Jennifer Epp, RVT

Home Province:  Saskatchewan
Education: Animal Health Technology, SIAST Kelsey Campus, 1994

Work Experience:
Worked in a mixed animal clinic after graduation, then a couple of “odd jobs” and was hired to collect samples for a research project (U of S) at Western Canadian Beef in Moose Jaw, which led me to being an Inspector with CFIA, and then onto Quality Control for Western Canadian Beef.  A huge role that I fulfilled while doing Quality Control, was the entire documentation, and implementation of the HACCP program for the boning and processing plant.

And then pregnancy happened!  I took a few years off and had 1, than 2, and then baby number 3!  I loved being a mom – and would have gladly stayed at home!  My husband and I had a very successful purebred Charolais Cattle operation, until BSE hit!  So in February of 2004 I headed back to work as a Swine Production Technician for Big Sky Farms – which led to my first managing the Nursery barn at Ogema, and then Managing the 6,000 sow farrowing barn, until July of 2012.  In July of 2012, I left Big Sky (long story there) – and decided that with the end of my marriage, it was time to start a new life elsewhere with my children.

In September of 2012, I stepped into the role of Unit Manager for one of the Fast Genetics hog barns near Spiritwood, SK.  I went from a commercial facility – to purebred.  What a change!  Record keeping, data, data, data!   Fast Genetics is a world known company, known for it’s optimal genetics, and superior health status.   I have been involved with several research projects here – most recently incorporations of Sexed Sorted Semen utilizing Deep uterine insemination.

Previous Board/ Committee  Experience:
I was on the board in the late 1990’s as president – what I remember most was assisting with many bylaw changes (as at that time it was the board that did everything), and helping to initiate create and initiate our mission statement.

What do you hope to bring to the table or describe great things you are doing:
As for what I will bring to the board – this is all so FAST!  What have I done – I am very detailed, analytical, organized – and have helped to create and implement numerous training programs at my current job.

Personal life including pets and hobbies:
I have 3 amazing children – with my baby graduating this year.  I have an senior black lab named Vega – who still likes to go for walks, but her energy is starting to slow down.  I have a senior Tabby cat named Shaggy (my children named him during a Scooby Do phase), I have a very temperamental Tuxedo (black and white) cat named Daisy, and a beautiful Calico cat named Paisley.

I love to garden, vegetables, flowers of all sorts (especially if they will attract hummingbirds), and roses!  I think last year my daughter and I counted I have 27 rose bushes – most of which I manage to baby and overwinter!  Part of my garden incorporates 2 ponds – so there are a plethora of pond plants that I grow, and winter in my basement, as well as the numerous goldfish and koi that live out there.

I love camping, and being outside!

Photography, cooking, canning, reading, crocheting.