FLEMING, Sask. — Ben and Kari Kosior were treated to an evening away from the combine after being selected as Week 5 winners of GX94's Supper in the Field.
The Kosiors farm near Fleming, where Ben has operated his own farm since 2017. The family grows just under 1,000 acres of spring wheat and canola and, like many producers across the region, has been working around challenging harvest conditions this fall.
"We've been fortunate. We were able to get some combining done between the rains and we are into the canola now," said Ben Kosior.
Kosior said most of his grain is delivered to Parrish & Heimbecker facilities, while harvest progress has been limited by damp conditions and shortened working days.
"We have roughly 60 per cent of the canola left to do," he said. "The crop is still a bit tough for us, so we need a few days yet for sure. The days have been short and you don't get too much done when you're starting at three or four o'clock in the afternoon."
Kosior credited the support of family and friends for helping make the farm operation possible.
"I'm very fortunate. I have my dad and my wife's dad helping at harvest running combines," he said.
He also thanked Murray Law and Pam Higgins for their support over the years.
"Without Murray Law and Pam Higgins, I wouldn't be farming today. They've helped me out a lot over the past years."
The family is unsure exactly who entered them into the contest, although Kosior suspects several people may have had a hand in it.
"Helen Gersky, who works for me and is a really good friend who's like family, and then Murray and Pam, they phone religiously every week," Kari Kosior said. "We're not sure who got us to win, but it was sure a surprise. A great surprise."
The winning family welcomed friends and supporters to the field-side celebration and praised the meal and prizes provided through the promotion.
"It was wonderful. You guys were more than gracious and the food was delicious," said Kosior. "I'll never be able to cook a meal that good. It was so good."
She said the event provided a welcome break during a busy harvest season.
"It was nice to get everybody together for an evening of lots of laughs."
With harvest still ongoing, the Kosiors said the gathering served as a chance to recharge before returning to the field.
"It's kind of a nice windup before we're wound up," Kosior said.
