‘Glad to be a farmer’: Century-old Saskatchewan landmark restored

The “Riskan Hope Farm” barn, located just off of Highway 11 between Regina and Saskatoon, has acted as a valuable landmark for the past 100 years. (Angela Stewart/CTV News)

The words “Riskan Hope Farm” cover almost one side of the big red barn that can be seen from Highway 11, heading up to Saskatoon.

There is also a special message that lies within it those words.

“Risk. You take a risk when you put the crop in spring, and you hope for a good one. So that’s the story of Riskan Hope Farm,” said Dave Luther, a farmer that works at the farm.

That story has been present on the barn for the last 80-years.

The letters have had some updates over the years with the most recent taking place in November.

“The letters were falling off. I got some guys together, brother and his family, some friends and neighbors. We fixed it up and I’m really happy with it,” Luther said.

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The barn itself has been standing for the past 100 years.

It’s a significant landmark between Regina and Saskatoon. It’s also the unofficial half-way point between the two cities.

Luther said travellers from all over have noticed the barn.

“One driver from Calgary several years ago stopped in and he said he has gone by here a lot. He said ‘I finally want to meet the people that own it.’”

“He stopped in and we had a good chat,” Luther added.

Luther has been working at the farm for the last 79 years. He is also a third-generation owner of the barn.

“Having a good crop. it’s exciting. Good cattle prices now that we have cattle. Just a good living part of the country,” he said.

“I’m just glad to be a farmer.”

There are plans for more upgrades to the barn, including painting the exterior.