arrived in Canada, she eventually took up nursing again and joined Don in his love of farming as a sheep producer.
Deb, as she is known to all of those in the B.C. sheep producers’ community, is known for her endless energy and positivity. It’s clear to anyone that meets this couple that they share a long respect for the history of raising quality stock. Deb says, “It’s so good that they still have this live part of the sales during this annual classic. We need young producers, new producers, small flock producers. It’s so important for people to see all of these different breeds and the benefits of each. We are feeding people – that’s the reality.”
She is a devoted to the history behind their stock, called Coneygeers, saying, “The origin of Coneygeers is medival. Coney is rabbit, Geers is the meadow and the meadow is where rabbits play. Where I come from in the field near where we grew up was ‘coney geers’ (rabbit meadows) and nearby lived the Lord of the Manor who maintained the rabbit warrens in the meadows, which in turn fed the peasants because the rabbits were their main source of protein. The name of our breed of sheep make me feel close to home.”
Don has Parkinson’s and although that is challenging they were both determined to travel to the Sheep Classic this year together and couldn’t be happier winning Supreme Flock status while being able to reconnect with many long-time industry friends again. “We don’t want to look out of our window in Nanaimo and see nothing eating the grass!”
There’s a joy that is unmistakable when you see the smiles this couple brings to all who interact with them as they seem to inspire that sense of community as young and old participants flock around them, attracted by such natural warmth and experience. “It’s so good to see this sale happening and great to be here,” says Deb as she fondly places her hands on her husband’s shoulders, taking it all in together as winning producers in B.C.
