Huculak Stock Farms – Larry, Wanda, Megan, Madison
Huculak Stock Farms, a family farming operation that started in 1997, is located near Sandy Lake in the Little Saskatchewan River watershed. Being in close proximity to Sandy Lake, Larry and Wanda recognized that the best use of their rolling land was to establish forages that would keep the soil from eroding and ending up in the lake. This use of their land allows them to raise beef cattle and to produce forage, products that their returning customers have come to expect and trust.
Rotational grazing and off-site water systems are used for pasture management. With an interest in learning about new management techniques, Larry completed an Environmental Farm Plan and through the Farm Stewardship Program improvements have been made to the management of livestock wintering sites and fuel storage. As a family, when sitting on the deck at the end of the day listening to the cries of the loon and the coyote, they recognized the importance of other people being able to enjoy the same experiences that a diverse landscape can provide. To maintain this biodiversity, the land was protected by completing a Conservation Agreement with Ducks Unlimited Canada.
Megan, a Grade 7 student, and Madison, a Grade 5 student, both attend school in Erickson. The girls enjoy the space that living on the farm provides and take an interest in why certain actions are taken. Their parents are pleased with their interest in the farming operation and continue to foster it by answering their questions. This same practice is used when inquisitive neighbours ask. Larry contributes time to the Little Saskatchewan River Conservation District as a sub-district member in the Upper Little Saskatchewan River sub-district.
Other characteristics of this successful family farming operation include:
- A love of the land
- Having a little fun along the way
- Having a pay it forward philosophy
- Having a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day
- Making time for family and community
- Meeting new people
- Recognizing that risk is what you make of it
- Respect for others
It is for their investment in doing their share for the environment that the Little Saskatchewan River Conservation District recognizes Huculak Stock Farms – Larry, Wanda, Megan, Madison with the 2011 Conservation District Award.
Past CD Award Recipients
2010 – Raven Creek Farm - Roger & Cathy Desiléts and Family
2009 – Iain & Helen Deans
2008 – Blanshard Holsteins – The Heapy’s
2007 – Alan & Barbara Dalrymple & Family
2006 – Prairie Oasis – Doug & Karen Northam & Family
2005 – Riding Mountain Guest Ranch – Jim & Candy Irwin
2004 – Lepp Farms/Redline Enterprises
2003 – Wedderburn Family Farm
2002 – Bridgeman Land & Livestock Ltd.
2001 – Horner Farm
2000 – Valley View Farms – Harold & Patricia Dyck, Matthew, Kaitlyn, Julie
1999 – The McNabb Family – Bob, Elaine, Dana, Lauren, Robert, Michael
