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I remember a night long ago, early in the
spring standing for hours on the back of an open tractor
operated by my Uncle Sid on what is now my “home quarter”
as he seeded the crop. Late that night (around 11:00 pm)
that 8 or 9-year-old kid — me — walked a lonely,
scary mile into town.
Over the intervening years, from then until 1991, my cousin
Brian and I either walked or drove past that piece of land
countless times. Little did I ever know that someday I would
own and farm it!
 Dave
Cook’s lease on SW 33 expired at the end of the crop
year in 1990 – it was time for a Scott to “farm
the land”. In consultation with Jeff and Stu it was
decided we would give it a go – Mom agreed and sold
the land to me. I went to see my friend Richard Porter,
then the manager of the local Credit Union – who immediately
told me I was out of my fucking mind! He then financed my
tractor, cultivator and harrows! Within a day I was “on
the land”. As I write I smile, because I still remember
that same day as I rode the tractor, cultivating for the
first time by the trees on the east side of the field, Richard
pulling up beside me to see how I was doing. He was laughing
his head off!
And, to some considerable degree, that has characterized
my farming. It has been fun, and despite adversity (like
the crop of 2002) there has been much laughter!
For me, it has been an incredible “awakening”
– a rejuvenation – something I look forward
to each spring and fall. I can’t describe the inner
sense of wonderment as I see tender green leaves on spring
trees, or hear haunting cries of fall geese.
As important – indeed, likely more important, has
been the rekindling of family and friends. Sharing the experience
of farming with Jeff and Stu
is wonderful. Like the ocean, there is an ebb and flow of
feeling. We have  all
worked hard into the nights, we have all felt anger and
frustration at sudden and unexpected breakdowns and we have
all enjoyed the wonderment of “harvest” as we
see golden grains fill bin after bin as a result of our
labor, effort, ideas and dreams!
And in all likelihood, most important of all, is the reawakening
of a wonderful, loving relationship with my Mother.
She has shared the dream and she still does. We have “toured”
the fields and the countryside – we have seen young
eagles protect their road kill and we have seen the silent
flow of the Saskatchewan River; we have looked at crops
waist-high and cried over crops knee-high. She has delivered
bread and chicken to a tired crew as we tried to save, and
did save, a collapsing bin late at night. She has, in her
little Toyota, bounced across fields late at night “to
see if her little boy is safe or dead under a combine.”
She has cooked the meals and made beds – she has shared
the dream! I pause: she  has
so much been a part of it; it will not be the same…
And my cousin Brian – it could not
have been done without him – between him and Richard
I am an OK farmer. Brian was, however, the one who was “just
up the road” at our old farm – the “Old
Ozmun Herford Farm”. He was always there (as were
so many) for “consultation” – Brian’s
fees were a chocolate bar!
My first harvest was done by Brian and his family –
a beautiful crop of Manley barley was ripe for pickup. Brian
pulled into the yard with the Gleaner and with a twinkle
in his eye, asked where I would put the grain! I had inadequate
grain storage! Quick calls to the Pool in Melfort, a few
thousand dollars later, and just before Brian came with
a truck full of barley, the bin arrived! Whew!
Brian brought the rock!
Brian and I toured. Brian and I drank coffee. Brian and
I rekindled a relationship from 30 years before… it
was great! Brian in the little blue Volkswagen…
And in 1999 I had to say goodbye to Brian as he succumbed
quite quickly and unexpectedly to an unknown heart condition
while Jeff, Stu and I were in Mexico. I had to give a eulogy
to a dear friend and cousin upon return. His quirky humor,
wry smile and awesome help have, and will be missed. His
farm continues under the able stewardship of his sons Troy
and David, both of whom learned well from Brian.
 What
has the farm given me? Friendship, patience, confidence,
and experimentation. Richard, Carol and Charlie Porter –
one could not ask for better friends. Richard in particular
goes back to Grade One – he calls it like it is and
helps me every step of the way. He taught me that what one
man has put together, I can take apart, repair, and put
back together. He has also taught me to laugh at adversity.
We have traveled every road, looked at every field and relived
lives of 50 years! Unfortunately, he won’t come sailing!
And Ralph – what a guy – can fix just about
anything, as can Charlie, and they do. Ralph is there, all
the time, to do whatever is asked. He and I don’t
go back like Richard and I, but he has been there for me
at all times! He and Charlie are two of the breakfast regulars.
The “Board of Directors” – those who
helped in every way, who taught me the difference between
wheat and barley, diesel and gas – Dave Cook, Richard,
Brian and Ronnie Cay – Brian and Ronnie are gone.
Ronnie was a great guy from my Grade Twelve class –
he lent me a seeder the first year and forgave me for running
into a power pylon with it! He was always there to help
at anytime – just a phone call away! Mr. 110% guy!
And Dave – the world’s most successful salesman
– who has provided whatever machinery I may ever need
– and, he does it all with a smile and a laugh. A
big man, a real big man!
Farming has allowed me the joy of experimentation with
fava beans, 
lentils, peas and stuff I never knew. It has allowed me
to grow – just as my crops have! It has given me the
joy of watching hawks dance in the sky, geese fly overhead,
deer at sunset, foxes at sunrise – the most remarkable
experiences of my life – it has allowed me to watch
growth, from tiny seeds planted by me to flowing wheat in
endless fields!
Remarkable!
I look forward to the next 12 years as I continue to sow
and harvest the friendship and crops.
This is your world; it is your feast
... Look at the greatness of the whole thing.
Look! Don't hesitate – look! Open your eyes. Don't
blink, and look, look – look further.
– Chogyam Trungpa |
