While Canada has many veteran farmers, the next generation is showing that, through innovation, they will lead the agriculture industry into the future. Jeff and Ebony Prosko, who are raising a young family while operating a 4,500-acre grain and oilseed farm, are perfect examples. In 2014, Jeff and Ebony partnered with his family to open ProSoils Inc., an independent agriculture retail business that carries a full line of seed, fertilizers and crop protection products.
Jeff was raised on a farm and has always been the happiest when working the land. He received a diploma in agribusiness before starting his farming career. Ebony operated a massage therapy studio for nearly nine years.
When the couple got married in June of 2012, they decided to settle down on the farm. Seeing her husband’s passion for farming made Ebony fall in love with it. When she drove a combine for the first time, her passion for farming grew even stronger.
Through their farm and family business, the Proskos are making a difference in the industry. Using technology such as variable rate fertilizer and seed application, they are delivering the best yields and quality when it comes to their crops. Jeff works the land, while Ebony manages the farm’s accounting. Jeff and Ebony also spend lots of time with their daughters, Harper and Londyn, and even strap their children’s car seats into the tractor or combine to let them ride along.
In honour of their dedication to the agriculture industry, Jeff and Ebony received the 2015 Outstanding Young Farmers (OYF) award for Saskatchewan, earning the right to represent the province at the OYF nationals.
The Proskos encourage the next generation to consider farming as a career. When he’s not farming, Jeff lends his time to groups focused on networking and education. Both he and Ebony believe the agriculture industry has many opportunities for young farmers.