The 60th annual Farm Family Banquet was held this past weekend, bringing the community together to celebrate agriculture in the southeast.
The event was a great success, with many attendees calling it the best one yet. "It was a very successful evening," said Estevan Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Merissa Scarlett.
The opening speaker was Axten Farms from Minton, who spoke about soil improvement and sustainable farming. With R.M. of Estevan Reeve, Jason Leblanc as the emcee for the event.
Wheatland Cattle Co.'s Lafrentz family were named Farm Family of the Year. "It was just fantastic to see the support and hear them speak," Scarlett noted.
The family is made up of Vernon, his wife Denise, and their two sons, Riley and Cody-Ray, and their families. Riley and Maddy work full-time on the ranch, while Cody-Ray and Shayne run Lafrentz Cattle in Prague, Oklahoma.
"It’s nice to do it as a family," said Vernon Lafrentz. "We take pride in that."
He shared his thoughts on the award and what it means for his family and their operation, Wheatland Cattle Co. "It was a great honor and a salute to agriculture," said Lafrentz. "You feel very fortunate when people in the agriculture industry nominate and select you for an award like this."
Lafrentz emphasized how it feels to be recognized for his hard work and dedication to agriculture. "It's nice to be recognized," he added. "Whether you're calving cows or dealing with weather challenges, it's nice to know people respect the work we do."
Also touching on the importance of maintaining motivation despite the hardships of agriculture. "You set a bar, and every year, you try to duplicate that or improve. It’s tough to keep achieving, but it's all about trying to do better," he explained.
From raising champion cattle to successful bull sales, Lafrentz has earned the respect of his peers. He shared how gratifying it is to be recognized for his knowledge, having had the opportunity to judge cattle at various events.
The farm is in the midst of calving season, with breeding season following shortly after. Lafrentz noted that while it’s a busy time, it doesn’t feel burdensome. "When you enjoy what you’re doing, it doesn’t seem like a big job or a burden," he said. "There are tough days, especially when the weather works against you, but overall, it’s something we love to do."
Reflecting on the Farm Family Award ceremony, Lafrentz shared, "It was a great evening. There was a fantastic atmosphere, and the meal was great. It’s something we don’t often get to do, so it was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate."
As the farming community continues to face challenges, Lafrentz remains hopeful for the future. He expressed gratitude for the support of the sponsors and attendees, saying, "We’re thankful for the sponsors and for the people who made the event special. We’re looking forward to attending again in the future."
Lafrentz's recognition is a testament to his family’s hard work in the agriculture industry, and his story continues to inspire others in the community.
The banquet included guest speaker John Gormley, who captivated the audience with his insights from 25 years in radio, discussing happiness, resilience, and changes in the media landscape. "He started speaking, and it was almost like a hush came over the crowd," Scarlett said. "People didn’t realize how much they had missed hearing him."
The 4-H speeches were also highlights, with six participants delivering entertaining talks. "They were all really fantastic, and people just laughed and enjoyed them," Scarlett shared. Even Gormley himself remarked that it was hard to follow them.
Overall, the event showcased the strong community ties within the agricultural sector, and organizers are already looking ahead to next year’s banquet. "We're looking at what went well, what could be improved, and who to bring in next year to speak," Scarlett said.