Tragedy visits farming family for second time

Farming is a hard way of life, even with today's modern technology. It's back-breaking work, from sun-up to sundown. Lack of rain or severe weather can play havoc with crops. And don't forget fuel prices, the cost of feed and a tough and unforgiving marketplace.

Nick Duivenvoorden knows all about it, being a long-time dairy farmer in Belledune. And that's why his heart breaks at the great misfortune that befell his cousin last week.

A late night barn fire on July 22 killed between 150 and 160 milk cows belonging to Hubert and Claudia Duivenvoorden of Red Cape Dairy Farm in Jacquet River, which is part of Belledune.

"I'm not sure that I've ever seen such loss of life with respect to animals," said Nick Duivenvoorden, who is not only a fellow farmer but also the mayor of Belledune.

"When I went up to Hubert's place, and saw all those dead animals...I thought the last half hours of their lives would have been anything but pleasant."

He estimates the financial loss of the barn, electronic milking equipment and livestock to likely be in the range of one million dollars.