LUSELAND – A large crane was sighted in Luseland and not of the winged variety.
While driving through the community of Luseland April 29, this reporter’s curiosity was piqued by an enormous crane working along the tracks by the elevators. Community members were abuzz with excitement over this new business venture and quickly directed me to the work site as well as to Dan Holman for more details on what the project entails.
Holman Farming group is building a grain processing facility that required the help of a massive crane. The Holman Farming Group is a family farm operation that has conducted business in Luseland area for over 115 years. The farm is owned by Dan and Stacey Holman and Rod and Gayle Homan. You can find their biographies and history on the website, Holman Farming Group.
Throughout the last week of April, a 720-ton crawler that arrived in multiple truckloads and took several days to set up arrived from south of Moose Jaw, with crane company headquarters out of Edmonton.
The crane was tasked with lifting a large bin cluster and head house that will hold uncleaned and cleaned grain, and screenings for business expansion. The bin was placed atop of a steel structure located beside the elevator.
“We see application for our facility before the crop is seeded and after the crop is gown," Dan Holman, one of the partners in Holman Farming Group, says.
"Our initial intent is to use the facility to clean grain for seeding and apply any product, like fungicide or insecticide treatment, bio stimulant, inoculant and/or nutrient package, to seeds that our farm, or any other farmers require.”
Holman said with this addition they will be able to clean all grains to human consumption quality and ship them in trucks, rail cars or shipping containers to end use customers.
“Luseland is a really consistent grain production area that is currently underserved with grain cleaning and handling facilities," Holman says to explain the decision to expand.
"We felt there was a gap we could fill to improve our own farm and help other farmers in the area to grow better crops and add value to the crops we are growing on our own farm.”
From initial planning stages to completion, Holman says the project will be an 18-month process. They hope to have the facility available for use in the fall of 2023.
“There are direct benefits to local farms who will have another source of cleaning and seed application services. Customers who wish to purchase grain that is cleaned and processed will also have an added option.”
The project adds job creation with four to five positions available for the community, which in turn benefits the local economy. The Holman Farming Group elevator is within the town limits of Luseland, so it also contributes to the tax base.
“Our business directly, and our staff, are very proud of our community and participate in community sports programs, community arts programs, serve on local boards and donate heavily to local initiatives. Having a larger business will help us continue to make our community stronger,” adds Holman.
“The Town of Luseland is thrilled with this new commercial development in the town and was delighted when they approached us about the new seed cleaning plant," Luseland Mayor Kathy Wurz says.
"The Holman Farming group is also super community-minded and is quick to step up and help at various events in town. We are lucky to have this family in our community. We wish them luck in this venture and hope this just adds to the vibrant business sector in the community. “
The project definitely created a stir and interest in the community of Luseland as residents know that the addition will create more jobs, bigger tax base, more opportunity for youth and added community involvement.
