Bountiful Blessings and Love of Farming for Poliakiwski Family

Bountiful Blessings and Love of Farming for Poliakiwski Family

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Travelling down the back roads northeast of Mannville billowing clouds of dust can be seen gazing in the rear-view mirror.

The sky is a brilliant shade of blue as the gentle rolling hills bask in the warm sunlight. It’s Sept. 28 and feels more like summer than fall as the temperature is a balmy 27 degrees Celsius.

Several family members of the Poliakiwski family are hard at work combining wheat in a field a few miles away from the homestead. “Wanna ride?” shouts Garry standing outside the cab of the combine.

Climbing up the stairs to the top of the platform and into the cab, he makes sure I’m settled in and checks to make sure the door is tight and secure. Normally the buddy seat is reserved for his two-year-old granddaughter Karley who loves to ride in the combine.

“She likes to get into my lunch box,” says Garry, who always keeps a few treats handy. “Chocolates are her favourite,” adds Garry. He relishes the time spent with the little one as well as time with his grandsons Seth, 20, and Garrett, 13, who are out helping in the field. They both say they’d like to carry on the tradition of farming.

Garrett’s dad Lyndon has been farming for more than 23 years and is happy to have his partner Courtney Burke by his side. She’s the one who’s good with the numbers. Her work as a location assistant at the Richardson Pioneer grain terminal near Lavoy also keeps her plenty busy.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Garry Poliakiwski.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Courtney admits she’s a bit tired as they loaded 100 grain cars yesterday. Courtney said technology has come such a long way as she shows real time tracking of the combines in the field using the app on her cell phone.

Garry said they are making lots of dust today, and said they’ve hardly had any rain since early August. “That’s been good for the harvest.” They have been harvesting since Aug. 20 when they started combining oats. He, and the rest of the crew, are happy to be finishing up their last field.

“This year we didn’t have to pull out a tester,” noted Garry. It’s been three or four years since they’ve had a good growing season, and he is very thankful this year has been so good weather wise. Because the crops haven’t weathered, the quality is excellent, added Garry. Yields are higher as well that will help offset the price.

Real time data.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

They run over 2,100 acres. Garry chuckles, saying, “The young guy, (Lyndon) says he wants to do more, (acres) but I say we’re gonna cut back!” Lyndon said he is going to run more acres next year.

Up until five years ago, Garry also ran his own trucking business, hauling grain and cattle all over Alberta. Lyndon said he’s always worked off the farm which helps with the cash flow and can help offset the years that are not so good for growing.

They’ve combined in rain, sleet and snow. “There’s up and downs to everything,” said Lyndon. You take the good with the bad.”

Loading wheat into the truck.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Lyndon said he’s always had a passion for farming. “I guess it’s in my blood.” Garry was the youngest of eight children and was the only one interested in farming.” He seen so many changes in farming over the last 70 years and is grateful for the added comfort and the technological advances which have improved efficiencies. Having an air conditioned cab doesn’t hurt either. “Back in the old day we had to wear our collar up otherwise you’d get straw and chaff, and sometimes thistle down your back.”

Garry said he feels very privileged to able to see and hear and enjoy nature and the surrounding beauty. He plans on farming for as long as he is able. He has been married to Debbie for 46 years and they had four children: Lyndon, Meggan, Brendan and Keyaira.

Left: Sitting on the tailgate L-R: Garry and Debbie Poliakiwski and Courtney Burke. Back row L-R: Brendan Poliakiwski, Jarrett Poliakiwski, Seth Trynchuk and Lyndon Poliakiwski.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Debbie loves gardening and brought a delicious meal to the field for everyone to enjoy. Pork, baked chicken, mashed potatoes, fresh peas and carrots in a cream sauce, and broccoli salad were lovingly prepared. Debbie and the entire family are deserving of many thanks for their kindness, hospitality and generosity.

“If I had to live my life over again I’d probably do the same thing again,” said Garry. “I might not get rich, but it’ll be a life well lived,” added Lyndon.