The Golden Sheaf Award was presented to Edward Pretty at the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce Farmer Appreciation Night on November 1 at McKenna Hall.
Pretty said it was "a great honour" to receive the prestigious award. Pretty has been farming for more than 50 years in the Tallmadge area, with approximately 2000 acres of crops including canola, peas, flax, wheat and livestock. Pretty and his wife Lynn have two children and three grandchildren. The Pretty's heifers have won five Grand Championships at the Canadian Western Agribition.
Along with his farming success, Pretty has an extensive history of achievements in community volunteer work, including spending 23 years on the Board of Directors at Grace United Church and being a founding Member of Weyburn's first ever Farmers' Market.
Pretty, who has been a member of the Weyburn Ag Society's 4H Committee for 41 years and a Member of the Weyburn Co-op Board of Directors for 40 years, said he would like to see more young people volunteering in the community.
The lifelong farmer was awarded the Saskatchewan Co-op Merit Award in 2008.
A number of dignitaries presented greetings during the awards ceremony, including Mayor Debra Button, who referred to farming as "an awe-inspiring profession." RM of Weyburn Reeve Carmen Sterling shared an anecdote about her husband's muddy experiences in the field this year.
"If farming were easy, everyone would be doing it!" said Sterling.
President of the Chamber of Commerce Twila Walkeden presented the award to Mr. Pretty. Walkeden also congratulated Weyburn Inland Terminal, the sponsors of the evening, for their upcoming induction into the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame.
Guests at the Awards Ceremony were served a turkey dinner and entertainment was provided by Comedian and Magician Anders Boulanger.
