It started over breakfast.
And by the time it was over, George and Gail Slusarczyk had welcomed a circle of their friends to their farm to share a meal, watch some live entertainment, and to catch up with one another.
“I filled out the form over breakfast one day and submitted it, and walked away from the idea to never think of it again,” explained Gail, during a recent phone conversation.
“Then one day, he (George) came in the house and said, ‘We’re getting company.’ And I’m going, ‘Who?’”
The answer was the 840 CFCW Meals in the Field crew, including Jackie Rae Greening, Stella Stevens and Dan Davidson, as well as Agriculture Financial Services (AFSC) team members. In addition, Stawnichy’s Mundare Sausage brought a Ukrainian feast, and the Slusarczyks received prizes from Rig Hand Distillery, AFSC, and Meridian Manufacturing.
George and Gail, who farm northwest of Warburg, had won the last spot for 2025 in the popular harvest season contest, and they could now invite friends and family to join them at the farm for the special event recognizing the hard work and dedication of Alberta’s farmers.
“It was a great chance to thank everyone who helped us over the years,” said George.
“We had so many people drive silage trucks, help with branding,” added Gail. “A lot of work with the cattle, we’d call on our friends, and they came and this is a way to thank them for their service, their friendship … everything.”
Deep roots in agriculture
The Slusarczyk’s farming story begins in 1949 when George’s father bought the farm after immigrating to Canada from England after the Second World War. The family had originally been from Poland.
“It was a struggle,” said George, “but things went on.”
Today, George has been farming for 55 years. Over the years, the farm has evolved, and its crops and livestock have changed along with it.
“I started with a tiny little hog operation with a family farm… then in ’79 we built the hog barn, and we raised more, but we eventually quit and turned to cattle.”
At one point, George and Gail had over 200 cows, but as they are getting ready to retire, they have downsized their herd of Red Angus-Simmental cross to 40 head. Their son, who once farmed with them, has gone on his own but will be carrying on the farming legacy.
Recognizing heart and hard work
Being a farmer isn’t an easy job. It takes heart, resilience, and hard work. Meals in the Field and AFSC Farmer Feed are a way to thank Alberta’s farmers for their drive, dedication and determination while giving them a much-needed break during harvest.
Each year, AFSC teams up with River Country 102.1 FM, River Country 94.9 FM, Big Country 93.1 FM, in the north, 840 CFCW in central Alberta, and New Country 105.7 in the south to bring meals in the field to producers. These visits are filled with meaningful conversations, warm hospitality, and memorable experiences.
While many moments from George and Gail’s Meal in the Field day were memorable, one part that stands out for George was the recognition of farmers and the importance of agriculture.
He said that a key piece of that was Jackie Rae, a former CFCW on-air personality, sharing how she appreciates them and farmers in general. Coincidentally, George and Gail’s Meal in the Field was the last one Jackie Rae attended before retiring from 840 CFCW.
“Jackie Rae has always appreciated agriculture,” said George. “She was always there when we needed help. She always spoke for us. Jackie Rae was pretty important to us.”
George and Gail had talked about entering Meals in the Field for years before Gail finally decided to fill out the form over breakfast last fall.
Now Gail is encouraging others to enter, as well.
“Don’t be afraid to apply. You just never know,” said Gail, adding all that it takes is a few minutes.
To learn more about this fall’s Meals in the Field and AFSC Farmers Feed contests, please see our Meals in the Field webpage.
