Each year, The Nipawin Hawks are incredibly fortunate to have Dennis Botterill and Terry Slusar lead our “Farming for the Hawks” venture. Their tireless volunteer efforts over the last 14 years are the backbone of this initiative, and without their dedication, the Hawks wouldn’t be where we are today. The countless hours they put into this project demonstrate just how much they care about keeping the Hawks thriving in our community. We extend our deepest gratitude to Dennis, Terry, and all the individuals and businesses who support “Farming for the Hawks.”
Below is a letter from Dennis and Terry sharing updates on our fields, crops, and the generous sponsors who make it all possible!
Hello All,
The Ag Grow team, led by Wade and Kara Annand, has been an invaluable supporter of the Nipawin Hawks Farm Venture for several years. Their dedication was once again on full display starting last fall, when Ag Grow conducted soil testing on both of the Hawks’ fields. Several Hawks players even assisted with the sampling, as Ag Grow regularly provides employment opportunities for the team’s players.
Wade worked closely with our Farm Venture team, offering expert recommendations for the 2024 Nexera Canola crop. This spring, Wade and Kara entrusted Ag Grow employee Evan Fyfe to partner with us on agronomic decisions throughout the growing season.
Evan proved to be an outstanding resource, guiding us through each step of the process. He provided recommendations for pre-seed burn-off products and monitored the fields on a weekly basis. His expertise in herbicide and fungicide applications ensured that the crop remained healthy. When concerns arose about a potential Lygus bug threat during the post-flowering stage, Evan conducted weekly pest sweeps, and thankfully, no spraying was required.
As the growing season began to wind down in early September, the Nipawin Hawks Farming Venture team ramped up preparations for harvest. A huge thank you goes out to FV Pierlot for donating a 30-foot Massey swather, and to Lance Cummings, who generously volunteered his time on September 2 to swath the South 160-acre Nexera Canola field. According to the combine operators, Lance did an excellent job.
Aylsham Ag kindly donated two cases of “Roundup Transorb” for the desiccation of the North 55 acres, while B.A.S.F. provided “HEAT” herbicide to mix with the Roundup. On September 8, Ravine Bank Farms, run by Denton and Mike Peifer, sprayed the desiccant on the North field.
Though we experienced some delays due to moisture, the weather held out in our favor, and the harvest proceeded smoothly. This was the first year without our beloved supporter, Lloyd Hleck, who always played a key role in the harvest. We’re sure he was watching over us, guiding from his “Heavenly New Holland.” You’re missed, Lloyd.
On September 15, Bill Schultz from Brandt kicked off the harvest by bringing out the Big X9 Combine to open up the South field. Spencer Staffen soon joined with his Fendt combine, and together with Ravine Bank providing a semi, they got the field opened and the first load of Nexera Canola was on its way to Bunge by September 16.
Things really ramped up later that morning when more combines arrived. Bill Schultz and Jason Koenders from Brandt, Matt Brey, Dwayne Pshyk, and Jeff Kovach from Rocky Mountain Equipment, Lee Morgan from RedHead, and Josiah Olson and Shane Golumos from Ag Authority all showed up with top-of-the-line combines from John Deere, New Holland, Case IH, and Lexion. It was an impressive sight to have four of the world’s largest combines, valued at nearly $5 million, working together in the Hawks’ field.
Around noon, Lake Country set up a BBQ, grilling burgers for all the volunteers and team members. Thanks to Tina and her crew for another fantastic meal! Tad and Derek brought out the Hawks players, who joined us for lunch, took photos, and for some, enjoyed their first combine ride.
A special thank you to A & K Enns Trucking for their stellar work transporting the Nexera Canola to Bunge straight off the combines. Cassidy McMunn and Brice Drinkwater from Bunge were also on hand, distributing 1-liter bottles of Nexera Canola as a fitting souvenir from this year’s harvest. In the afternoon, Diamond North Credit Union brought treats to keep the harvest crew energized—thanks, Jenna and team!
By 3:30 PM, the entire crop was harvested, with combines cleaned and refueled. Later, on September 29, Ravine Bank returned to harvest the North 55-acre field, delivering it to Bunge the following day.
The Nipawin Hawks Farming Venture Committee extends our deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the 2024 Nexera Canola crop. With over $80,000 in donated products and services, this venture wouldn’t have been possible without your support.
A special thank you to this year’s contributors:
- Corteva
- Lake Country Co-op
- B&K Baxter Farms
- Nathan Scott – Beldon Bison
- Taylor Trenching
- Len and Jeff Fyfe
- Aylsham Ag
- B.A.S.F.
- Ravine Bank Farms
- Youzwa Farms
- Nutrien Ag
- Rick Bilikryly and F.B.N.
- ADAMA
- Accumark Air Spray
- FV Pierlot and Sons
- Lance Cummings
- Vince Munro
- A&K Enns Trucking
- Bunge
- Meadowcroft Trucking
- Carson Baerg
- Ag Grow Consulting
Go Hawks Go!
—Terry Slusar and Dennis Botterill
