The growing project has been running since 1998. Originally it was on property near Boissevain, but for more than a decade it has been at Del and Heather Fraser’s property by Fairfax.
“That field is good and it is great to have a consistent spot.”
Wheat was chosen as a part of their normal crop rotation.
Due to COVID, they were not able to have a traditional lunch in 2020, but this returned this year. Peters said it was nice to see it back.
“It was a mix of operators and supporters,” he said. “It is good to gather as a community, to do these things together.”
There was a longtime supporter of the project missing this year. Brad (Buck) Neufeld died in an accident in May. As a way to honour him, the committee instated a fundraiser where people or organizations could sponsor an acre of the field in Buck’s name. Committee member Audrey Paschke said the effort turned out very well.
“It was awesome,” Paschke stated. “All of the acres were sponsored, all 300 acres and we raised well over $15,000.”
Each person or organization was put on a square of the field, and Buck’s son Joel Neufeld rolled a rock on the map to find out who won the prizes. It landed on Krista Clyne’s Boissevain School grade four class, acre 107. They decided to donate the prizes to Joel, Ally and Johnny, all of Buck’s children. The prizes included $100 cash from Copperman Electrical, a $100 Co-op gift card from Whitewater Bison, $100 of meat from Martens Charlois and a $100 gift certificate from the Mullet Farmer.
It cost $50 to sponsor an acre, with Paschke saying they kept it low this year in case people were struggling. She said they were definitely thrilled with the response, and felt it was a great way to honour their friend.
“There was definitely a space out there that is empty. We obviously can’t replace Buck for sure. I didn’t want to benefit from the tragedy, but this was definitely a place his heart would approve of it going.”
Peters agreed, saying that the money would help pay for the crop inputs, and added they paid tribute to him before the meal.
Overall, the sponsorship was up this year. The seed was donated and the cash inputs for the crop were down significantly. Peters said he was not sure how much would be going to help CFGB projects overseas from the harvest this year, but it would be the bulk of the revenue.
He added the project continues to be popular and supported and will continue for a long time.
“I think this is something people feel strongly about,” Peters explained. “Agriculture is a big part of our community, and we have that connection to people in need. A lot of those people are in agriculture and we can connect to them. It is pretty unique that we can use our skills as farmers to help people. It is just a great way to work together as a community.”
“It was refreshing to be there with all of the people this year.”

by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff