Feeding Farmers; Feeding the World

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

According to the United Nations, family farms produce over 70 percent of the world’s food with an estimated 500 million family farms worldwide.

The Holden Agricultural Society is one of the oldest volunteer groups in the community. However, members are always looking at fun and interesting ways to stay relevant while serving people in the village and surrounding areas. One great example is the Ag. Society’s ‘Meals in the Field’ fundraiser. The first one of the spring season was held on May 10.

The event was a huge success. Volunteer Carrie Hrabec believes they set a record on Saturday, cooking up 20 dozen hamburgers! Carrie, along with her husband Gene, are long-time members of the organization that operates the Holden Complex. By Carrie’s side in the kitchen was Gail Upham, who has also dedicated many years to the group, and is currently serving as its treasurer.

Gene said they have been doing different types of fundraisers in the spring and fall to generate much needed funds to maintain the complex. This fundraiser, along with Steak Nights, have been well received. “The community has really stepped up and supported us, especially on the Steak Nights where we get people from Vegreville, Mundare, Ryley, Tofield, Bruce and Daysland.”  

The group also works with other local agricultural societies to ensure that your event don’t use the same date, and some members helping out during other events.

Also stepping up to support the ‘Meals in the Field’ fundraiser are Crop Management Network in Holden and Nutrien Ag Solutions in Ryley. Both companies purchase a box of burgers to feed their customers travelling back and forth to load up with fertilizer before getting back in the field.

Nick Bilyk, with the Crop Management Network in Holden, grew up in the community and has direct ties with Ag. Society members and their families. “When they started ‘Meals in the Field’ it was a no brainer to support it.”

Richard Bratrud with Nutrien Ag Solutions in Ryley said they’ve supported the fundraiser since its inception. Being such a busy time of the year, Richard said everyone is too busy or doesn’t have time to eat, so this is a great way to build relationships with customers as well as support the Ag Society. Needless to say, customers are always happy to receive a burger while they wait in line.