August 22, 2025 | Allies, Community

Happy harvest season to the agriculture community!

STARS Very Important Patient and ally Ryley Richards stands with his family on one of the crop fields with a Growing for STARS sign, part of a program that donates crop proceeds to STARS.

Happy harvest season to the agriculture community and one of STARS most dedicated community allies. This is a time when the cumulation of a growing season’s efforts come to fruition and the hard-working agriculture community take their equipment to the field.

We had the opportunity to sit down with STARS Very Important Patient (VIP) and agriculture trailblazer Ryley Richards, who shared what harvest season means to him and his community.

Ryley’s story

In 2021, Ryley was spending the weekend with friends and family at his cabin at Duck Mountain Provincial Park. During the trip, he was involved in a serious snowmobile accident. Ryley found himself pinned between a tree and his sled with a broken femur and a shattered left wrist.

Thanks to the help of his friends and the Roblin fire and rescue department, STARS flew to the remote location and airlifted him to hospital.

“As I collected myself, I was laying on my back, looking up to the sky and the first thought in my mind was ‘STARS could come get me,’” said Ryley.

Ryley shared his harrowing STARS story at the 2024 Field of STARS event.

Harvest season

Ryley is committed to working on his family farm, Richards Farms Ventures, where he serves as Managing Partner.

As they gear up for the upcoming harvest, this year looks promising. Their crew of 8–9 people, two grain carts, three combines, four Super-B trailers, and other large-scale equipment, is ready to bring in the crop.

A grain truck with loaded grain trailers is parked at a grain auger from Richards Farm Ventures harvest season.

Harvest season in full swing at Richards Farms Ventures

STARS Very Important Patient and ally Ryley Richards, middle, is pictured with four Richards Farm Ventures crew and a large red tractor with treads in the background.

STARS Very Important Patient and Ally Ryley Richards stands with his son in front of several large pieces of farm equipment.

STARS VIP Ryley Richards with his son at his family farm, Richards Farm Ventures

STARS Very Important Patient and Ally Ryley Richards poses in front of a large red tractor on this farm, Richards Farm Ventures.

STARS VIP Ryley Richards at his family farm, Richards Farm Ventures.

Growing For STARS

STARS VIP Ryley Richards and his family with Growing For STARS banner.

The Canadian agricultural community has long been a steadfast supporter of STARS. One meaningful way they contribute is through Growing For STARS. Ryley Richards and Richards Farm Ventures joined the meaningful initiative following Ryley’s accident.

Growing for STARS was inspired by a family who planted 40 acres of soybeans and donated the proceeds to STARS. This initiative allows farmers to contribute a portion of their crop proceeds to support STARS in providing critical care, anywhere.

“In relation to STARS, this is an investment in our safety. When we need it, if we need it or if our neighbour needs it — it’s there,” said Ryley. “Giving to STARS is not only a donation, but also an investment in our future.”