Farming is big, big business that is forever changing and growing as the world around us changes, but it is much more than that.
Science is researching and communicating knowledge faster than ever before and we can become inundated with fact and fiction all around us. Articles on local farmers in the southeast could be endless.
Rylan Weir is an organic farmer in southeast Saskatchewan. In an email, he shared some of the farm’s history, experiences and challenges.
The original family farm started with Irwin Hindmarch, his grandfather, and has seen many changes over the years including mixed grain and cattle.
Starting out in joint farming with his grandfather and mother, Pam Weir, he has since taken over the operation and incorporated organic grains in the last four years.
His own son, Trey, and some hired hands help him out with various tasks throughout seeding and harvest. Being strictly a grain farmer since 2008, Weir plans to expand into the cattle operation again.
Some of Rylan’s greatest struggles centre around ever-increasing costs of input and equipment and of course the fact that you work for Mother Nature. Weir’s learning about organic farming was extensive and included how to become a better steward of the land to create better soil health. As with many farming operations around the area, COVID restrictions have made securing required parts and equipment in a timely manner much more difficult.
Look at the words he shared. Family farm, expand, steward of the land and better soil health are all words and phrases that tell the Weir story.
Do you know what farming is going on around you? Do you know the stories behind the eyes of the farmers you see? Does the farmer you know work long hours off the farm just to be able to keep farming? What is the passion, the drive, the dream inside the dreamer? The farming culture around us is diverse and so necessary to our surviving and thriving in life. Find out what farm products are right around the corner from you. Take the time to thank a farmer. Ask to hear their story.
