Celebrating Farmers & Fathers

Friday June 11th - Farmers Day | Sunday June 16th - Fathers Day

In the heart of southern Saskatchewan, where the prairies stretch endlessly and the seasons dictate the rhythm of life, my dad, Darcy Ager, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of farmers everywhere. In honour of this upcoming Farmer’s & Father's Day, I want to share the story of a man who has become the most successful entrepreneur I know—a man whose life is defined by hard work, community, and an unwavering commitment to his land and people.

Hard Work: The Unyielding Backbone

“Dad would say the rooster doesn’t stop crowing on the weekend,” a phrase that encapsulates his relentless dedication. In farming, there are no defined hours, no weekends off. The work is a constant cycle of seeding, harvesting, grazing cattle, and feeding them through the harsh winters. This rhythm, akin to the changing seasons, has no balance but rather a flow that adapts to the needs of the moment.

For Darcy, some days demanded his attention to family, while others required his focus on the farm. This lack of a defined balance was not a hindrance but a testament to his adaptability and resilience. His patience and foresight have been a guiding principle, teaching me the value of perseverance and long-term reward.

Getting Things Done

One of the most memorable lessons from my dad is the importance of execution. “Get Shit DONE!”, emphasizing the necessity of not just planning but acting. His hands, calloused from years of labor, and his face, lined with the stories of countless sunrises and sunsets, are a testament to a life spent in relentless pursuit of getting things done. Whether it was repairing a fence, harvesting a field, or helping a neighbour in need, Darcy’s approach was always hands-on and immediate.

Community: The Heart of the Farm

For Darcy, farming was never a solitary endeavour. Morning coffees at the local coop was an opportunity to swap stories and provide support to those who could use the extra set of hands. To him, community was not just a support system but the very essence of his success. He believed that what goes around comes around, a philosophy that made him a pillar of support for many in our community.

A Legacy of Success

Taking over the farm from his dad, Robert Ager, Darcy transformed it into a thriving enterprise. His journey from a high school dropout to a successful rancher and farmer is nothing short of inspiring. His story is a powerful reminder that formal education is just one path to success, and that hard work, dedication, and a deep sense of community can lead to extraordinary achievements.

On this upcoming Fathers and Farmer’s Day, I celebrate my dad, Darcy Ager, and the countless farmers who, like him, work tirelessly to feed our nation. His life is a blend of sweat, soil, and unyielding spirit—a true embodiment of the farmer’s ethos. Through his example, I have learned the value of hard work, the importance of community, and the power of perseverance. Thank you, Dad, for being my hero and for teaching me that true success is not measured by dollars but by the lives we touch and the legacies we build.