Fairlight (Rural Roots Canada) – A Saskatchewan farmer has been named the recipient of a prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year award.

Kristjan Hebert, from the Hebert Group, has won the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year award for 2022 in the Prairie Region.

LISTEN TO MORE: PODCAST: Kristjan Hebert talks ag policy, entrepreneurial success and the need for farmers to tell their story

The Hebert Group comprises a family-run grain and oilseed operation, Hebert Grain Ventures, consultancy business Maverick Ag, and Farmer Coach, an executive training and networking program for farmers.

Hebert believes the award says a lot about the team around him.

“For my crew, it’s a really good way to pat them on the back and shows how great of a team they are and how our big goals, and how they chase and execute them, are getting noticed by others,” he says.

He also credits his team for giving him the push he needs.

“I wouldn’t have goals nearly as big if I didn’t have a team like this around me that I feel that one, can accomplish it and two, literally push me to be better all the time.”

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Hebert adds this is also a big win for agriculture and for gaining recognition for what the industry does.

“Agriculture is the oldest industry in the world. I think it has been a little under-appreciated. Looking for positives out of COVID, the world is paying more attention to agriculture. We’re trying to ride that high.
We’re proud of it for the industry from an agriculture standpoint and as a primary producer. Many companies are starting to get noticed but are not necessarily primary producers.”

Listen to the complete interview with Kristjan Hebert: