In the land of wheat and canola, Dan and Chelsea Erlandson’s farm is no small potatoes.
At Spring Creek Garden near Outlook, Sask., the Erlandsons — who were recently named Saskatchewan’s Outstanding Young Farmers — grow some 50 varieties of vegetables.
“It’s kind of been a whirlwind. We’re certainly learning as we go, that’s for sure,” said Erlandson, a third-generation grower who started farming vegetables while in high school 14 years ago.
“We kind of just kept going, to be honest. It kind of kept getting bigger.”
Family affair
Although Saskatchewan is an agricultural juggernaut, it’s not necessarily known for vegetable production, but the Erlandsons buck expectations.
Driven by the demand for locally grown produce, the couple’s farm has grown to 200 acres of irrigated vegetables, which are sold at farmers markets and Co-op Food Stores throughout Saskatchewan.
In early July, work was already underway to harvest one of the season’s first crops — broccoli — which started growing in a greenhouse in March.
With so many different kinds of crops, the Erlandsons work throughout the spring and summer months and into the fall. Their final harvest — brussels sprouts — will be complete in November.
To keep up with the demand, the couple has added new facilities and doubled its number of employees. Dan’s brother and sister-in-law have also become shareholders in the farm.
“They’ve joined us out here and are working with us,” said Erlandson. “It was just too much to handle for me and my wife.”
Grown at Home
Only four years ago, the Erlandsons were farming 60 acres of vegetables — enough to supply fresh produce to farmers markets in Saskatoon and Regina.
“There wasn’t much more room for growth. We weren’t sure what we were going to do and then Co-op approached us,” said Erlandson.
In 2013, the Erlandsons and 15 other growers in Saskatchewan formed the Prairie Fresh Food Corporation, which delivers fresh, locally grown fruit and produce to Co-op Food Stores in the province.
“It’s provided all of our growth, this relationship,” said Erlandson, whose broccoli, brussels sprouts, lettuce, potatoes and sweet corn can be found on Co-op Food Store shelves.
“The shelf space for local produce has been good for everyone. It’s good for Co-op, us as producers and consumers. They can put a face to where their food is coming from.”