Grainswest - Winter 2026

Winter 2026 grainswest.com 25 The Semeniuks The first in a series of family farmportraits, GrainsWest visited Angela and Robert Semeniuk, whose land is in the Smoky Lake area. Their children, daughter Gabrielle and son Tristan, are the fifth generation to be raised at this 115-year-old farm. The rotation Canola, CWRS wheat, malting barley and pulses such as green peas andmaybe fave beans in 2026. Divisionof labour Robert handlesmost operational details with assistance fromTristan, while Angela takes the lead on financials. The family employs three seasonal workers. Claimto fame Robert and Angela were 2012 winners of the Alberta region Outstanding Young Farmers Award. Farmsuccession Son Tristan has been accepted to attend the Crop Tech- nology programat Lakeland College with an eye on an ag business degree. His parents encouraged him to get life experience off the farm. Succession planning is at the conversation stage and includes a lawyer and account- ant. “It’s not a concrete plan, but we have guidance,” said Robert. A recent land purchase will increase transi- tion flexibility. The 2025harvest In a word, disappointing. “I hate saying, ‘I can’t wait for next year’ in spring of the year I’m in.” Though with just 40 per cent of averagemoisture, careful management and solid crop geneticsmoderated their losses. Cereals choices To counter regional midge downgrading, the Semeniuks grew AACWheatland VB in 2025. “A good, solid variety with good protein.” They will grow it again in 2026, then switch to AC Stoughton VB, another midge tolerant variety. The farmsupplies barley to Rahr Malting. The Semeniuks switched to CDC Churchill fromAAC Synergy in 2025. Cereal plans Wheat is a staple in their crop rotation, but acres are likely to be trimmed in 2026 due to poor market signals, high fertilizer cost and current dry conditions. A possible increase in barley acres will depend onmaltster bids. Photo: Anthony Houle Photography