Local bison producer Bernie Kot and his wife Lilianne were the recipients of the Golden Sheaf Award at the recent Farmer Appreciation Night.

In accepting the award, Bernie acknowledged that, through his involvement in various agricultural and bison groups, he frequently travels across the country. Though Liliane is with him at times, more often than not she is at home looking after their family and their operation.

"I guess all I can say tonight is that I thank my wife, my family and the Lord Jesus Christ for making this possible. Thank you," Bernie said.

Though they began farming in the late 1970s, shortly after marrying in 1973, the Kots are well-known for their work with bison. In 1996, Bernie introduced bison into his operation in an effort to diversify his operation.

"He believed that the industry showed promise and wanted to be on the ground floor of the developing industry," said Ted Hillstead, who read a biography of Bernie and Liliane prior to their acceptance of the award.

Bernie seeded the rest of his land back to grass and fenced everything for various livestock. Currently, they run 300 bison, registered quarter horses and some cattle.

In his efforts to promote the fledgling bison industry, Hillstead said Bernie chaired the committee that sent a proposal to the Saskatchewan 4-H Council, urging them to have bison recognized as a 4-H project. In 2000, he also chaired the committee hosting the Bison Field Day in Weyburn.

He also laboured to bring bison meat into local restaurants, and his family can be found every Saturday at the Weyburn Farmer's Market selling bison meat.

He was a director for the Saskatchewan South East Simmental Association for two years, spent eight years on the PFRA advisory committee, was vice-president of the Saskatchewan Bison Association for four years, and was a director with the Canadian Bison Association for two years.

Bernie also chaired a number of committees associated with the Saskatchewan and Canadian Bison Associations, as well as the Federal On Farm Food Safety committee.

Hillstead said he is a shareholder in the recently-opened Western Prime Meat processing plant, works there full-time and is involved in marketing the plant.

Hillstead also noted Bernie is involved through 4-H, has chaired the McKenna Hall committee and been a volunteer for the minister of hospitality in his church.

Bernie hails originally from Cedoux, and Liliane is from Montmartre. They have three children, Karen, Brett and Wade.

The Farmer Appreciation Night was held Nov. 2 at McKenna Hall.