As part of Ag Appreciation Week here at 730 CKDM, we're highlighting local voices on the importance of the Agricultural sector in Dauphin and the area.
Terron Stykalo, president of the Dauphin Ag Society is well aware of this significance.
"I think it's extremely important. you look around locally and there are certainly many different sectors we have right in our community. You can look a the greenhouse influence we have. We have a poultry influence, we have a dairy influence, we have a hog influence, and probably our biggest influence grain crops."
These influences have a very notable presence in the community as well, as Stykalo notes how many public areas have ag-based sponsors.
"Locally, businesses around here, certainly thrive on agriculture. a big part of this community was agriculture, and still is agriculture, with many things surrounding it. The Dauphin Kings with all the ag sponsors. even if you go to our curling rink, there are many ag businesses that have banners hanging on the wall."
Stykalo and the Ag Society try to help bridge the gap between urban and rural communities
"We try to bring people to the farm. we host something like our fair, and we certainly go back to our roots of the horse show, we're together with 4H and they have a beef and sheep show. And we do all these things to try and bring the community a little bit closer to Ag."
While it's no easy task, Stykalo notes it's crucial to keep this agricultural presence to educate more urban populations about food security.
"This is where a lot of their food comes from, right here. you step back 20 years ago, guys had some livestock, and some grain, and a lot of the time it was a lifestyle choice. you had some cattle that fed your family. you look a the average producer, and they're putting food not only on their own table but on tables all around the world."
The real message that Sytkalo wants to highlight, is the hard work of everyone involved across the agricultural landscape.
"Whether you're a dealership, or an ag retailer, from insurance to the local co-op here where you pick up your groceries, everyone takes pride in the jobs they do, and we appreciate when we hear a thank you, so thank you".
We here at CKDM always support the amazing workers in the agricultural sector, and we'll continue to cover the many facets of it during Ag Appreciation Week.
