It's a true family co-operative effort and it's been a successful operation for decades, so for those reasons, among several others, the Wallewein family who farm 2,300 acres of land north of Benson were declared the Estevan district's Farm Family of the Year on Thursday night. The presentation was made by MLA Doreen Eagles during the 46th annual Farmers' Appreciation Dinner in the Days Inn Plaza.
Gilbert and Helen Wallewein started the operation in 1962 when they purchased a half-section of land in the region north of Benson. Gilbert had been employed by the PFRA and Husky Oil earlier but had always harboured a desire to get into the farming operation.
Sons Kevin and Ken joined later while the family's four girls captured careers outside the agriculture industry, but were integral parts of the operation while growing up on the farm.
Kevin's wife, Brenda and Ken's wife, Julie-Anne are also involved as are the next generation of Walleweins.
At one time the family compact leased more land but has now scaled it back to a more efficient system that includes a variety of crops.
Eagles noted in her remarks leading up to the presentation that in the earlier days, the Walleweins had a mixed farming operation that included cattle, chickens and other farm animals. But that too, was eliminated as the cropping efficiencies were escalated.
Both Gilbert and Helen Wallewein grew up on Saskatchewan farms, but Gilbert noted he had pursued other interests before realizing his dream of a farm, back in 1962.
He has also served 34 years as a councillor for the RM of Benson.
Gilbert briefly thanked the Estevan and District Board of Tourism Trade and Commerce and the Estevan Exhibition Association for the award as well as Dave Hoffort, the administrator for the RM of Benson, the nominator.
Ken Wallewein also spoke on behalf of the family, noting that "Dad would never want to be singled out, especially with so many good farmers out there."
He went on to note "We're not the largest farm out there, but we're committed to the effort and we'll keep it a viable operation."
The men paid tribute to their daughters/sisters Debbie, Denise, Lynn and Loretta and added that the next generation is getting active on the farm too.
Ken said his mother was an active Catholic Women's League member and a former school board trustee as well as serving as a psychiatric nurse for many years before turning her full time attention to the family and farm.
Downsizing from 3,500 acres to a more workable 2,300 was a business and lifestyle decision they made a few years ago, Ken said.
"We know we all go farming on holidays and weekends. Everybody gets involved. Dad embraced the new technology in his 70s and we've moved on from there," Ken noted.
In closing, he said that "there's not enough room in the agriculture industry for all the quality people who could be engaged in it, so I just hope the young people find a way to get involved because it's well worth it."
The evening's program also included presentations from three award-winning speakers from the Outram-Madigan 4-H Club. Cloverbud member Keira Phillips recited a poem regarding her favourite word "yes" while junior division winner Abbie Brokenshire spoke about the effects of sugar on our lives and Janae Wanner, an intermediate level winner, spoke about bullying.
Alf Tide was emcee for the evening's program that featured radio talk show host and author John Gormley who spoke about Saskatchewan's new attitude.
