Featured Grower - Gary Tokariuk

Meet Gary Tokariuk!

Hi, my name is Gary Tokariuk.  I have been farming in the Coaldale area for 34 years.

What crop/animals do you produce/raise?
I used to have cattle, but I sold them to my daughter Rebecca.  I grow dry peas and beans, hard red spring wheat, alfalfa and sometimes corn.

Why do you grow sugar beets?
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.

Why did you choose farming as your career?
I always helped on the farm and knew from an early age that it was all I wanted to do.

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 is your favorite brand of tractor?
Nothing runs like a Deere!