On the Farm: Blake Brownridge spent 12 years harvesting other producers’ crops before deciding to start a farm of his own
ARCOLA, Sask. — Blake Brownridge didn’t have your typical start in farming. His entrance into seeding and harvesting his own land came at age 30, after 12 years of harvesting other people’s crops. The Arcola farmer began travelling on the custom-harvesting circuit when he was a teenager, spending every fall season in places like North […] Read moreTag Archives on the farm
Hobby turns into full-time honey business
On the Farm: The Shirleys produced 57,000 pounds of honey last year from 254 hives, which they soon plan to double
Julie Shirley estimates she gets stung an average of 100 times per summer. “You just get used to it,” says the owner of Blue Heron Gardens Ltd., an apiary located 45 minutes northeast of Saskatoon. The stings are an occupational hazard of maintaining 254 beehives, each containing 50,000 bees. The hives are scattered in a […] Read more
Farm family lives where they work — literally
On the Farm: The Smyths have set up their home in the operation’s shop/barn as a way to ease the costs of developing a new farmyard
What do you get when you cross a shop with a house? A “shouse,” of course. That’s the nickname Tyler and Suzanne Smyth have applied to their workplace and family home. The building is actually a pole shed they bought a few years ago, along with two quarters of land at Cantuar, Sask. The property […] Read more
Alberta couple find an organic connection
On the Farm: Donovan and Lisa Kitt produce 90 percent of their own food and sell the surplus directly to customers
Donovan Kitt had to travel the world to find out what he really wanted was what he’d always had at home. “I matured and realized that there’s a lot more to life than money,” he says. “That’s not where you’re getting your happiness from.” As someone who grew up in rural northern Alberta about an […] Read more
Sisters crack competitive B.C. cheese market
On the Farm: High labour costs are a challenge when competing with imported product that is gaining prominence
When sisters Jenna and Emma Davison were first presented with the idea of running their own business, they looked at each other in dismay. Jenna, 22 at the time, liked to consider things before making a move. Emma, then 20, was a risk-taker, ready to act first and ask questions later. Somehow, the combination worked […] Read more
Two families call one Manitoba farm home
On the Farm: Wes and Elaine Froeses’ ‘joy bond’ — their three grandchildren — live ‘59 steps away’ across the shelterbelt
Today when she looks out across the farmyard toward the grain elevator, all she can see is grey, rather than the usual sight of the rising sun. But that doesn’t ruin her “quiet time,” when she thinks over her farm succession plan coaching business before the day’s busyness envelopes her. “No matter how tough and […] Read more
Career change both challenging and rewarding
On the Farm: Beef and grain producers Jocelyn and Jesse Velestuk switched gears in 2016 and became full-time farmers
Saskatchewan grain and cattle producer Jocelyn Velestuk describes her first six years in farming as a whirlwind of activity. “It’s been a wild ride,” says Velestuk, who farms with her husband and his parents near Broadview, Sask. “There’s always lots going on. There are times when we’re going flat out and there are times when […] Read more
Young farmers get involved to shape policy
On the Farm: Paige Stewart is one of many younger prairie producers who are taking leadership roles in farm groups to help make a difference
(Editor’s Note: This story has been updated from the original Feb. 16, 2022.) Resolving conflicts is a useful skill in all aspects of life. Whether you’re a manager of a fast-food restaurant or a mother of two daughters that fight about toys, clothes and everything else, you’ll likely be in the middle of a dispute […] Read more
Sask. farm diversifies into clothing business
On the Farm: Aaron Spence’s Dirt Road Collective feeds her creative side while allowing her to help her husband at home
Aaron Spence has created a home business that encapsulates four of her passions — farming, Saskatchewan, hockey and lake life. Her Dirt Road Collective online apparel and accessories company features eye-catching artwork, symbols, statements and phrases covering those four themes. She likes the simplicity of her work, like a T-shirt with the handwritten initials SK […] Read more
Success in the show ring seen as win for breed
On the Farm: Sask. couple started their Gelbvieh ranch only four years ago but have already made a name for themselves
In the four years since Twin View Livestock started appearing on purebred show lists, the Gelbvieh operation has established itself firmly in the championship category. Joe Barnett and Aaron Birch earned national titles, winning both the female and bull championships at Canadian Western Agribition in Regina in 2019, and world titles after the most recent […] Read more
