August 7, 2025 Field Day Report
Our day began with baking and refreshments at the Belvedere Hall, near Barrhead. We boarded 2 buses and travelled to the DeSchepper Farms fields by Rich Valley. We toured the DeSchepper Farms oat fields which were clean and doing well considering the lack of rain. Awaiting us was a demonstration from Next Gen Ag Services of the rollover plow power harrow, all made by Lemken and pulled by a Fendt Tractor. Pentagon Farm Centre in Westlock brought out a Massey tractor and a speed disc. It was amazing how quickly part of the hay field became totally black.
We drove back to the hall for lunch, door prizes and the presentations. A big thank you is extended to Xtream Equipment, Alfalfa Green, Sunrise Mobile Seed Cleaning, DeSchepper Farms, Next Gen Ag Services and One Degree Organics, the donators of the wonderful door prizes.
Our first speaker was Stan Smith owner of Silver Hills Bakery and One Degree Organics. His presentation focused on their second company. The main emphasis was on 100% transparency of all the ingredients used in their products which are organic, NON-GMO verified, gluten free, traceable and glyphosate free. You can scan the code on each product or enter the code from the product on their website to discover who grew an ingredient and where. They travel around the world to meet farmers, co-ops and processing operations to ensure they meet the highest standards of organic, plant-based, and sustainable farming practices. This company is currently looking to purchase oats that meet their standards.
The representative from Alfalfa Green was unable to attend but they sent certificates for discounts on their product for door prizes. Eldon Kebernik has used their product and is very satisfied with the results. He handed out literature about the alfalfa pellets and encouraged attendees to check out their website www.alfalfagreen.ca
Next to speak was Andria Carlyon, manager of Gateway Research Organization. She has five staff and four summer students that care for the heifer pasture and grow plots. The organization is 40 years old this year and has 12 applied research projects. Funding is supplied by Results Driven Agriculture Research. Around the town of Westlock, eight counties have supplied the 4,400 plots, which grow 150+ varieties of crops. Yearly they participate in four field days, Open Farm Days, Living labs and school tours. Some plots are privately funded so if you have an idea that you want researched, do contact her. She shared all their upcoming events which can be found on their website.
Now it was time to board the bus again and tour Rivers Edge Organics, (Kebernik’s) oat fields. Again the crops did well considering the weather conditions. Back at Eldon’s home yard the owner of the Sunrise Mobile Seed Cleaning Plant was waiting to give us a demonstration. He built this plant following the pattern of his former smaller seed cleaning plant, with a few additions. There are a lot of moving parts! The attendees were very interested and had lots of questions for the owner Vern Friesen from LaCrete.
We went back to the hall for dessert and a hot drink as, as it was raining at the demonstration. Organic muffins and gluten free treats were from Elienek’s Bake Shop in Barrhead.
It was an informative, fun day with a lot of networking accomplished. Everyone very much appreciated all the preparation by our hosts to make this day a success.
