Harvest meal in the field

Times Reporter 

 

On Sept. 9 the Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) hosted their first Harvest Meal in the Field. 

“It’s something that our corporation is trying to do, more marketing and (letting) our clients (know) how much we appreciate (them),” said Dorothy Bodeux, insurance administrator in the Strathmore office.

“We just thought this would be something nice. We put all of our clients’ names in a hat and drew one out and the Praekers were the lucky draw.”

The meal, fresh lasagna, caesar salad and garlic toast was made by Kims Katering. 

The Praeker family, who have started early on harvesting their crops, were happy to take the lunch break. Normally during harvest they gather in the fields for supper. 

“Some of our fields aren’t that close to home so by the time everybody runs home and do your thing and get back out it takes three quarters of an hour. We have had some beautiful evenings to sit…and have supper out in the field. The whole family usually shows up so that’s nice,” said Herman Praeker. 

“That made us feel pretty special to have someone deliver a meal.”

 “We’re very appreciative of a harvest meal and we appreciate the services that AFSC offers. We’re thankful for a beautiful harvest and a beautiful day that we can share a meal together,” said Barb Praeker. 

Of course, no Praeker family field meal is complete without the musical stylings of Geordie Praeker and Chuck Bailey. The duo played their guitars and sang after eating. 

Between Herman and son Francis, the Praeker family seeds about 4,000 acres, rotating between field peas, spring wheat, canola and malt barley. Barb and Herman have been farming together for over 30 years and they couldn’t see themselves doing anything else. 

“I don’t think there’s any better occupation where you can work with your kids, and son-in-law and wife and enjoy doing it, that’s pretty rewarding,” said Herman. 

“It’s a way of life, it’s a wonderful way to raise children and we are so blessed that we have farmers that want to continue the tradition,” said Barb.  

The AFSC has held breakfasts with guest speakers in the past and are hoping to turn the Harvest Meal in the Field into an annual thing for a new family each year. The AFSC is a government insurance company that sells crop and hail insurance to farmers. They also have a lending and agri-stability division.