As Mike said, my name is Ashley Knapton. I am currently in my first year studying agriculture at the University of Guelph. I've been a 4-H member for 11 years. I've done a wide variety of projects, everything from dairy to dairy judging as well as other stuff, like craft or rabbit club. I've been able to have countless opportunities to go to various leadership camps and educational seminars through 4-H, and it has helped me get my current job. I am currently working as an agronomy assistant. I work in the crop sector, scouting fields for weeds and crop populations.
My family entered the dairy industry just over six years ago. It took us 10 years to purchase our quota. Mom and Dad shipped cream back when they first got married, and then once the cream quota left they decided they wanted to ship cows. But because quota was so expensive, with the other start-up costs--retrofitting a barn, purchasing quality animals--they had to wait over 10 years. We finally got the money and we purchased 12 kilos of quota. We now have 16.5, and we'd like to expand to 20, but unfortunately, due to our current quota loans, we are unable.
It's been a long road--Mom and Dad are still working off the farm--but I think it's worth it.