2013 Saskatchewan Outstanding Young Farmers:
Chad and Darlene Krikau, Stream Stick Farms Ltd., Waldheim, SK
The 2013 Saskatchewan Outstanding Young Farmers were announced
at the awards luncheon banquet Friday, June 21, 2013
at Canada’s Farm Progress Show.
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The 2013 Nominees were:
Christopher and Rachel Buhler
Floating Gardens Ltd., Osler, SK
Christopher and Rachel Buhler are a brother / sister team running a year round vegetable greenhouse in the Osler, SK area. This innovative new business has been in production for two years, growing pesticide free, fresh fruits and vegetables for a growing market of restaurants and local farmers markets, not only in the summer, but also in the long winters of Saskatchewan. The Buhler’s vision is to provide a quality sustainable food with a focus on environmentally sustainable practices. Some of these practices include diverting waste wood from landfills to heat their greenhouse and by using reusable boxes to transport their produce. Both Christopher and Rachel are also actively involved in many aspects of their church life, as well as volunteering their time on the Saskatchewan Greenhouse Growers Association, and in the Saskatoon Farmer’s Market.
Kristjan and Theresa Hebert
Hebert Grain Ventures, Moosomin, SK
Hebert Grain Ventures, a grain and oilseed farm in Moosomin, SK, is owned and operated by Kristjan and Theresa Hebert, and their child, Bentley. Kristjan began his farming career at the age of 15, renting his first land. By the age of 17, he had 500 acres and a custom spraying business. Today, the Hebert’s crop 7800 acres. Zero till, shallow tillage, soil testing and grid sampling are some examples of what the Hebert’s are using today to ensure an environmentally friendly approach to farming and ensuring the best crops are produced on their land. Besides being busy with the farm, Kristjan can be found chairing or advising on a couple of industry boards, or in the local hockey arena. Theresa can be found caring for their young son, or preparing meals for the men working in the fields, or with her horses. She is involved with numerous horse societies and associations in the province and competes at many local horse shows. The Hebert’s are also active in their church and support many various community functions.
Chad and Darlene Krikau
Stream Stick Farms Ltd., Waldheim, SK
Chad and Darlene Krikau, with their two children, Liam and Kalyna own and operate Stream Stick Farms Ltd. This 2630 acre grain farm is located in Waldheim, SK. Both Chad and Darlene come from families that have been passionate for agriculture for decades. In 1995, Chad began his grain farming career by renting 110 acres of land from his father. His first crop that he planted that year was flax. In 2007, the Krikau’s owned and cropped 531 acres; steadily expanding their land base to what is it today, 2630 acres. They are continually finding new ways to overcome the challenges of flooded land over the last number of years to ensure that these areas become productive again in an environmentally sound way. When not busy on the farm, you can find Chad and Darlene in the classroom, teaching city kids about agriculture and where their food comes from, or at the hockey rink or on the soccer field coaching the kids, or volunteering their services in some other way to their community and church.
Tyler and Pamela Smith
Smith Northern Ranching, Duck Lake, SK
Tyler and Pamela Smith, with their children, Walker and Jacy, run a cow/calf, backgrounding and grain operation in Duck Lake, SK. The Smiths have a love for the outdoors, livestock, machinery and the farming lifestyle. Through the hardships of drought and BSE, this couple has persevered to raise their farm to 630 cow / calf pairs and to cropping 7500 acres with their own equipment as well as hiring out as custom operators. Besides using purebred bulls to improve the genetics and marketability of the herd, the Smiths pride themselves in selling cattle that are hormone free, age verified, and have up to date vaccinations, allowing these cattle to be in high demand. As the young Smith children continue to grow, Tyler and Pam plan to become more involved in family activities such as sports and 4H.
Brennan and Cara Wiens
Wiens Seed Farm, Hershel, SK
Brennan and Cara Wiens, with their 3 children, Mitchell, Carmen, and Adam, own and operate a 4300 acre custom cereal and pulse pedigree seed operation by Herschel, SK. Brennan, not completely satisfied with his city careers after their completion from University, decided to come back to the familiar roots of farming on their family farm. They believe increasing soil health by direct seeding and continuous cropping and/or chemfallow acres, are paramount when looking at the long term success of their farm. When not reading or attending educational seminars, the Wiens’ can be found volunteering in their church, or in their community of Hershel.