Faith is the key for the families, whether it's faith in oneself, faith in each other, or faith in life.
These were the words Marcel Van Stavern shared with the audience at the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce Farmers Appreciation Night Tuesday, November 5.
Creelman area, JVM Farms was presented with the Golden Sheaf Award and was accepted by John and Candice Van Stavern, Vince and Olga Van Stavern, Marcel and Kym Van Stavern and the boys' mother, Betty Van Stavern.
John, Vince and Marcel took over the farming operation, which they learned from their dad and two uncles, who came to Canada from the Netherlands.
"I want to thank our father and two uncles. It's amazing how the years and times go by. It's times like these when I wish they were here," said Marcel.
Taught the value of a dollar, and what it takes to be successful, the three brothers and their families want to continue to live the way their parents did.
Much more than a business, JVM Farms is family. Family is just as important as business for the brothers.
"We have a love of farming, problem solving, and watching things grow. We are botanists, chemists, mechanics, and grain marketers. Farming with our family beats it all," said Marcel.
Their innovation has helped to improve production of each acre as well as to increase their acreage. "The agAdvance" magazine wrote an article about the brothers in 2010, noting that they were farming 12,000 acres, with a goal to farm 15,000 within five years.
Marcel said he attributes having success to the collaborative support of farming and community and how they tie together.
"We view community as a broader and broader environment," Marcel said.
JVM Van Staveren farms were one of the first operations to utilize GPS and auto steer technologies. In 2010 they mounted a GPS antenna on their local elevator.
Techniques such as early weed control, use of residual weed products, variable rate technology, GPS, and the purchase of improved seed technologies are also important practices in their farming.
When the brothers implemented zero till/no till in the early 90's, they were one of the earliest in the area to do so. They were also some of the first few to use anhydrous ammonia to improve equipment efficiency.
"My sons worked hard, learned from their father and two uncles," Betty said.
She added when she came to Canada in 1960 to settle, she didn't like it here and wanted to go home. Her husband gave her the option, and she didn't take it.
"I wasn't planning on staying, but I'm glad I did. This is the best place on earth."
