Brothers Robert and Alex Galarneau, farmers from the Radville area, were named the 2007 recipients of the Golden Sheaf award at the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce's Farmer Appreciation Night on Thursday at McKenna Hall.

Farmer Appreciation night is held annually to help unite the urban business community with the area's rural farming community, with the Golden Sheaf award as the major feature of the event. This award recognizes individuals for their contribution to agriculture and for their citizenship in the community.

"It is a great honour and we didn't expect to win," said Robert. "It is always nice when you are recognized for your achievements."

In selecting the Golden Sheaf winners, Chamber of Commerce president Susan Stewardson said the Galarneaus stood out from the rest.

"There was one nomination in particular that rose to the top," Stewardson said. "They remind you of the old saying 'you learn something new every day.'"

The Galarneaus run an organic farm as well as Prairie Heritage Seeds in Radville. Prairie Heritage Seeds is a processing company and contractor of organic grains. They work directly with the end users and pride themselves on building a close market with those users, according to Alex.

They were innovative in growing a new type of organic grain call Kamut. It is known for three main characteristics: Its taste, its nutritional value and its use in over 1,500 different products. Along with Kamut, the Galarneaus grow flax and a wide variety of other organic grains.

As demand has gone up, the Galarneaus have expanded to 142 producers and are looking to expand to 50,000 acres in 2008.

Stewardson added that the Galarneaus deal with price risk by having long-time relationships with their overseas buyers and, with the fluctuation of commodity prices, they have safely managed their costs.

Alex and Robert, who were nominated by CIBC, attend an annual trade show for organic growers each year in Germany and host tours for various delegations that are visiting the area.

"We have been blessed. We had a dream and we followed that dream," Robert said.

Part of the criteria for winning the Golden Sheaf is community involvement, and the Galarneaus feels that the community works hand-in-hand with the business sector in helping it flourish.

"Our success is directly related with the participation of the community," said Alex.

In accepting the award, Robert added how important it is to them to keep the agricultural sector alive in Saskatchewan.

"Wouldn't it be nice to be able to keep all our children at home with prosperous jobs?" he said.

Preceding the award, greetings were given by Stewardson on behalf of the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce, who sponsored the evening.

MLA Dustin Duncan gave greetings on behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan and Mayor Debra Button for the City of Weyburn. They each recognized the importance of farmers and the agricultural industry to the province and the community.

President Rick Bell brought greetings from the Weyburn Agricultural Society. He also gave an update on the grandstand project and announced that plans are underway for a banquet on Monday, Feb. 11, to celebrate the Ag Society's 100th anniversary.

After the award was given out, comedian, magician and ventriloquist Doug Arden entertained the crowd.