In the heart of Manitoba's Pembina Valley, the farming community’s dedication goes beyond just tending to fields. This November 13th, we look forward to celebrating our Harvest Heroes -- honoring those who work tirelessly to support and sustain our region. Over the past couple of weeks, we've been inviting the community to recognize the efforts of local farmers whose impact resonates far beyond their farms. The nominations bring to light the inspiring stories, including those of Brandon Delyea, Kelley Janzen, and Carol and Wendell Heinrichs, each epitomizing the spirit of resilience, hard work, and generosity.
Hillside Farm Supply is ready to celebrate
Hillside Farm Supply is one of the incredible sponsors who are enthusiastic about the celebration. Owner Henry Wiebe shared his appreciation for local farmers. “The fact that we all have food on our table is because of a farmer,” he said. “You look here as summer winds down, a lot of us are enjoying time at the lake or doing things we enjoy. And you see them in the fields, working 12, 15, 16-hour, longer days.”
According to Henry, farmers are humble folks who often shy away from the spotlight. “They’re very, very humble people, and they don’t like to be in the spotlight,” he noted, which is why Harvest Heroes is designed to give them the recognition they deserve.
Henry reflected on what he loves most about working with farmers in the Pembina Valley. “It’s still an industry where, like, a handshake goes a long way, people are real, they’re passionate,” he shared. “Being able to help them with something like grain storage, seeing something come to fruition that you help them with right from the start, and then drive by those farms and you see a part that you had in their farm, you know, years down the road.”
How to nominate a Harvest Hero
To recognize these dedicated individuals, Henry encourages the community to nominate a farmer who deserves to be celebrated. “For sure, exactly for that reason,” he said. “They work long hours, they put food on our tables, and I like the idea of being able to sit down with them…in a setting that isn’t business-related.”
Nominations are open now, and the community is invited to submit their Harvest Hero by clicking HERE.
Recognizing some of the nominees so far:
Brandon Delyea: A fourth-generation farmer and community pillar
Brandon Delyea, a fourth-generation farmer, has devoted his life to the family farm in Hochfeld, with a journey that began during his high school years when he’d spend weekends helping his grandfather. Since officially taking over in 2013, Brandon has run the operation largely on his own, guided by the wisdom of his grandfather, Isaac Dyck. Brandon’s dedication goes beyond farming; he’s also committed to teaching his four children the value of hard work, often bringing them along for a hands-on learning experience. Known for his relentless energy and generous spirit, Brandon is always the first to lend a hand to fellow farmers in need. His community-oriented approach extends to sharing his butchery skills, honed over years, to provide farm-fresh meat to his family and friends. He’s also stepped up as a hockey coach for his son’s team, where his commitment to Pembina Valley truly shines. For these reasons and more, Brandon is a deserving Harvest Hero.
Kelley Janzen: A farmer with unwavering dedication
Kelley Janzen is known for his tireless work ethic, often being the first on the field and the last to leave. Kelley’s commitment is evident, especially during harvest season, where his near 24/7 dedication showcases what it takes to live the life of a farmer. Beyond his responsibilities on the farm, Kelley finds time to be actively involved in hockey, contributing to his community in meaningful ways. His dedication embodies what it means to be a Harvest Hero, and his peers appreciate his hard work, perseverance, and community spirit.
Carol and Wendell Heinrichs: A loyal and joyful farming duo
Carol and Wendell Heinrichs stand out as an extraordinary farming couple, known for their unwavering commitment to their work and their infectious positivity. Carol’s constant smile reflects the joy they both bring to their tasks and to the people around them. Their dedication is not just to their farm but to a lifestyle of loyalty, resilience, and community, making them both ideal honorees as Harvest Heroes. Their impact on the community is a reminder of the importance of camaraderie and mutual support in farming.
If you know a farmer who exemplifies these qualities, there’s still time to nominate them as a Harvest Hero. Visit the homepage of www.pembinavalleyonline.com to submit your nomination today.
