Farming wasn’t always in their future, but that’s just how it turned out for the Pikowicz family.
In 1978, Murray and Linda Pikowicz purchased a quarter of land to raise their family.
That small section they called home would soon grow to what it is today.
“It’s wonderful. When we started out, we just thought it would be a few acres... Next thing we know, one thing leads to another and you end up buying more quarters and then you have to buy bigger machinery… well then you need more land and it just snowballs,” expressed Linda.
Now, they run the farm with the help of their son Blake and his wife Tina, hoping one day their grandson will take over the reins.
“I had always said I hope that we live long enough to see our grandson farm if he wants to,” Linda noted.
Even though they had never intended to own a farm of this calibre, it has worked out in their favour.
On Saturday, Nov. 10, the family was recognized during Farmfair International, and were awarded one of this year’s Farm Family Awards.
“It’s an honour for sure… but there are lots of farms in the area that are deserving too. It’s definitely an honour,” expressed Linda.
Murray agreed with his wife.
He said, “There are lots of other farms in the area that have been around just as long and there are lots of others that should be recognized.”
When asked what made their farm stand out, Linda said they aren’t doing anything out of the ordinary.
“I think the majority of farms in this area stand out. They all work hard and do their best.”
For Blake, it’s important to take the time to recognize farmers for all that they contribute.
“I think it’s good to be recognized because people realize that there are people that have to feed the world. There’s not much recognition otherwise,” he said. “There are lots of people that deserve it, but it’s nice to be recognized by the local community…. Hopefully we can continue on here and my son will grow up to take over and carry it on.”
Regardless of the award, the Pikowicz’s are happy to be working together day after day on the farm.
For Linda, operating the 2,500-acre farm and 60 to 70 cattle keeps the family together in a unique way.
“It’s very special. I’ve worked and gotten to see my parents pretty well every day of my life. It’s so nice to work with family and get to have that quality time because we do see each other so much,” Blake added.
Murray said having family involved in farming helps map out the business’ future, because you’re always planning year’s down the road in the agriculture business.
“It’s such a long-term business, that if there isn’t someone to do it, you’re really thinking five to 10 years ahead of what you’re doing. It’s such a long-term venture that if you don’t have a next generation or something, when you get older how would you even be able to make long-term plans?”
They hope that one day, Blake and Tina’s son Walker will take over, but Linda stressed it was “a choice that’s his to make.”
