This is the Canadian West that the traveller seldom sees, each film an intimate look at some facet of life of the three Prairie provinces. From the west, the east, the NFB and independent filmmakers, the films in this series show Canadians in many walks of life--the whole colorful mosaic that spreads from the plains of Manitoba and Saskatchewan to the towering peaks of Alberta's mountains.
This short documentary examines how 7 farm families in Lestock, Saskatchewan, have pooled their resources so that rising operating costs will not drive them off their land. By pooling their land, their equipment, their livestock, and farming as a cooperative, they are able to live as they choose, to maintain their standard of living, and even to have some spare time left over to enjoy. An engaging look at a novel approach to big-scale farming.
Ages 13 to 18
Geography - Natural Resources
Geography - Territory: Regional
History - Canada 1946-1991
History and Citizenship Education - Culture and Currents of Thought (1500-present)
What are the differences between cooperative farms, family farms and industrial farms (also known as factory farms)? What are the reasons/advantages that are given for creating an agricultural pool? How is conflict resolved? What examples are given for the contrast between the “old way” and the “new way” of farming? Women are only featured for a small portion of this film. What is shared during that brief section? Research the contributions of women to the farming industry in Canada today. Has their involvement changed since this film was made? How does Agri-Pool function? Research the Agricultural Labour Pool. How has it changed since this film was created?