Meals in the Field
Being a farmer isn't an easy job. It takes heart and hard work. We, at AFSC, want to thank Alberta's farmers for their drive, dedication and determination while giving them a much-needed break during harvest.
North
AFSC Farmer Feed – North
AFSC is proud to bring the AFSC Farmer Feed: Meals in the Field to northern Alberta producers/farmers. An entire team, including representatives from AFSC, entertainer Jaydee Bixby, Hines Creek Catering and our media partners River Country 101.2, River Country 94.9 and Big Country 93.1, show up at the lucky winner’s farm for a relaxing harvest break.
And don’t worry – we’re bringing the food and entertainment with us.
Week 1: Michelle Pitre and family
On September 3, the AFSC Farmers Feed team headed out to the McLennan area to visit Michelle Pitre and family. Michelle and her guests enjoyed a harvest break complete with entertainment by Jaydee Bixby and food by Hines Creek Catering.
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Week 2: Jason McQuaig and Nicole McQuaig
On September 10, the AFSC Farmers Feed team visited Jason McQuaig and Nicole McQuaig in the Teepee Creek area. The McQuaigs and their guests enjoyed a harvest break complete with entertainment by Jaydee Bixby and food by Hines Creek Catering.
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Week 3: Greg and Beverley Wieben
On September 17, the AFSC Farmers Feed team headed out to the Fairview area to visit Greg and Beverley Wieben. The Wiebens and their guests enjoyed a harvest break complete with entertainment by Jaydee Bixby and food by Hines Creek Catering.
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Week 4: Brett Rowan and Jacoba Rowan and family
On September 24, the AFSC Farmers Feed team visited Brett Rowan and Jacoba Rowan and family in the Grimshaw area. The Rowan family and their guests enjoyed a harvest break complete with entertainment by Jaydee Bixby and food by Hines Creek Catering.
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Central
Meals in the Field – Central Alberta
AFSC is proud to partner with 840 CFCW to bring Meals in the Field to central Alberta producers. An entire team, including 840 CFCW, AFSC, Meridian Manufacturing, and Stawnichy’s Mundare Sausage, show up at the lucky winner’s farm for a relaxing harvest break.
And don’t worry – we’re bringing the food and entertainment with us.
Week 1: Cindy Gabert
On September 3, the 840 CFCW Meals in the Field team visited Cindy Gabert in the Fort Saskatchewan area. Cindy and her guest enjoyed a harvest break complete with entertainment by Morning Man Dan Davidson and food by Stawnichy’s Mundare Sausage and Fifendekel.
“What began as a Meals in the Field visit became an unexpected journey through a hidden orchard oasis. Walking through the producer’s flower gardens, across a bridge overlooking koi fish, and into a fruit-filled orchard allowed our team to experience not only the operation itself, but also the passion and pride that have been cultivated there since the first fruit trees were planted in 1998.”
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Week 2: Murray and Debbie Warnke
On September 10, the 840 CFCW Meals in the Field team headed out to the Wetaskiwin area to visit Murray and Debbie Warnke for a gathering filled with gratitude, thankfulness, and connection, as well as entertainment by Morning Man Dan Davidson and food by Stawnichy’s Mundare Sausage and Fifendekel.
As the guests arrived, Debbie shared that they had just finished harvesting their pea crop the night before, and the forecasted rain held off until the equipment was safely headed home. One of the familiar faces at the meal was Ken, a longtime friend of Murray who has spent many harvest seasons helping in the field, often running the combine alongside him. Their friendship, built through years of farming, curling, and lending a hand when needed, was a fitting reminder of the strong relationships that help make rural communities thrive.
Harvest often comes down to timing, weather, and a lot of hard work. For Murray and Debbie, getting their pea crop off just before the storm was a reminder of how quickly conditions can change and why it’s important to pause, give thanks, and celebrate the wins along the way. Surrounded by neighbours, friends, and family, the gathering also highlighted the importance of community, faith, thankfulness, and the friendships built through years of helping one another, both in the field and beyond.
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Week 3: Alana and Jim Robb and family
On September 17, the 840 CFCW Meals in the Field team visited the Robb family in the Drayton Valley area. The Robbs and their guests enjoyed a harvest break complete with entertainment by Edward Primm and food by Stawnichy’s Mundare Sausage and Fifendekel.
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Week 4: Jordyn Prior and family
On September 24, the 840 CFCW Meals in the Field team headed out to the Viking area to visit Jordyn Prior and family. The Priors and their guests enjoyed a harvest break complete with entertainment by Morning Man Dan Davidson and food by Stawnichy’s Mundare Sausage and Fifendekel.
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South
Meals in the Field – Brooks and Area
AFSC is proud to work with New Country 105.7 – Brooks to bring Meals in the Field to our southern Alberta producers in the Brooks area. An entire team, including New Country 105.7 and AFSC, show up at the lucky winner’s farm for a relaxing harvest break.
And don’t worry – we’re bringing the food and entertainment with us.
Week 1: Curtis and Heather Harbinson and family
On September 3, the Brooks and area Meals in the Field team headed out to visit Curtis and Heather Harbinson and family. The Harbinsons and their guests enjoyed a harvest break complete with entertainment by Travis Dolter and food by Stick a Fork in it BBQ.
“One of the most memorable moments was spending time with the family, who had experienced a devastating loss when a major windstorm/tornado destroyed their shop in 2025. Despite the setback, the family, along with the support of their crew, neighbours, and local businesses, built a new shop and continued moving forward. Hearing their story firsthand while standing in the newly built shop highlighted both the challenges and resilience that are a reality in agriculture. What started as a difficult chapter became a celebration of perseverance, community support and determination that farm families demonstrate when facing adversity.”
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Week 2: Kevin and Carmen Stopanski
On September 10, the Brooks and area Meals in the Field team visited Kevin and Carmen Stopanski in the Jenner area. The Stopanskis and guests enjoyed a harvest break complete with entertainment by Travis Dolter and food by Stick a Fork in it BBQ.
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Week 3: Reece and Echo Chandler
On September 17, the Brooks and area Meals in the Field team headed out to Scandia to visit Reece and Echo Chandler. The Chandlers and their guests enjoyed a harvest break complete with entertainment by Anna Lewis and food by Stick a Fork in it BBQ.
“The owners shared how deeply they value both their community and their staff, and it was clear that their success is rooted in those relationships. 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 family’s story is a true testament to resilience and dedication. They moved from Calgary to Scandia 30 years ago with two very young children to purchase an 8,000-beehive operation, and despite facing numerous challenges over the years, they have grown it into a thriving 15,000-beehive business that makes a significant contribution to Alberta agriculture.”
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Week 4: Randy and Margo Redelback
On September 29, the Brooks and area Meals in the Field team visited Randy and Margo Redelback in the Millicent area. The Redelbacks and guests enjoyed a harvest break complete with entertainment by Travis Dolter and food by Stick a Fork in it BBQ.
The camera missed it. We didn’t.
And that’s a wrap!
Just like that another year of Meals in the Field visits have come to an end. We can’t wait to hit road again next year recognizing Alberta’s hard-working farmers and farming families. Your stories, smiles and hospitality make our harvest season special.
Thank you for feeding Alberta and the world.
