The table at this year’s Meals in the Field was rich with stories, laughter, and gratitude, bringing together the people and communities behind Alberta agriculture.
Over four weeks in September, AFSC and our partners shared 12 harvest celebrations – eight Meals in the Field visits in central and southern Alberta and four AFSC Farmer Feed visits in the north – with hardworking, deserving Alberta producers and their communities.
Harvest is one of the busiest times of the year, making it even more rewarding to gather, share a meal and recognize the people behind Alberta agriculture.
At every stop, we were reminded of the dedication and resilience of producers in our province.
What we heard: Every farm has a story
For some families, every season is part of a much bigger story, one that has been passed down through generations and continues to grow.
The Robb family have farmed the same land in Brazeau County for more than 130 years. When we arrived for their Meals in the Field celebration, it was easy to see the family connection. Everyone had responsibilities outside of the farm but continued to pitch in to keep harvest moving. A grain bin turned “bin-zeebo” provided a gathering place for food, conversation and plenty of laughs.
Not every story stayed at the table either. When our Lamont branch team visited Cindy Gabert and family, they were treated to a journey through their hidden orchard. The apple, plum, cherry, and pear trees were heavy with the season’s harvest. Gabert shared that the first trees were planted in 1998, and nearly three decades later, the orchard continues to grow with new varieties.
For these families, the meal was a chance to celebrate more than a successful season. It was an opportunity to honour the traditions, teamwork, and relationships that have shaped their farms while looking forward to the next generation.
What we witnessed: Resilience runs deep
Farming rarely follows a perfect plan. This year was no different for Albertan producers, with difficult weather, unexpected setbacks and long days in the field becoming the norm for many. Through it all, our team members saw the determination and resilience that kept producers moving forward.
For Curtis and Heather Harbinson, our week one South winner, this meant rebuilding after a major windstorm destroyed their shop in 2025. With support from their community, the Harbinson’s were able to overcome the setback.
In what felt like a full-circle moment, their Meals in the Field celebration was held in their newly renovated shop. It was a beautiful way for them to thank the community that came together during a tough season to help make that recovery possible.
When our Grimshaw branch team visited Brett and Jacoba Rowan, their optimism was contagious. Despite the wet spring and a challenging fall, their optimism was reflected throughout the meal.
In both cases, resilience wasn’t something done alone. It was supported by the communities they built around them.
What we felt: Communities and connection
Some of the best parts of harvest aren’t about harvest at all.
At Scandia Honey, Reece and Echo Chandler shared how their family’s success is rooted in the people around them.
After moving from Calgary to Scandia 30 years ago to purchase an 8,000 hive operation, they’ve grown their business to 15,000 hives while continuing to value the community and staff who have helped along the way.
“[Reece and Echo] shared how deeply they value both their community and their staff, and it was clear that their success is rooted in those relationships,” commented an AFSC team member.
“Throughout the event, we witnessed the respect and appreciation they have for the people around them, creating a welcoming atmosphere for everyone in attendance.”
The Chandler family’s story, like so many we heard, was rooted in people.
What we saw: The next generation of Albertan farmers
At the Stopanski farm in the Jenner area, Kevin Stopanski shared a glimpse of what the future looks like for his operation. Pointing toward his grandchildren, he told us that they would become the sixth generation to farm the homestead.
It was moments like this that reminded us that many Alberta farms are not only preserving a legacy but preparing the next generation to carry it forward. Throughout the Meals in the Field season, we saw evidence of that commitment to succession, stewardship, and the future of agriculture.
Twelve Farms, One Agricultural Community
These are only a few of the stories AFSC and our partners noticed during the 2026 harvest season. While each family’s journey was unique, together they reflect the resilience, dedication, and community spirit that continue to strengthen Alberta agriculture.
Pull up a seat and meet the 12 producer families whose stories helped shape the 2026 Meals in the Field season. Learn a little bit about all of the winners: Meals in the Field 2026.
Twelve meals later…
The biggest takeaway for AFSC team members wasn’t really about what was on the table. It was the people sitting around it; the ones who stopped their harvest to share a small piece of their lives with us.
That’s the real gift of Meals in the Field. It’s an opportunity to celebrate harvest with families who have farmed the same land for decades, the same ones who are raising the next generation of Alberta producers.
It’s the moment to show appreciation for the neighbours who show up when things get rough. Or the friends who drop everything to build a barn, harvest a pea crop, or have spent many years working alongside each other.
Harvest may be measured in acres and yields, but this year’s Meals in the Field celebrations reminded us that agriculture is also about people and their stories.
And sometimes, all it takes is a seat at the table to hear them.
