A Redvers-area farm family has been recognized by the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association for their commitment to the environment.
Blain and Naomi Hjertaas were presented with the Environmental Stewardship Award by the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association (SSGA) at the organization’s annual general meeting earlier this month in Swift Current.
“It was very humbling to be recognized by your peers,” said Blain.
The Hjertaas farm is located south of Wauchope. Blain’s grandfather homesteaded on the site in 1915. Blain and Naomi have 120 pair of cattle, while his son has a flock of 500 ewes and lambs, and they also run a very small chicken operation.
The SSGA didn’t cite any reasons for the family winning the award, nor do they know how many others were nominated. But he believes the honour is due to the work they have done on sequestering carbon into agricultural soils. He has spoken about their efforts.
“I’ve been documenting what’s been happening to the soil on our farm, and some of that information has reached a lot of different places, so that might be part of it,” said Blain.
The process started in 2011.
They also practice holistic planned grazing, which means they put a lot of animals on a very small area for a short period of time. Then the animals move, and that allows the grass to recover fully from the grazing.
“We won’t be back on that spot of land for likely 90-100 days, so the birds and everything else can nest on there and do their thing, and as that land recovers, it’s doing photosynthesis every single day, and the photosynthesis … makes sugar, and sends it down into the roots,” said Blain.
It feeds the bacteria and fungi in the soil, which ultimately builds soil carbon.
When Blain’s grandfather came to the farm more than 100 years, the organic matter level was at 12 per cent. When he switched to the holistic planned grazing 20 years ago, the soil organic matter level was around three or four per cent.
“Now with farming this year, we’re beginning the process of rebuilding that land,” he said.
Farming is a wonderful lifestyle, he said, and it’s a great way to raise children. It’s also enjoyable to be out in the wide-open Prairies.
“I think it’s very rewarding to see the seasons the change, and to produce top-quality healthy food. Those are things that give me a lot of pleasure.”
The couple is now basically semi-retired. Their son and daughter-in-law are taking over the operation, and have three boys who are doing their part in the operation, which Blain is pleased to see.
