Father and son work together on the farm

"Like father, like son" is a phrase coined for people like Russell Ward and Rod Ward.
Not only are they both farmers who enjoy living and working in and around the community of Mortlach, but they both have the same soft-spoken and contemplative manner.
It's perhaps because they share similar personality traits the Wards are able to work so efficiently together.
"I can only ever remember us having one argument and I've been working (with him) since I was little," said Rod, 39, as he sits across the table from his 63-year-old dad, Russell.
Although Rod owns his own land and cattle, Russell owns more, as well as all the machinery.
Both can make their own farm choices, with the understanding it's to be mutually beneficial.
"We work together," Rod said.
The Ward family has farmed together in Mortlach since 1914, when Russell's grandfather, Charles, bought a plot.
Eventually, Charles passed the farm to his son, Bob, who in turn worked with Russell, starting in 1976.
Much like with his son, Russell said he too worked well with his father, who still helped out during harvest at the age of 80 before he died in 2003.
"Dad and I got along superbly great," Russell said.
Currently, Rod lives in town with his wife and daughters, while Russell and his wife are on the farm.
Some day, when Russell retires, the two will switch, in both living area and machinery ownership.
When the day finally comes, Russell said he will sell his land and equipment to Rod.
Rod said he enjoys working with his father and said agriculture is what he loves.
"It's a lifestyle. I don't think anyone looks at it and says they're going to get rich," he said, adding his young daughters are already picking up on the four-generation family-tradition, going out with their father when he works on the farm.
"As they get older, they'll come along with me more often."

Carter Haydu can be reached at 691-1265.

Father's Day Facts
- Although the origins aren't clear, Father's Day is believed to have begun in the United States in 1908.
- Sonora Louise Smart Dodd of Spokane, Wash., began promoting the annual event in 1909 to honour her Civil War veteran father, William Jackson Smart.
- Father's Day is celebrated each year on the third Sunday in June.
- The day is not merely intended to honour fathers, but anyone who acts as a father figure.
Sources: www.inglewoodcarecentre.com, www.canada-city.ca