r By LaRon Taylor
Our January meeting was so educational and entertaining that the presenters stayed after the closing prayer to answer questions. Chris and Karen Shepherd own a huge chicken farm in Lake Shore (north of Payson). But the presentation was on their project 6,000 miles from there in Mali, West Africa.
Mali is one of the poorest countries in the world and is home to 19 million people. The rural settlements have no sewer or garbage management, so one can see sewage running down the dirt streets and garbage piled everywhere.
Because of the deplorable living conditions out there, Chris is building a chicken farm that will have a positive influence. It is hoped that the operation will not only provide food and employment, but that it will give the people hope.
The operation began with 5 thousand chickens, is now at 20 thousand, and will soon have 30 thousand. It began with a dirt floor building and chickens laying eggs anywhere, but is now a modern sanitary building with equipment imported from Italy. Their goal is to soon be able to make a profit and to use that money to build schools.
The Shepherds are certainly modern-day pioneers!
The Mt. Nebo Chapter of the Sons of Utah Pioneers meets monthly with our wives for a pleasant dinner meeting and a guest speaker. Come join us. For information, call Dan Howlett, 801-224-5885.
