Gary Tokariuk
Featured Grower
Hi, my name is Gary Tokariuk. I have been farming in the Coaldale area for 34 years. I chose farming as a career as I always helped on the farm and knew from an early age that was all I wanted to do.
What crops do you produce?
I used to have cattle, but I sold them to my daughter Rebecca (a Featured Industry Member). I grow dry peas and beans, hard red spring wheat, alfalfa and sometimes corn.
Sugar beets have been a good crop over the years and are the main reason we have been able to expand our operation. It is an awesome crop in rotation as well.
How many generations has your family been involved in agriculture?
I grew my first crop in 1986. My father passed away that year and I quit Alberta Agriculture and came home to farm.
What was your most unique/memorable/unforgettable experience with growing sugar beets?
My most memorable experience I’ve had growing sugar beets was my first 30 metric tonne crop. Loading trucks in such a short distance was incredible. My best crop was 35 metric tonne a few years ago. The experience I would most like to forget was the 2019 harvest. First time in 71 years that we have left beets in the ground.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love hockey, coaching for many years and I’m a diehard Hurricane fan. I am not a big traveler but love to drive the countryside checking crops, it never gets old. I’ve been known to enjoy a cold beverage in the neighbor’s shop where we have happy hour!
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Nothing runs like a Deere!