YORKTON - This weekend the Prybylski family who farm northwest of Willowbrook opened their farm to public tours as part of the inaugural Saskatchewan Open Farm Days.
The initiative was recently announced by Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan in partnership with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture and Tourism Saskatchewan as a way to “foster a deeper connection between Saskatchewan’s residents, its vibrant agricultural sector and agritourism,” said an event release.
“Our primary goal was to give people not familiar with a farm to come out and see what we do,” offered Bill Prybylski.
Prybylski explained that they had a few displays showing actual examples of grain alongside some grocery products made from the grain, and were doing field and pasture tours so those attending could see production up close.
“It’s to give them a bit of an idea where their food comes from,” he said.
Prybylski said he and his family recognize that more and more people do not have family operating farms, so they don’t spend time on one.
Participating in the Open Far Day “is a great opportunity to reconnect.”
The days were a surprise for some.
Prybylski said the size of modern farm equipment, and the technology involved, “really surprised some people.”
In the case of the Prybylski family, the current farm has developed through decades of work.
“My mom and dad (Olga and Frank) bought this land in 1950. There was nothing here,” said Bill Prybylski, who bought out his parents in 1991 when they retired.
In 2007 the farm incorporated with Bill’s brother Richard, and his sons Josh and Mark involved, and Bill’s son Neil.
“It’s corporate but still very much a family farm,” said Bill.
This year they cropped some 14,000 acres of wheat, canola, barley peas and oats, and calved near 200 cows.
While many operations specialize, Prybylski said cattle are still a good fit for them.
“We have enough marginal land (sloughs and wooded areas etc),” he said, adding, “cattle are a natural fit for the land we have here.”
Given the amount of work such a large-scale farm has to do, was pausing to host visitors worth it?
“I think so,” said Prybylski, adding the feedback they received was very positive. “. . . People learned what we’re doing here and why we’re doing it.”
Having first hand information from producers is important for consumers, said Prybylski, adding these days there is so much misinformation floating around.
“We’re doing everything we can to provide them with healthy food. We’re doing the best we can to grow healthy and nutritious food,” he said.
