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Farmers encouraged despite drought and recession

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Friendly farmers – Longtime local farmer Wilbur Stewart (right) is served roast beef by Crystal Jones while Stettler Rotary Club president Tim Berry (left) chats with sons Murray Stewart and Kevin Stewart during the Rotary club’s annual Farmers’ Appreciation Night on July 6.

Despite drought, economic recession and other global challenges, local farmers were encouraged and thanked during the annual Stettler Rotary Club Farmer Appreciation Night at Stettler Community Hall on July 6.

“The long-term future of agriculture is extremely positive and strong, despite all these challenges,” said guest speaker Rob Saik, chief executive officer of Agri-Trend.

“There is nothing more important in this world than agriculture.”

Farmers and agricultural partners were thanked for their service to the local and global community from local governments.

“We salute our farming community,” said County of Stettler Deputy Les Stulberg, standing in for Reeve Earl Marshall.

“We’ve made it through tough times before and we will make it through again.”

“We appreciate and understand the importance of agriculture and the contributions of the farming community in our region,” said Town of Stettler Mayor Jim Hunter.

Rotary president Tim Berry also thanked farmers for their service.

“Our community is not the same without farmers,” he said.

Focusing on “The Digital Farm,” Saik explained trends and challenges in agriculture in his keynote presentation.

“The digital farm age is here,” said Saik.

“Think of the digital farm as a shadow of your physical farm.”

“We all need to be active environmentalists, not environmental activists,” said Saik.

Sustainability, social responsibility and environmental stewardship are the three biggest challenges facing farmers around the world, he said.

Since the terrorist attacks in New York City on Sept. 11, 2001, the food supply around the world has become more vulnerable, with disease and contamination.

“These issues are not going to go away,” said Saik.