Earl Peters, who farmed in the Laird area north of Saskatoon, contributed his efforts towards the diversification of Saskatchewan agriculture. He worked closely with researchers at the University of Saskatchewan and Agriculture Canada in crop development and new cropping methods to promote soil conservation. Using his own financial resources, he was among the first to experiment with winter wheat, canola and pulse crops such as peas, lentils, faba beans, and broad beans. In 1976 he co-founded the Saskatchewan Pulse Crop Growers Association to promote production and marketing of edible legumes, and served as the association’s first president. Earl Peters also served on the Laird council for thirteen years, ten of them as mayor. During his tenure, he was responsible for major improvements to the village; he was also a leader in the Carlton Branch Line Rail Retention committee and in the local Lutheran church. Peters received the Saskatchewan Order of Merit in 1993.
Canadian Plains Research Center