Each year, the Estevan Chamber of Commerce and the Estevan Exhibition Association team up to organize the Estevan’s Farmers Appreciation Dinner.
It’s a wonderful event in which the community gets to thank local farmers for all they contribute to the economy. The agenda is fairly routine each year; there’s a supper, followed by the presentation of the Farm Family of the Year Award, a few local 4-H speakers and a keynote address.
The event is always well-attended for a simple reason: anyone with an ounce of common sense knows that farming is an indispensable industry in Saskatchewan.
This year’s recipients of the Farm Family of the Year Award are a perfect example of the impact of agriculture. Dunnigan Family Farm has been around since the late 19th century. Four generations have operated the farm, and a fifth generation seems willing and able to guide the farm into the future.
The Dunnigans have not only kept pace with the changes and evolutions of agriculture, they have also been innovators. They are always trying new crops to enhance their operation. The newest crop addition is quinoa, and they hope it will be as profitable as some of their other ventures.
Agriculture remains the industry most commonly associated with Saskatchewan. While the energy and mining sectors have, at times, surpassed farming as the top contributors to the provincial economy, if you ask people outside the province about Saskatchewan, the first thing that comes to their mind is farming, with fields of wheat that extend across the landscape.
But farming in this province is more than just the famous wheat fields. Saskatchewan farmers grow a wide variety of crops. And, of course, we have our livestock sector that plays a key role in so many operations.
Saskatchewan farmers are tireless workers who are committed to their industry and are able to keep pace with changes in technology. As the world’s population continues to grow, our producers will play a vital role in meeting those needs.
Agriculture has evolved significantly from when the first pioneers came to the area in the 19th century. And Saskatchewan has come a long way, too. When those first settlers came, this province was still part of the North West Territory. Many operations like the Dunnigans are older than Saskatchewan itself.
We have seen farms grow in size. The techniques used in seeding, growing and harvesting crops have changed. Technology is constantly changing, forcing our farmers to adapt.
Farmers have shown their resiliency through two World Wars, the Great Depression, droughts, floods and other times when conditions haven’t co-operated.
The Dunnigans were recognized, and justifiably so, at this year’s Farmers Appreciation Dinner. But there are so many other great farms in the Estevan area that make a big contribution to this region.
They deserve accolades as well, regardless of whether it’s in the form of an award, or a very big thank you.
