Last fall the Brodner family farm celebrated their harvest, showcasing four functioning classic combines just outside of the town of Dysart, SK. This Saturday, around 50 people visited that same site for a slightly different purpose - to witness a multi-hour, 25-acre harvest with additional antique machinery. “Last year was more of a ‘fun day,” said Father Mark Brodner. “Today, we have a way better turnout, and there would be even more if harvest wasn’t so late.” All of the proceeds from the sale of the wheat will be going to STARS Air Ambulance through the “Growing for STARS Program,” where farmers can choose to donate a portion of their field. “I grew up on a farm, so this was super awesome for me to kind of relive my childhood memories and to be invited out here. We’re super excited to see how this can grow bigger and better next year,” said community engagement officer Shelby Proznick. The Brodner family says the average farm has one or two combines. This year two more were added, with six red machines ready for duty. “The two that we brought home last fall, the gentleman actually got really emotional when we pulled them out of the shed,” said Carey Brodner. “He was ready to send them to the crusher because he didn’t know what to do. This way, they’re in the field and they’re being used.” The Brodner farm is currently in its fifth generation of ownership after being homesteaded in 1903. “We run as a family farm where you eat meals together in the field, on the back of the truck,” said Carey. “It’s that whole experience that was so important to us, and that’s kind of what we’re trying to carry on with the kids.” The Brodner family is also using this occasion as a reminder of where food really comes from. “So many kids that grow up in the city don’t know what a combine is, don’t know what an auger is, don’t know what a tractor is, they’ve never ridden on anything,” said Carey. “This is more of a slow-paced function that they can come and they can ride and they can watch and just learn that it doesn’t all just show up to a grocery store. It comes off of a farm and there’s work that goes in behind it.”
