The Nipawin Hawks are proud to celebrate another successful year of their Farming Venture, made possible through the generosity and teamwork of the agricultural community.
The growing season began earlier this summer when Zach Youzwa sprayed the North Field with Stellar herbicide, donated by Corteva. Later in July, grasshoppers threatened the crop, and Henry Doerksen applied Coragen insecticide to protect the field. By late August, Doerksen returned to treat the 160-acre wheat crop with a desiccant mixture of glyphosate (donated by Spencer Staffen and Zach Youzwa) and HEAT (donated by BASF’s Mike Wassil), preparing it for harvest.
The harvest date was set for September 10, and the weather cooperated perfectly. On September 9, the field was opened up with a John Deere X9 combine from Brandt—thanks to Jason Koenders and Wade Bednarz—and a Lexion combine from Ag Authority, provided by Luke Cook and Josiah Olson. By opening the field early, space was created for trucks, equipment, and a Lake Country Co-op BBQ for the big day.
The morning was filled with energy and excitement. Redhead Equipment arrived with a Case IH combine, with support from Lee Morgan and Scott Vanderlinde, while Rocky Mountain Equipment (RME) joined with a New Holland combine, brought by Matt Bray and Jeff Kovach. Lake Country Co-op, represented by Tina Haluke and Mike McLelland, rolled in with their food trailer and served burgers with all the fixings to feed the crew. A & K Enns once again provided trucking services, hauling the crop to P & H in Tisdale. Thanks also to Brian Anderson and Lake Country Co-op for fueling all the combines to keep the operation rolling smoothly.
By 10:30 a.m., the combines were in full swing, and a large portion of the field was harvested by lunchtime. Hawks staff Tad Kozun, Derek Hutton, Emma Galloway, and Tegan LeComte brought the players out to enjoy the meal and witness the harvest firsthand. For many of the players, it was a unique and educational opportunity, learning about wheat, its uses, and even riding along in the combines. With over $5 million worth of modern farm equipment working together in the field, the scale of the operation was both remarkable and inspiring. Hawks board members also attended, showing their support, a gesture that was greatly appreciated by the organization and sponsors.
The Nipawin Hawks extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this harvest possible. From those who donated products, time, and equipment, to the ag dealers and families who support this project year after year, your contributions are invaluable. Special recognition goes to the Rouault family for providing the land, as well as Terry Slusar and Dennis Botterill, whose countless hours of dedication ensure the project continues to succeed.
And finally, a note of remembrance: We missed you again this year, Lloyd. We know you were watching over us.
The Hawks are once again reminded that the strength of their community is what makes projects like this possible. That support not only brings in a successful harvest but also helps ensure the team’s ongoing success both on and off the ice.
