Seager Wheeler's Maple Grove Farm facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Seager Wheeler's Maple Grove Farm |
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Barn and seed cleaning plant
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| Location | Rosthern No. 403, Saskatchewan, Canada |
| Founded | 1898 |
| Built | 1898 to 1928 |
| Designated | 1994 |
Seager Wheeler's Maple Grove Farm is a special place in Canada. It is known as a National Historic Site of Canada. This farm was once owned by Seager Wheeler (1868–1961). He was an agronomist, which means he studied how to grow crops and soil.
Seager Wheeler was also called the "Wheat King of the Prairies." He was famous for creating new ways to farm in dry areas. He also developed types of wheat and fruit that could grow well in the short prairie summers and cold winters.
Seager came to Canada in 1885 and started his own farm in 1890. His farm was located near the town of Rosthern, in Saskatchewan. Today, you can visit the restored Seager Wheeler Maple Grove Farm by traveling about 7 kilometers east of Rosthern. The farm is about 185 acres (0.75 square kilometers) in size.
Between 1911 and 1918, wheat grown at this farm won five World Wheat Championships. On August 3, 1996, Morris Bodnar, who was a Member of Parliament (a person elected to represent an area in government), officially recognized the farm as a National Historic Site. This site is important because it's where strong types of wheat and fruit were developed for the prairie climate.
Farm History
Seager Wheeler created many new farming methods for dry land. He also invented farm equipment. He won many awards for his work. He developed new kinds of wheat and fruit that could grow in the short prairie growing season. He also found ways for seeds to survive the winter. All of his work helped build a strong farming economy in Saskatchewan.
Seager Wheeler's brother, Percy Wheeler, also started a farm nearby in 1884. Together, Seager and Percy created a special system for cleaning seeds. Farmers still use a similar three-point seed cleaning system today.
The Seager Wheeler Historic Farm Society bought the farm and opened it to the public in 1996. This society helps people learn about Seager Wheeler's farming techniques and the special plants he developed. In 1996, Sheila Copps, who was a Deputy Prime Minister, gave an award to the Seager Wheeler Historic Farm Society for their work.
Seager Wheeler's Book
Seager Wheeler wrote a book called "Profitable Grain Growing." It was published in 1919 by the Grain Growers' Guide.
Nearby Places to Visit
- Batoche National Historic Site
- Valley - Rosthern Regional Park
- Wheat Stalks (Statue) Rosthern Roadside Attraction
