The 2018 Farm Family of the Year goes to the large family of Henry and Marguerite Fornwald. The award was presented on Tuesday night in front of a large crowd at the Beefeater Plaza at the Days Inn. 

Estevan MLA, Lori Carr was in attendance to present Henry with his award. Unfortunately, Marguerite was unable to attend. Their son, Blake Fornwald shared a speech about his parents and growing up on the farm.

"Henry started farming in 1944. He farmed with his father growing mostly wheat and oats. He bought his first parcel of land in 1949 and in 1952, he bought the home farm for $11,000."

"Henry married Marguerite Miller in 1955. They have ten children, six girls and four boys that were raised on the farm."

Blake Fornwald spoke about his parents, Henry and Marguerite Fornwald.

He added that much has changed since Henry started farming, both in the scale of farming and the addition of technology. 

"Farms continue to expand with each of us guys buying and renting farmland in the area. Combined, we now farm approximately 16,000 acres. Each of us has sons who are either part-time or full-time involved in the farm."

The family no longer raises cattle but farms cereals, oil-seed and pulse crops. 

Blake spoke fondly about growing up and the life skills and pride in your work that his parents instilled in him.

"Mom and Dad moved to Lampman in 1997 and their youngest son, Todd then moved his family to the home farm. 2013 was the last year Dad grew a crop he called his own. In 2015, he sold the remainder of his land to family members."

"Dad still loves riding along in the tractor at seeding and the combines at harvest. especially with his grandsons."

Henry and Marguerite Fornwald were also very active in the community as well as their local church. 

"Over the years, Dad donated many hours to the community including to the construction of the Maryland Church. He was well known in Lampman for the numerous hours he spent helping with the construction of the Lampman Community Complex as well as renovations done to the skating rink and ball diamonds."

Henry Fornwald received the SaskEnergy Volunteer Champion Award in 2009.

"In June of 2015, Mom and Dad celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary and in November of 2016, Dad celebrated his 90th birthday. They currently have 28 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren."

The pride in both family and farming that was evident at the awards dinner made it clear why the Fornwald Family was chosen as the 2018 Farm Family of the Year.