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Every year, the Calgary Stampede and BMO Bank of Montreal recognize outstanding farm families in southern Alberta. The awards program was created to promote a renewed urban-rural relationship and to recognize outstanding southern Alberta farm families who best typify the value of the family farmer to our society. The program, specifically, focuses on recognizing the contribution to the enhancement of quality of life as a family unit. Each year, the municipal districts in southern Alberta nominate one family. The families are brought to the Stampede for the BMO Farm Family Awards, which include a reception, greeting from Alberta's Minister of Agriculture, brunch, awards presentation, and family photograph session.
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On behalf of the Calgary Stampede, welcome to the 2011 BMO Farm Family Awards.
The agriculture industry is the backbone of our uniquely Albertan culture and we
are honoured to recognize the Albertan farm families here today. Through the work
that you do at home and in your communities, you have all gone above and beyond
to preserve and promote western heritage and values. You are models for all families
across this great country - not just for farm families.
The agricultural roots of the Stampede are strongly connected with the historic
settlement of the west. We are always proud to recognize families who uphold the
traditions and values of the past while playing a key role in Alberta’s future.
Congratulations on being recognized for the work you do at home and within your
community. Thank you for your appreciation of the agriculture industry and for the
role you play in promoting and preserving the legacy and ethics that make this great
province what it is.
Best wishes,
Mike Casey
President and Chairman of the Board
Calgary Stampede
CHAIRMAN’S GREETING
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On behalf of BMO Bank of Montreal, I would like to tip my hat to the 2011 BMO
Farm Family Award winners.
Your vital contribution to the province’s economic growth and to the health and
wellness of citizens in Alberta and throughout Canada is acknowledged with great
respect. Those we honour with this award represent important examples of the
spirit and admirable traditions that come from “working the land”.
We are privileged to partner with the Calgary Stampede and the Agricultural Events
Committee to recognize outstanding southern Alberta farm families.
We believe in supporting, through these awards, a renewed urban-rural relationship
that showcases how the values and hard work of the farm family unit enhances our
quality of life. Congratulations!
W.R. (Bill) Hogg,
Vice President, Alberta/Northwest Territories Commercial District
BMO Bank of Montreal
GREETINGS FROM BMO
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SCHEDULE OF EVENTSJuly 11, 2011. Palomino Room, BMO Centre
9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Registration
ChampagneandOrangeJuiceReception
10 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Greetings from the Alberta Government
Hon. Jack Hayden, Minister of Agriculture (TBC)
GreetingsfromtheCalgaryStampede-Chairman
Grace-DarrelJanz
10:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. BuffetBrunch
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Greetings from BMO Bank of Montreal - Bill Hogg, Vice President, Alberta/Northwest Territories Commercial District
AwardsPresentation
FamilyPhotographSession
12:30 p.m. Closing Remarks - Darrel Janz
1:30 p.m. Rodeo Performance
2011 BMO FARM FAMILY AWARDS
Master of Ceremonies - Darrel Janz
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CONGRATULATIONS2011 BMO Farm Families
Davis Family, Acme Page 5
Duncalf Family, Rosedale Page 6
Gast Family, Magrath Page 7
Hari Family, High River Page 8
Keeley Family, Nanton Page 9
Kultgen Family, Foremost Page 10
Lamb Family, Claresholm Page 11
Lindstedt Family, Lomond Page 12
Marshman Family, Rockyford Page 13
Mullen Family, Didsbury Page 14
Niznik Family, Brooks Page 15
Osadczuk Family, Jenner Page 16
Palmer Family, Raymond Page 17
Peacock Family, Cereal Page 18
Pharis Family, Lundbreck Page 19
Walsh Family, Madden Page 20
Wauters Family, Lethbridge Page 21
Webb Family, Veteran Page 22
4
Representing Kneehill County
DAVIS FAMILYAcme, Alberta
Jay Davis has always believed in the Canadian cattle industry.
He’s believed in it enough to export purebred Angus cattle to
Japan, Mexico, Russia, Scotland, and the United States.
He’s also believed in it enough to start his own ARDA
Farms bull sale back in 1997, with more than 200 buyers now
attending the annual spring event and more than 80 Black
Angus going under the gavel each year.
Andnow,astheindustryrebounds,Jay’sfaithisfinallybeing
rewarded.
“I think the product has always rated with the best in the
world,”saysJay.“Wejusthunginthere,andfinallythingshave
turned around.”
For their perseverance,
their ingenuity, and
their dedication to both
their business and their
community, the Davis family
has earned this year’s nod
from Kneehill County for a
BMO Farm Family Award.
The Davis family was
selected “for their strong
sense of community in the
Acme district, and their
commitment to the livestock
industry,”saysBruceSommerville,agriculturalfieldmanfor
Kneehill County.
“When the BSE crisis hit, Jay and his family were committed
to the industry that had built the farm. And with perseverance,
and good management, they survived this setback to the
industry.”
The Davis family history in the Acme area dates back to
1903, when sharecropper James Davis brought his family of 13
to central Alberta from Nebraska. His son Art took over the
farm in 1942 and established the ARDA Farms name, with the
acronym standing for A.R. Davis Angus. Art farmed with sons
Jay and Darcy for some time, and these days Jay carries on the
ARDA Farms tradition.
Located six kilometres west of Acme, ARDA Farms currently
consists of an 800-head purebred and commercial cattle
operation, as well as a healthy grain farm, with 3,000 acres
seeded annually to wheat, barley, and canola.
The Davis clan has grown seed stock for more than 60 years
— and about a decade ago, Jay completed a family circle by
purchasing his grandfather’s original homestead.
Jay and wife Lenore have four kids of their own — sons
Garrett and Jarrett, who are actively involved in the farm; son
Cody,who’sjustfinishedhisfirstyearatOldsCollege;and
daughter Scarlett, who’s
headedofftonursingschool.
They’ve also raised Cody’s
friend Joby Bishop, now a
welderinCrossfield,afterhis
father passed away of cancer
several years ago.
The Davis name is well
known around Acme. Jay has
twice served as the president
of the local agricultural
society, and served six years on
the Alberta Angus Association.
Lenore volunteers at the Acme School and the Acme Curling
Club, and helped plan the rebuilding of the Acme United
Churchafteritwasdestroyedbyfire.Thefamilyhasalsobeen
involved extensively with the local 4-H Club.
In addition, Jay was a longtime volunteer for the Calgary
Stampede as a member of a beef cattle judging committee.
“The family involvement is a big reward for me, with Garrett
and Jarrett starting their own herd and Cody wanting to farm
and ranch,” says Jay.
“Some people call it child abuse,” quips Jay with a chuckle,
“but the boys seem to be keen on it.”
5
Representing Starland County
DUNCALF FAMILYRosedale, Alberta
John Duncalf was familiar with the agricultural way of life,
having owned a small dairy farm in Wales.
What he still marvels at, to this day, are Alberta’s wide-open
spaces.
“I guess it was just the scale of things,” says Duncalf, who
moved to Canada with wife Nadine in 1980. “Everything is way
bigger out here.
“You had to deal some years with lack of moisture, which
wasn’t really a problem over in the U.K. The machinery was way
bigger. It took some getting used to.”
The Duncalfs have clearly
done pretty well for themselves.
For their versatility, their
adaptability, and their love of
the agricultural way of life,
they’re the proud recipients
of a 2011 BMO Farm Family
Award, representing Starland
County.
After their arrival in Canada,
John worked on a mixed farm
south of Rockyford for 15 years,
buying a quarter-section and
rentinglandoffhisemployer
along the way. And in 1995,
the family settled into its present
location about 13 kilometres east of Drumheller in the Verdant
Valley.
The Duncalfs did have a small cow/calf operation until a
few years ago, but now concentrate on growing wheat, barley,
canola,andflaxonabout1,360acresseededannually.
JohnandNadine’ssonsNeilandLionelhavediversified;Neil
owns an electrical business in Drumheller and has his own grain
farm,whileLionelrunsanoilfieldserviceoutfit.ButNeiland
wife Donna, as well as their children Matthew, 14, Michael, 13,
andJared,10,findtimetohelpwiththeDuncalfoperation,as
do Lionel, wife Robin, and their kids Ethan, 10, and Avery, 8.
About a decade ago, the Duncalfs adopted a zero-till, direct-
seeding method to conserve moisture, reduce erosion, and save
on fuel costs. They also completed an Environmental Farm
Plan, and use GPS guidance to eliminate overlap on seeding and
spraying.
John is presently director of the local gas co-operative, and
previously served on the board
of directors of the regional
agricultural society. Nadine
is a member of the Anglican
Church Women of Canada, and
part of the vestry with the local
Anglican church.
“The area has a strong
community spirit, and we’re
happy to be a part of it,” says
John. “People kind of look after
each other. Somebody gets into
trouble, they’re always there to
help, and there are always special
community events going on.
“It’s good to be part of that.”
John is looking forward to retirement, and to having one of
his children carry on the family name at the Duncalf spread.
But he couldn’t imagine another line of work.
“I like to grow crops. I wonder what the crop’s going to be
like,” he says. “There’s nothing better than working down in the
fields,andtakingalookallaroundyou.
“Everyyear’sdifferent.Wedoourpart,andhopeMother
Nature will help us along. It’s a nice way of life.”
6
Representing Cardston County
GAST FAMILYMagrath, Alberta
If these walls could talk . . . they’d tell an amazing story.
Thankfully, Clayton Gast can do it for them.
The Gast family residence is a sturdy 1,500-square-foot,
two-storeystructureaboutfivekilometresnorthofMagrath,
one that Clayton thinks might have come out of a turn-of-the-
century Sears catalogue. And it’s the only home the Gast clan has
ever known, through more than 80 years of active living in the
region.
“I’m in the same house where my grandpa (Jacob) brought
his family in 1929. Grandpa’s been in the house, my dad lives in
the house, I live in the house, and now my children are living in
the house,” says Clayton. “It is
quite amazing. You don’t hear
about that too often . . . and
it’s not like we’re living in a
granary. It’s a beautiful home.”
For their family longevity,
their accomplished farming
practices, and their tireless
involvement in Magrath’s
community life, the Gasts are
Cardston County’s choice to
receive a 2011 BMO Farm
Family Award.
The Gasts annually seed
1,800 dryland acres in wheat,
barley,canola,andflax.ClaytonandhiswifeSenta,Clayton’s
dad Otto, and their kids — Christopher, 18, Andrew, 16,
Chelsea,11,andMax,3—allfindwaystopitchinandgetthe
job done.
At 93, Otto is still an unstoppable force in spring and fall,
doing some seeding, harrowing, swathing, and combining. And
at the other end of the age spectrum, Max spends long days in
the tractor at seeding time, fetches tools for his dad, and spends
even longer days with his mom in the grain truck at harvest
time.
“If everybody does a little something,” reasons Clayton,
“things will get done.”
The Gasts have also kept 157 acres dedicated to wildlife
habitat retention, in partnership with the Alberta Conservation
Association, for the past 30 years. The family has seeded some
of the land around Pothole Creek with various grasses, and
current residents include white-tail deer, mule deer, pheasant,
partridge, geese, and ducks.
The family also pours its energy into community endeavours.
Clayton volunteers to sing at the local retirement home and
various other community
events. Clayton, Senta, and
Christopher have shown
their Thespian sides in
the community theatre.
Christopher and Andrew
make some noise with
Magrath’s marching band,
as it tours southern Alberta
representing the town, and
Clayton is president of the
Magrath Rod and Gun Club.
“A strong sense of
community means something
to us, because it’s a refuge. It’s
where our children are,” says Clayton. “Any event or any social
gathering we can help out at, we will.”
As for the Gast household, well, it’s safe to say there’s always
something going on.
“It’s 93 all the way down to three here. And a house full of
teenagers. We’re running the whole gamut of life here. It’s all
happening under this roof,” says Clayton with a chuckle. “But
it’s fantastic. My wife and I love it, and we wouldn’t trade it for
anything.”
7
Representing the Municipal District of Foothills No. 31
HARI FAMILYHigh River, Alberta
He pulled up stakes in 1909 and moved half a world away,
from the Punjab province of India to the rolling foothills of
Alberta.HeattendedtheveryfirstCalgaryStampedein1912.
HebecamethepatriarchofoneofthefirstSikhfamiliesinWild
Rose Country.
In a word, Harnam Singh Hari was an adventurer.
“He was part of that certain percentage of the population who
was always looking for adventure,” says great-grandson Jesse
Hari, who formed Haralta Ranches Ltd. in 1980 with father
Harnet and mother Gik.
“These were the explorers, the travellers, the migrators, who
left their homeland for unseen shores. My great-grandfather
was looking for new
horizons to conquer. Just
like the people who came
from Europe or America,
he came looking for
adventure and a new life.”
For their longevity
and stability, their
contribution to
community life, their
family values, and their
aptitude for working the
land, the Haris are the
Municipal District of Foothills No. 31’s choice as this year’s
recipient of a BMO Farm Family Award.
In the early 20th century, Harnam and his son Ojager ran a
successful hog operation near the present-day site of Calgary’s
Chinook Centre shopping mall.
These days, Haralta Ranches Ltd. is a bustling dryland grain
farm just northwest of High River, with about 3,000 acres
seeded annually in wheat, barley, and canola.
Jesse and wife Sarah, along with Harnet and Gik, look after
day-to-day operations. Jesse and Sarah’s children Savannah, 18,
and Arjun and Ethan, 15, help out when they’re not at school.
Jesse’s brother Harji also retained a love for the land, and farms
next to Jesse on his own spread; the two brothers work closely
together discussing innovations and business plans.
The Hari family has long been involved in the 4-H Club
in the East Longview district. Jesse and Sarah are both on the
East Longview Hall Board, while Gik is a longtime member of
the community women’s auxiliary. And Sarah maintains a close
involvement with the High River Spring Ball, as well as the
Mother’s Day tea at East Longview Hall, whose tradition dates
back nearly a century.
“When you get into a
rural community, they
really are an extension of
your family,” says Jesse.
“You spend so much time
with them. And if anyone
in the group faces some
adversity, you tend to come
together as a community to
help out.
“We’re very fortunate
here to have such
wonderful neighbours and
friends. They do become your family, in a way.”
AstheHarisraiseafifthgenerationinAlberta,theyalsomake
anefforttofollowthelatesttechniquesincroppingrotations
andconservationpractices.HaraltaRancheswasoneofthefirst
outfitsintheareatoadoptno-till,directseedingtechniques
back in 1997.
“If you want to have a viable operation, and feed your family,”
says Jesse, “you’ve got to look after your land, and be a good
steward of it.”
8
Representing the Municipal District of Ranchland No. 66
KEELEY FAMILYNanton, Alberta
The rules were set in stone — ranch work before rodeo.
And the Keeley boys were known for their rodeo.
“That was the deal. Growing up, if the boys wanted us to
drive them to the rodeo, they had to work hard during the week
togetthechoresdone,”reflectsDonnaKeeley.“Andyouknow
what? They’ve all still got a strong work ethic, and we’re proud
of that.”
The Keeley name is closely associated with rodeo, since all six
of John and Donna’s boys would eventually ride bulls.
Justin was the Calgary Stampede boys’ steer riding champion
in 1989. Jason took a pair of boys’ steer riding titles at the
Stampede, in ’86 and ’87, and followed them up with a
Canadian title in ’87. And Glen, the most accomplished of the
clan, won a national boys’
steer riding crown in 1983,
and was Canadian bull riding
champ in 1989, before his
untimely death in 2000
during a Professional Bull
Riders event at Albuquerque,
N.M.
The Keeleys now have
another claim to fame —
they’re the winners of a 2011
BMO Farm Family Award,
after earning the nomination from the Municipal District of
Ranchland No. 66.
L4L Ranches Ltd., about 37 kilometres west of Stavely, was
firstestablishedbyDonna’sgrandfatherHarryStreeter,who’d
arrived in the foothills with a farming background in Illinois.
Today, the Keeley family ranch consists of about 6,000
acres of deeded and leased land that’s home to a 350-head
commercial cattle operation. While the six surviving children,
Clayton, David, Teresa, Jayson, Justin, and Brad, have either
movedawayorholdanoff-farmjob,theyandtheirspousesall
help John, Donna, and longtime hand Ian McKay when they can
with the myriad duties involved in the family’s backgrounding
business.
“Our kids and their families are great at helping out when
help is needed,” says Donna, who has 19 grandchildren, ranging
in age from 16 years down to nine months. “Even the ones
who live away seem to be here when they can for fall gathering,
branding, or just another winter’s day.”
On a local level, the Keeley children were active in the
community, meaning John and Donna both did their part
volunteering with committees such as hockey, high school
rodeo,figureskating,baseball,andNantonNiteRodeo.
In 2004, Glen’s siblings
and friends established the
annual Glen Keeley Memorial
eventatStavely,offering
scholarships and giving back
to the community in other
ways. For the past two years,
the Glen Keeley Memorial has
been voted the best event on
the PBR Canada circuit.
“I was in shock, a bit, when
we won the Farm Family
Award,” says Donna. “We don’t try to win awards. This is our
life, and we do the best we can.”
While Brad and wife Kim are the only Keeley kids presently
living at home, John and Donna would like to see L4L Ranches
remain a family haven for generations to come.
“The biggest reward is living where we do. It’s peaceful and
quiet. It’s nature at its best, I think,” says Donna. “Home is
home, and I’m always glad to get back here.”
9
Representing County of Forty Mile No. 8
KULTGEN FAMILYForemost, Alberta
Ken Kultgen is following in two sets of venerable family
footsteps.
On his mother’s side, the farming history of the Skroch clan
in the Foremost area dates back to March 1909. And on his dad’s
side, the Kultgens settled in the region in exactly the same year.
Ken says he’s just trying to hold up his end of the bargain.
“History has proven that it isn’t easy to make it through
all those generations,” notes Ken, who’s been the mayor of
Foremost for 13 years. “Every generation has their challenges
with weather issues, economic
times, grain prices, and so
on — trying to make things
succeed, then sustaining the
business and expanding it.
“I know there was a lot of
hard work through tough times
to move the business into
our generation — and I sure
don’t want to let the previous
generations down by not doing
things as well as I can.”
For its commitment and its
focus on the future, the Kultgen family is this year’s winner of a
BMO Farm Family Award from the County of Forty Mile No. 8.
TheKultgensoperatetheSkrochfamilyfarmstead,aboutfive
kilometres from Foremost, and rent land from Ken’s uncle, site
of the original Kultgen homestead.
The result is P Ridge Farms, a 16,000-acre dryland grains,
oilseeds and pulse operation that keeps the entire family
occupied.
Ken and wife Kim are the nucleus of the operation. Their
son Josh works full-time for P Ridge Farms, as do Ken’s brother
Phil and nephew Scott. Daughters Jenna, Paula, and Sarah also
help out, doing everything from running combines and tractors
tohelpingoutwithmeals.NephewStaceybooksoffamonth
each year to help with harvest, and Ken’s mom Madeline, the
family matriarch, always provides sound advice.
The Kultgens primarily grow pulse crops, such as chick
peas, lentils, yellow peas, and dryland beans. The move was
consideredariskyone15yearsago,buthaspaidoffovertime.
Along with other producers in the area, the Kultgens have
invested in a pulse processing plant for a simpler shipping and
sorting arrangement.
“We made a fairly big change to incorporate pulses into the
operation, but pulses have made
thedifference,”saysKen.
Besides his role as the
mayor of Foremost, Ken was
a founding member of the
Palliser Economic Partnership
and is the local rep on the
Milk River Management and
Ecological Reserve Committee.
Kim is the president of the
Catholic Women’s League in
Foremost; she’s also on the
University of Lethbridge’s
board of governors, the president of the local community hall
board, secretary for the theatrical society, and an active voice in
the community choir.
Ken’s dad, a former aerial spray pilot, was open-minded to
changeasoneofthefirstfarmersintheareatoadoptdirect
seeding,anddiversifyintothelikesofmustard,flax,andcash
crops.
Still, Ken is humbled by the fact a BMO Farm Family Award
is being bestowed on his clan.
“Nowadays, anyone who’s still farming around here does an
awfully good job in their own way,” he says. “It’s kind of hard to
accept an award when there are so many other people in the area
who have done some amazing things.”
10
Representing the Municipal District of Willow Creek
LAMB FAMILYClaresholm, Alberta
There’s an old adage about leaving the land in better
shape than you found it. Evidence of that philosophy is just
about everywhere you turn on the Lamb homestead east of
Claresholm.
There’s the irrigation project the Lambs spearheaded in
2000 to provide drainage from Clear Lake — ensuring grazing,
forage production, and specialty crops for surrounding
farmland, as well as a recreational hot spot for the community.
There’s the Lambs’ special
“stripper header” harvest
system,firsttestedin2003,
which provides a better
microclimate for next year’s
seedlings as well as a unique
ecosystem for winter wildlife.
The Lambs also employ
an intensive rotational
grazing system that includes
nitrogen-fixinglegumes.
They’re partners with Ducks
Unlimited in wetland and vegetation preservation. And they’ve
got 650 acres of grassland that has been untouched since the
buffaloroamedtheprairies.
Thissustainability-firstapproachhasgeneratednumerous
media articles, as well as a CBC documentary. And this year,
along with several other key factors, it’s earned Lamb Farms Ltd.
another special distinction — the BMO Farm Family Award for
the Municipal District of Willow Creek.
“We recognize sustainability for the long term. This is a
generational farm, and we can’t be so short-sighted as to have a
get-what-you-can-and-get-out attitude,” says Ron Lamb, whose
great-grandfather George Henry Lamb pioneered one of the
Lambs’ present homesteads in 1904.
“Mygrandfatherboughtlandthat,ineffect,hadneverbeen
tamperedwithorchangedfromthetimeofthebuffalo.Hehad
the vision and the foresight to maintain it in that condition.
And that philosophy has worked its way down through the
generations,” adds Ron.
“It’s OK to say one thing, but we tend to try and practice way
more than we preach.”
The Lamb farm consists of about 10,000 acres owned
and rented from neighbours and extended family. That total
includes about 6,000 acres of dryland grain production — fall
wheat,canola,flax,fieldpeas,barley,springwheat,lentils,
chick peas, and durum wheat — as well as 1,100 acres of
irrigation. The Lambs also
run a commercial beef cattle
operation, with 450 cows, about
the same number of yearlings,
and 20 bulls.
Involved in the operation are
siblings Ron, Cal, Rick, and
Linda, their spouses, numerous
children, and their parents Stan
and Arlene. Linda’s son Josh,
whorepresentsthefamily’sfifth
generation on the farm, recently
graduated with an agricultural degree and became a partner in
2008.
The family uses a “help-when-you-can-how-you-can”
approach — whether it’s chasing cows, operating machinery,
findingtoolsintheshop,runningtotownforparts,picking
weeds, or cooking meals for the gang.
The Lambs are also extensively involved in Claresholm’s
community activities. Ron has been a basketball and football
coach for the local high school. Josh is director of the Winter
Wheat Commission. Rick’s wife Sheila is director of the
Claresholm Fair Board, Arlene is a founding member of the
Claresholm Hospital Auxiliary, and Stanley is on the board of
the Claresholm Senior Citizens Drop-In.
“Like any family business, there’s an art to being able to work
together and have common goals and visions,” notes Ron, “and
being able to pass that on to the next generation.”
11
Representing Vulcan County
LINDSTEDT FAMILYLomond, Alberta
The Lindstedt homestead has been a part of the southern
Alberta landscape since 1908.
And there’s a spring in Mark Lindstedt’s step these days,
knowing it’ll still be there for decades to come.
Mark began farming in the Lomond region nearly 30 years
ago — following the path established by his grandfather Joseph,
who came all the way from Sweden, and continued by his dad
Ralph.
Mark knows the 7,000-acre grain operation will be in good
hands down the road, thanks to his 28-year-old son Kevin —
who, except for four years at
Olds College, has spent his
whole life on the farm.
“I enjoy watching the new
generation slowly take over,
and Kevin’s a farmer at heart,”
says Mark. “He’s the reason
(wife) Marlene and I can go
away for a little while in the
winter.
“When they ride around in
the tractor with you 16 hours a
day when they’re 10 years old,
you know it’s in their heart.”
For their stewardship, their progressive agricultural
management practices, and their steadfast commitment to their
operation, the Lindstedts have earned Vulcan County’s stamp of
approval for a 2011 BMO Farm Family Award.
Markstartedfarmingin1978,purchasedhisfirstirrigated
quarter-section the same year, bought Ralph’s spread in 1982,
and the operation has continued to expand through the decades.
Today, Lindstedt Farms Ltd. consists of 5,000 dryland acres
and 2,000 more irrigated acres, with wheat, barley, canola,
peas,mustard,flax,hayseed,grassseeds,andfavabeansgrown
every year.
MarkandMarlene,andKevinandfiancéeNaomi,handle
myriad duties, along with a couple of hired hands. Mark and
Marlene’s three other sons, Kolin, Dave, and Jamie, all work
in the provincial oilpatch, although Kolin helps out at harvest
time.
Mark is past director of the Southern Applied Research
Association, past director of the Alberta Conservation Tillage
Society, and a member of the Palliser Agricultural Management
Society. After watching “a lot of land blow away in the ’80s,” he’s
serious about conservation and improving soil health, and he
makes sure to practice what he
preaches.
About seven years ago, the
Lindstedts adopted zero-
till practices — with direct
seeding, using a disc drill, and
continuous cropping. And at
harvest time, the family uses
a stripper header mechanism
with excellent results — leaving
all of the straw, conserving
moisture, and creating a better
microclimate for next year’s
seedlings.
“When I went to continuous cropping, I wanted to do it in
more of an educated way, and do everything I could to conserve
moisture,” says Mark, a past president of Lomond’s minor
hockey association.
“When I started, I thought it couldn’t be done . . . but I
wanted to prove myself wrong, and I think we have. We’ve been
very successful at it,” he adds. “If you can take every opportunity
tobecomemoreefficient,andconservemoisture,that’swhatit’s
all about.”
12
Representing Wheatland County
MARSHMAN FAMILYRockyford, Alberta
After a summer of chemotherapy and a stem cell bone
marrow transplant to treat cancer in his colon, Dwayne
Marshman has seen some of life’s worst moments.
But every morning when he wakes up at the family’s century-
old farmhouse, he sees some of life’s best.
“There’s nothing I love better than being out on that tractor,
and growing a bumper crop,” says Dwayne, who’s been told by
doctors that his rare form of cancer, mantle cell lymphoma, is
now in remission. “It’s seeing the cows, too . . . watching the
calves being born, and grow.
“It’s the circle of life, I guess, that always amazes me every
year. I could be close to the end of mine, or I could go another
20 years. Who knows?
“But I’m alive, and feeling
great.”
The Marshman name has
been part of the east-central
Alberta farming landscape
since 1909, when Dwayne’s
great-grandfather brought his
family to Canada from Latah,
Wash. Dwayne’s wife Mary is
a descendant of the Koester
clan that also has a long history
in the area, having arrived in
Rockyfordin1929fromCouncilBluffs,Iowa.
For their longevity, their perseverance, and their deep love of
the land, the Marshmans are Wheatland County’s choice for a
2011 BMO Farm Family Award.
The Marshmans run a dryland grain operation about 12
kilometres south of Carbon, seeding about 1,800 acres each
year in wheat, canola, and barley. They’ve also got a small cow/
calf operation, and run a greenhouse supplying tomatoes and
bedding-out plants to customers in the area.
In 2005, Dwayne and Mary’s youngest daughter Kimberly
and her husband Ben Salt, originally from England, returned
to the farm full-time. Dwayne and Mary’s oldest daughter Kathy
and husband Lance, along with their young daughters Josie and
Jenna, help out when they can, as does son Craig.
Eight years ago, Dwayne worked with the Rosebud River
WatershedGrouptodevelopanoff-streamwateringsystem.
With his cattle drinking fresh well water instead of stagnant
water in the bottoms, the move has helped to protect riparian
areasandresultedinasignificantweightgainforthecalves.
The family has also made every attempt to increase production
through modern agronomics, while protecting the land for
future generations.
“My grandfather always told us that we never really own
the land — we just purchased
the right to use it,” remarks
Dwayne.
Offthefarm,Maryisthe
chairman of the Rockyford
Library, and has been playing
the organ at St. Rita’s Church
for 25 years. Dwayne is a
director with the Wild Rose
Agriculture Producers and is
connected with the Rockyford
Rural Fire Association.
Dwayne also coached hockey
for 10 years and ringette for another 20. In May 2010, when
his cancer diagnosis prevented him from coaching ringette, his
team hosted a Ringers for a Reason fundraiser. The 12-hour
game, supper, and concert helped raise $50,000 for patient
comfort care in the Bone Marrow Stem Cell Transplant Unit at
Calgary’s Foothills Medical Centre.
“My son-in-law kept telling me this spring, ‘I’ll do the
fertilizing,’ ” recalls Dwayne. “I said, ‘You know, Ben, that’s
whereIlovetobe.Youguysfillitandcalibrateit,andI’llrun
the tractor.’
“That’s the best medicine for me.”
13
Representing Mountain View County
MULLEN FAMILYDidsbury, Alberta
For 60-odd years, the folks on the Mullen family farm raised
all manner of livestock — sheep, hogs, dairy, beef cattle, even
purebred Leghorn chickens.
But Grandview Acres Farms will be a straight grain farm for
the foreseeable future, says Larry Mullen.
“If I ever have the urge to get back into commercial cattle,
I usually go down to my neighbour’s and help him brand. By
the end of the day, that’s it for me,” laughs Larry. “And my
neighbour to the north, he’s got 75,000 chickens. As soon as I
getawhiffofthat?It’senough.”
Larry’s wife Grace puts it another way: “If you take care of the
land, this land will take care of
you.”
For their stewardship,
longevity, and stature in the
community, the Mullens are
Mountain View County’s choice
to receive a 2011 BMO Family
Farm Award.
Built from sturdy Indiana
stock,theMullensfirstarrived
in Alberta in 1910, settling in
Langdon, before relocating to
the Didsbury area in 1921. For
the past three decades, Grandview Acres Farms, just northeast
of Didsbury, has consisted of a dryland grain operation, with
2,000 acres annually seeded to barley and canola.
Larry and Grace have day-to-day help from their daughter
Karilea and son-in-law Ryan Berg, with grandchildren Korbyn,
12,andJaxon,10,representingthefifthgenerationtogrowup
on the Mullen farmstead. Larry and Grace’s sons Kent, a truck
driver, and Lance, a journeyman millwright, help out during
seeding and harvesting seasons, and at other times when their
jobs allow.
The heavy black loam soil is not conducive to minimum-till
practices, but the Mullens have had their land GPS-mapped to
cut down on excessive use of fertilizer and chemicals.
As for community involvement, various members of the
Mullen clan have been recognized for leadership, long service,
and merit awards.
The Mullens are active participants in the Rosebud Food
Grains Project, which sees producers donate grain that’s
translated into government help in the third world.
The family has also hosted trainees from England, Europe,
Australia, and New Zealand through the International
Agricultural Exchange
Association (IAEA), and raised
more than $10,000 for STARS
Air Ambulance by creating a
Halloween haunted house in an
old chicken barn.
Four generations of Mullens
have been involved with Scouts
Canada, with more than 100
years’ worth of collective service.
Karilea, Kent, and Lance saw
their steady steed win High
Point Country Pleasure Horse of
theYearhonours.Lancetwicereachedprovincialfinalsinhigh
school rodeo, and Larry’s mother Joyce’s paintings have earned
accolades at the Calgary Stampede and the Olds Fair & Rodeo.
“It’s really something to have the family name on our farm
for 90 years. I’m quite proud of it,” says Larry. “Having been
born and raised here, I’d like to see the name kept alive as long
as possible.”
Adds Grace: “We’re honoured to receive this year’s (county)
nomination for the Farm Family Award. What a way to celebrate
our 90 years on this farm!”
14
Representing County of Newell No. 4
NIZNIK FAMILYBrooks, Alberta
The family patriarch, John Joseph Niznik, left behind a life
in Pennsylvania, where he worked in a steel plant.
And as far as his great-grandson Bruce Niznik is concerned,
raising a family in rural surroundings is worth its weight in gold.
“It means a lot to raise these kids in a farming environment,”
says Bruce. “It’s the experience my daughter (Kate) is getting
now with 4-H, raising her calf. It’s seeing the other kids
following her out and grooming it.
“The kids just want to be with you on the farm — out checking
the cows, out riding in the tractor. It’s a real experience for
these kids, compared to what city kids get to do.”
Niznik Farms, about 20
kilometres west of Brooks, is a
mixed operation. About half the
land consists of cropland under
irrigation — wheat, barley, canola,
and corn — while the other half is
given over to grazing for cow/calf and
backgrounding operations, with hay
and silage grown on Niznik land.
Established in 1920 by John
Joseph Niznik, who’d been enticed
byCanadianPacificRailway
advertisements, Niznik Farms is now
in steady hands more than 90 years
later — with brothers Jack and George, and George’s sons Bruce
and Brad, representing the nucleus of the operation.
For their family strength, their tireless volunteer spirit, their
stewardship, and their continuous community support, the
Nizniks have earned the County of Newell No. 4’s nod this year
for a BMO Farm Family Award.
“They should be considered an inspiration to others in the
industry,”saysToddGreen,agriculturalfieldmanforCountyof
Newell No. 4.
Niznikstewardshipeffortsincludearotationalgrazing
program; the use of a no-till drill; a shelter belt for habitat, in
co-ordination with the Eastern Irrigation District; and a move
tohigh-efficiency,low-pressureirrigationpivotstoconservewater.
Behind the scenes, of course, are the women who keep the
menafloat.Jack’swifeDonnaanddaughterCharity,George’s
wife Joan, Brad’s wife Kristen, Bruce’s wife Jodi, and family
matriarch Jennie work tirelessly to help with farm chores,
prepare meals, and tend to the garden. They also raise the
fifthgenerationofAlberta-basedNizniks—BruceandJodi’s
daughters Kate, 10, Sarah, 7, and Eva, 3, and Brad and
Kristen’s kids Brooklyn, 9, and Brett, 7.
The Niznik clan also has
community citizenship in spades
dating back to 1939, when Jennie and
husband John campaigned actively to
establish the Antelope Creek School.
Nowadays, the family is involved
in the Brooks Curling Club, the
Brooks Elks Lodge, and the local 4-H
Club. Bruce umpires and coaches
in Brooks minor baseball; Jennie
is a member of the United Farm
Women’s Association; Kristen is the
local Sunday school co-ordinator;
Joan is a judge and board member
for the Brooks Agriculture Fair, as well as the co-founder of the
Brooks Farmers Market and the local seniors’ pet visitation co-
ordinator.
“You get out of your community what you put in. If you’re
not willing to put some time in, and do some volunteer work, you
can’t expect your community to improve or thrive,” says Bruce.
“And the most rewarding aspect of what we do probably
comes at branding time — the help from all our friends and
neighbours, and the socializing afterwards. Everyone really
enjoys themselves.”
15
Representing Special Area No. 2
OSADCZUK FAMILYJenner, Alberta
There’s something to be said about following in the path of
your forefathers.
Dan Osadczuk knows all about that feeling. His grandfather
Mike left Poland for Canada in 1920, and blazed a trail in
southeast Alberta that still bears the Osadczuk name today.
“Our family actually owns all the land he ever lived on,” says
Dan.“Hisfirstwinterhere,hewas14andstayedwithhissister.
He trapped weasels, and got enough money out of weasel pelts to
buy a quarter (section).
“He moved over to another place that my uncle owns now.
Then he moved up to the main yard, and that’s where another
one of my uncles lives,” adds
Dan. “And then he married
my grandma Mary. In 1954,
my dad (Tom) bought her
parents’ place . . . and that’s
the home base for us now.”
For their commitment,
their dedication, and their
belief in a strong community
fabric, the Osadczuks are
this year’s recipients of a
BMO Farm Family Award for
Special Area No. 2.
“Tom has the ability to understand the big issues and see the
bottom line, and has the interests of his community at heart,”
says Jay Slemp, Special Areas chairman.
Rafter T Cattle Company Ltd., situated about eight
kilometres southwest of Jenner, is a commercial cattle
backgroundingoutfitonabout19,000acresofnativepasture,
tame hay, and farmland.
The enterprise, which includes a Black Angus herd of about
800 cows, is managed by Dan and wife Lorna, his brother Mark
and wife Deb, and their dad Tom and his wife Pat Suitor.
TheOsadczuksdevelopedawatersystemattheirBuffalo
spread in 1992, drilling a well and installing water lines to
troughs placed around the 21 sections. The family also uses an
alternating,summer-fallowrotationonthefieldsfarmedfor
oats used as silage.
The Osadczuks are a familiar name in the Jenner-Iddlesleigh
area. They helped to build a hockey and curling rink in Jenner.
Tom has been a councilor and board member for the Special
Areas for about 45 years. Tom, Dan, and Mark have all been
instrumental in establishing and operating the Jenner Rodeo
and Table Rock Roping Club, which holds team ropings and
Gymkhana events for kids. Various family members have also
volunteered or served on
the board for such groups as
the Iddlesleigh Hall, Jenner
School, Cactus Country
ECS, and St. Mary’s Tide
Lake Church.
“If you keep your
community vibrant with
plenty of activities, then the
kids in the community have a
home base,” says Dan.
Dan and Lorna’s children
— Nolan, 28, Lowell, 26,
and Rylee, 24 — have all moved away for work or school. Mark
and Deb’s brood includes two who’ve left the nest, while Kai,
16, Trey, 9, and Tommi, 7, are still at home.
But Dan is looking forward to the day when the younger
generation of Osadczuks returns to take the reins at Rafter T.
“That’s the plan,” says Dan. “I told the kids to go get careers .
. . but they’re going to come back.
“The most rewarding thing is that your kids are interested
and gung-ho — going out riding, gathering bulls, treating bulls,
running the silage truck, welding in the shop. That’s the fun part.
“It’d be awesome if they could all be at home.”
16
Representing County of Warner No. 5
PALMER FAMILYRaymond, Alberta
Keith Palmer has this theory about the family farm.
He believes it girds you for whatever life throws at you — and
he’s got plenty of proof.
“Each of our six children, and many of our (23)
grandchildren, have had responsibilities on the farm that helped
prepare them for life, and their own future careers,” says Keith.
“It comes down to responsibility, commitment, discipline —
and working together.”
For their sense of togetherness, their dedication to the
community, and their love of the land that goes back more
than 100 years, the Palmers have been selected this year by the
County of Warner No. 5 as
the winners of a BMO Farm
Family Award.
The Palmer family has made
its home in the Raymond
area since 1903, when Keith’s
grandfather James E. Meeks
set up a farming and ranching
operation.
More than a century later,
thefifthgenerationofthe
Palmer clan has now grown
strong roots. Keith and
Lynne’s son Craig earned a university degree in accounting
and business management, married Carolyn, and now runs the
farm with help from their kids Ethen, Weston, Landon, and
Brandon,whilethecouple’sfirstborn,Carlene,livesandworks
in Edmonton.
Keith and Lynne’s daughter Laurene, and her husband Doug
Ralph, also work on the farm. Daughter Sherri and husband
RodWendorffworkintheagriculturalindustry,ultrasounding
cattle in Canada to evaluate live animal carcasses for marketing.
“Our children and their children all have contributed to
the happy, rewarding lifestyle we enjoy, although there have
been some hard, challenging, and sad memories,” notes
Keith. “The generations have passed on, leaving their love and
memories behind.
“Cropfailures,drought,floodshavemadeusastrong,close,
and preserving family with a trust and faith in God.”
K Palmer Farms, located just southwest of Raymond, is a
mixed operation. With a 200-head cow/calf herd, the family
grazesitscattleonfivesectionsofleasegrasslandontheMilk
River Ridge.
The Palmers also grow canola, wheat, and barley, and hay
on a rotational basis to improve production and help replenish
soil nutrients. Three-quarters of the crop is planted via direct
seeding practices to conserve
moisture and reduce soil
erosion.
Nearly 30 years ago, the
Palmers added irrigation to the
operation, and just under a
decade ago, they converted all
pivots to low-pressure, energy-
efficientnozzlestoconserve
water and energy, which has
been cut by 40 per cent.
Craig, Doug, and Rod are
well known in the area, having
coached kids’ hockey, basketball, volleyball, and football teams,
and participated as 4-H leaders.
Keith has served on the Raymond school board and the
county council, and has acted as president of the Raymond
volunteer ambulance service. Lynne, a registered nurse for
manyyears,isfinancialsecretaryoftheRaymondHandibus
Lifeline Society and is directly involved in humanitarian work
with Sherri for the High Andes Relief Society for Peru.
“All our kids, all our grandkids, love the farm. They’ll all be
here for branding, for harvest,” says Keith. “Having the family
all together, and working on projects together, is the biggest
reward for us.”
17
Representing Special Area No. 3
PEACOCK FAMILYCereal, Alberta
At one point, C.J. Peacock and his four sons operated John
Deere and Ford dealerships, ran Maple Leaf Oil and Gas (which
would later become the United Farmers of Alberta), farmed
7,000 acres, and managed a 200-head cattle herd in Cereal.
So, yes, it’s fair to say that C.J. left a rather large impression
on his boys — just like he did on his community.
“He taught us about work ethic, about working together and
getting along,” says Bruce Peacock. “He taught us to be real good
community people — honest and hard-working.
“Dad was always such a big proponent of supporting your own
community, of keeping your community solid as you can. And
that was bred right into us.”
In the last couple of decades, the Peacock family has
concentrated on farming and
ranching — and managed to
forgeaprofitableagriculture
business in the inhospitable
region of east-central Alberta
known as the Palliser Triangle.
For their dedication
and tenacity, and for their
commitment to smalltown
life, the Peacocks have earned
a prestigious 2011 BMO Farm
Family Award for Special Area
No. 3.
Peacock Farms, based about
fivekilometreseastofCereal,isnowoperatedbyC.J.’sthree
younger sons — Bruce, George, and John. The family grows
hard red spring wheat, durum wheat, malt, barley, and oats
using a strict crop rotation in the region’s semi-arid soil, in
addition to managing 400 head of commercial cattle.
George oversees the entire operation, doing a great deal of
the seeding, combining, and haying while working with the
cattle alongside Bruce’s wife Karen. Bruce drives the swather
and bale truck, and handles the bookkeeping, while John hauls
grain, handles seeding and haying, and helps out with the cattle.
John’s wife Elsie keeps everyone fed — no small task — while
their son Christopher, 15, keeps the shop yard immaculate.
Bruce and Karen’s son Ashley, his wife Lori, and their two
children Denton, 4, and Kacey, 1, are also involved in the family
farm operation full-time, while their daughter Brandi and
husband Adam help out with the cattle and at harvest time.
The Peacocks use minimum tillage practices and soil
conservation to keep their operation viable. Their 400 acres of
grazing land are used on a strict rotational basis to prevent over-
grazing and to encourage sustainability of native and improved
grass and legume species.
C.J. Peacock campaigned long
and hard for Cereal to retain
its school, which bore his name
until its closure in 2007. The
building was then turned into
a community hall, dubbed the
C.J. Peacock Centre.
The Peacock brothers
followed enthusiastically in their
father’s community-minded
footsteps. John served on the
town council. Most of the
family has been involved with
the town’s athletic association, rodeo association, library board,
and minor hockey association. The Peacocks were also actively
involved with the local 4-H Club for many years.
“We try to feed the world, to produce good food for people,”
says Bruce. “And we try to keep the land the way we found it,
basically — leave it in good shape for generations to come.”
18
Representing the Municipal District of Pincher Creek
PHARIS FAMILYLundbreck, Alberta
GeorgeWashingtonPharisfirstseteyesonthelandthatwould
become his ranch while part of a big-game hunting party in 1919.
To get through the Depression, family members trapped fur,
milked cows, and sold butter and cream.
And more recently, a small sawmill and a ranch horse-
training business have become part of the Pharis operation.
For the folks at Elkhorn Stock Ranch, diversity is the name
of the game.
“We have a big place, and with the cattle market the way it is,
we have to look at other ways to supplement income,” says Nolan
Pharis, whose family ranch is situated about 32 kilometres from
Lundbreck on hilly, forested land.
“We’re fortunate that we do have our logging operation,
and that we’re able to train
and sell horses as well. To
stay economically viable, it’s
going to take ingenuity and
diversification.”
For their adaptability,
their stewardship, their
conservationefforts,andtheir
service to the community, the
Pharis family is the Municipal
District of Pincher Creek’s
choice for a 2011 BMO Farm
Family Award.
The bread and butter of the
Pharis ranch — operated by Hilton and Alta Pharis, Nolan, their
youngest son, his wife Leona, and their children Alina, 7, and
Payton, 5 — is a cow/calf and long yearling business.
Elkhorn Stock Ranch consists of 11 quarters of deeded land
and 12 more quarters of leased land in the foothills of the
Livingstone Range. The Pharis clan also has grazing permits on
the Todd Creek and Gap Forest reserves, as well as shares in the
Waldron Grazing Co-op.
The abundance of timber played a factor in George Pharis’s
decision to settle in the Willow Valley area. In recent years, the
Pharis family has developed a sustainable harvest plan for the
timber, with the help of Alberta Forest Services, to ensure their
forested land remains healthy and viable.
The Pharis family also employs a rotational grazing system,
and has also rolled out streambank fencing and other strategies
to protect riparian areas, including the zone encompassing the
headwaters of Todd Creek.
Theirconservationeffortshavenotgoneunnoticed—
garnering environmental stewardship awards from Pincher
Creek’s Chamber of Economic Development (2002) and
Country-Side Canada (2003).
“I’ve grown up with that
sort of attitude,” notes Nolan.
“It was drilled into me by my
parents.”
In recent years, Nolan has
also showed a penchant for
producing top-notch ranch
horses. His equine pupils
specialize in ranch work and
also compete in ranch rodeos,
demonstrating their versatility
in such events as team
branding and team doctoring
— and one of them fetched a
decent price at the 2011 Calgary Bull Sale.
Hilton served on the MD of Pincher Creek’s council for 28
years, chairing the Oldman Dam local advisory committee. Alta
and Leona help to organize community potluck dinners, and the
ranch’sfifthgeneration,AlinaandPayton,arealreadybecoming
skilled ranch hands.
“We have to work very hard for what we have here,” remarks
Nolan, “but we do live in a beautiful place. This region is the
envy of a lot of people.”
19
Representing Rocky View County
WALSH FAMILYMadden, Alberta
They’ve got a link to the past . . . and the links steering them
into the future.
These days, the Walsh family spends most of its time
harvesting little white dimpled spheres, as the owners of Beaver
Dam Golf Course in Madden.
Youdon’toftenhearaboutagriculturaldiversificationinthe
form of tee boxes and sand traps — but the family farm attitude still
flourishesthroughBeaverDam’s18holes,clubhouse,anddeli.
“Our dad (Loris) was looking for a way to keep the whole
family together on the family farm,” says Harley Walsh. “That
was the whole idea behind this course. And that’s the way things
are to this day.
“We run the golf course just like we run our farm. We might
be farming golf balls, but we still
consider ourselves a farm family,
and we maintain farm values
that have been handed down
throughfivegenerations.”
With one of the oldest brands
in Alberta — the “1/4 Circle
O” — and a local history that
dates back to 1889, the Walsh
family is a cornerstone of the
Madden area. And for their
dedication to their community,
their commitment to advancing
agriculture, their stewardship, and their ingenuity, the Walshes
have earned Rocky View County’s nod for a 2011 BMO Farm
Family Award.
“Theirentrepreneurialspirithasledtodiversificationto
support their community,” says Tim Dietzler, agricultural
fieldmanforRockyViewCounty.“Andbyactivelyvolunteering
in community organizations, they are inspiring to their
neighbours . . . with an optimistic attitude and outlook for the
future of agriculture and their community.”
Through the decades, the Walsh family has raised sheep and
cattle, including Black Angus and Charolais, as well as running a
grainoperation,andatonetimewasacertifiedseedfarm.Over
the past few years, the family’s farm operation has consisted of
hay for sale, with a full section of land still in full production
for grain with export timothy, barley, and canola. The Walshes
also currently have a crop-sharing arrangement with a neighbor.
The entire operation, including the pampered links-style course,
is handled by four Walsh siblings — Harley, Richard, Linda, and
Debra — along with their spouses, their mom Helen, Richard’s
daughter Kendall, her husband John, and their baby boy Liam.
Across the road from the golf course is the Madden
Community Hall, which the Walsh family helped to build.
Harley and Richard were both
volunteers with the Madden Fire
Department, while Loris, who
passed away in 1994, was active in
the Elks Club and the Lions Club.
As for the Beaver Dam
Golf Course — which opened
with nine holes in 1991, and
expanded to 18 in 2000 — it
employs 25 people from the
community, in addition to the
nine Walsh family members
involved full-time.
The course’s deli is well known for Helen’s home-made
baking, a 140-lot RV park is in the works, and the clubhouse is a
communityfocalpointforamealoracoffee.
“It was dad’s plan to diversify in order to keep the family farm
alive,” says Harley. “I’m sure if he’s looking down now, he’s
pretty happy with the result.”
20
Representing County of Lethbridge
WAUTERS FAMILYLethbridge, Alberta
The operation is informally known as Triangle 7, after an odd
nickname hung on Eugene Wauters for the 1947 Ford pickup
that he used to drive.
But for Eugene and wife Virginia, there’s something magical
about the circle of life that runs through a family farm’s
generations.
“We’ve been blessed with 14 grandchildren. They’ve all
embraced farm life, and they’re always eager and excited to
help out around the farm — whether it’s raking leaves, driving
tractor, or witnessing the birth of a baby calf,” says Eugene.
“As with our children, they’re learning many life skills, and
gaining an appreciation for agriculture — a new generation to
maintain the family farm.”
TheWautersclan,basedjustoffHighway3abouthalfway
between Lethbridge and Coaldale, has made southern Alberta
home since Eugene’s parents immigrated to Canada from
Belgium in 1929 to work in
thesugar-beetfields.
For their dedication,
their spirit, and their tireless
work in the community, the
Wauters family is the County of
Lethbridge’s choice this year for
a BMO Farm Family Award.
Eugene’s parents bought
theirfirstfarmin1933,and
thefamilyoutfithascontinuedtogrowoverthedecadestothe
point today where it consists of 2,000 acres of ranchland, and
1,000 more acres of deeded and leased irrigation land.
Historically, Triangle 7 Farms has dabbled in market
gardening, grown sugar beets, and backgrounded cattle. Today,
the Wauters family produces alfalfa hay and feed grains on its
irrigated land, their son Gerrad runs a 400-head cow/calf
operation, and their other son Philip operates an agricultural
chemical and herbicide application service.
Thefamilyiscontinuallyaimingformoreefficientfarming
methods while minimizing the impact on the environment
by using natural fertilizer, minimum-till practices, and low-
pressure,energy-efficientirrigationmethods.
In the county, the Wauters name is synonymous with service.
Virginia was director and president of the Lethbridge Rural
Early Childhood Society, a volunteer in the school’s religion
program, and a co-editor of the Sunnyside Area History Book.
Eugene, meanwhile, served 15 years as a councillor and reeve
for the county, as well as the southern district director for the
Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties. He was
also director of the Lethbridge Regional Hospital Foundation,
and represented rural Alberta on several environmental,
planning, livestock management, and agricultural boards.
Vocationally,thesixWauterschildrenhavetakendiversifiedcareer
paths. Gerrad maintains the ranch with wife Sandra and daughter
Bailey, 13, who’s serious
about her 4-H projects this
year. Susan and her husband
operate a design and supply
service for poultry and
livestock ventilation, and
automated feeding systems.
Meanwhile, Karen is a
chartered accountant living
in Luxembourg, while Cheryl
and her husband are computer programming sophisticates.
Growing up on the farm, says Eugene, taught them all “strong
workethics,independence,confidence,andlifeassets—which
have allowed them to be successful, conscientious, community-
minded adults.”
And the biggest reward for their parents? “Working together,
without a doubt,” says Virginia. “At harvest time, it’s myself and
my daughter-in-law in the combine, my husband and one son
in the truck, and our other son baling.
“We share the load, and everyone pitches in. It’s been a good life.”
21
Representing Special Area No. 4
WEBB FAMILYVeteran, Alberta
Take any family tree — especially a century farm — and you’re
boundtofindafewripecharacters.
For instance, the Webb family from the Veteran area.
Winston Webb’s grandfather Mel was a rodeo cowboy of
considerablereputeinthe1930s,showingoffhistalentsatthe
Calgary Stampede while specializing in saddle bronc, Brahma
bull riding, and wild horse race.
And then there was his wife, Evelyn.
“A very green thumb, and she was an excellent shot as well,”
notes Winston. “She once shot and killed a badger with a .22
while aiming from the hip.
“Nothing threatened Grandma Evelyn’s chicks.”
Webbalta Ranches Ltd., located about 19 kilometres northeast of
Veteran,hasbeenhometofivegenerationsofWebbs—including
10-year Logan and 8-year-
old Mason, who live on the
homestead with dad Winston,
mom Darlene, grandpa Ken and
grandma Vivian.
More than a century after
Winston’s great-grandfather
Edgar brought his family to
the Neutral Hills area of east-
central Alberta in 1908, the
Webbs operate a vibrant mixed
farm — growing wheat, barley,
oats, peas, and silage, as well as
managing a cow/calf operation of Herefords, with a few Black
Angus thrown in.
“Close family ties and hard work have always been, and continue
to be, the concept of our family ranch,” remarks Winston.
That model work ethic, as well as a volunteer spirit and a can-
do attitude, have earned the Webb family Special Area No. 4’s
hearty salute as a BMO Farm Family Award recipient.
“They represent what a successful mixed family farm
operationisallabout,”saysRyanBuehler,agriculturalfieldman
for Special Area No. 4. “We’re very fortunate to have such a
deserving family for this award.”
While Logan and Mason are still young, they enjoy rolling up
their sleeves to help Winston and Ken during branding season,
also lending a hand processing and moving cattle and running
some of the farm equipment.
Darlene drives the truck at silage and harvest time, and
performsallmannerofyardandfieldduties,whileViviantakes
pride in getting her family fuelled up with great food.
The Webbs also help to keep the community fabric strong
in the Veteran area. The boys are just entering 4-H, while
participating in baseball, soccer, and taekwondo. Vivian is a
member of the Coronation Evangelical Church, and volunteers
at the Veteran School. Darlene volunteers with the school’s
hot-lunch and reading-buddy
programs, and is also on the
parent council and the minor
sports board.
“My wife and mom are
extremely community-
minded,” says Winston. “It’s an
important thing, in general, to
have volunteers to keep these
little towns going.
“It makes a nice place for the
kids to grow up in.”
The Webbs are constantly
on the lookout for better farming techniques to improve
productionandefficiency.Inthemeantime,Winstoncouldn’t
imagine another way of life.
“It’s nice to be your own boss, to see everything you’ve
accomplished — getting a load of calves on the ground, getting
the crops in,” he says.
“You can work as hard as you want, or be as lazy as you want,
although,” he adds with a chuckle, “I have trouble with that.”
22
2010Country of Forty Mile: Courtland Hill Farms; Rob & Stephanie VanRoessel
Country of Lethbridge: XTC Hereford Farm Ltd; Doran & Byron Templeton
County of Newell: Hemsing Homestead; Tracey & Michele Hemsing
County of Warner: Cronkhite Cattle Co Ltd; Darcy & Carol Cronkhite
Kneehill County: Eskeland Farms Ltd; Jim Eskeland
MD of Foothills: Earl Ranches; Harley & Joan Earl
MD of Pincher Creek: Reed Farms; Roy & Diane Reed
MD of Ranchland: Willow Spring Ranch; Carl & Julia Gerwin
MD of Willow Creek: The Van Hierdens; Harvey & Bernita Van Hierden
Mountain View County: Casebeer Farms; Mernus Casbeer
Rocky View County: Dunn Farms; Jim, Lorne & Danny Dunn
Special Area #2: Ridge Ranch Ltd; Greg & Karen Gordon
Special Area #3: Raymond & Sherrie Rude
Starland County: Dodd Farms; Larry, Cindy, Daniel, Sarah & Michelle Dodd
Vulcan County: Davey Farms Ltd; Wayne & Mike Davey
Wheatland County: J C Ranch; Doug & Wes Clark
2009CardstonCounty: BectellRanch;Jeff&ElizabethBectell
County of Forty Mile: Thurston Family Farm; Rick & Wendy Thurston
County of Lethbridge: Schuld Farms Ltd.; Peter & Alice and Ed & Chris Schuld
County of Newell: Loewen Family; Dan & Marg Loewen
County of Warner: Losey Farms Ltd.; Alan & Diane Losey
Kneehill County: R-Jay Farms; Rita & James Main
MDofFoothills: Jeffrey/EgelandFamily;SusanJeffrey&MarkEgeland
MD of Pincher Creek: Cyr Family; Clarence & Helen Cyr
MD of Ranchland: Bluebird Valley Ranch Ltd.; Cameron & Jolayne Gardner
MD of Taber: Tri R Farms; Tim & Patricia Redekop
MD of Willow Creek: Sun Prairie Organic; Neall & Llizabet Coulson
Mountain View County: Jackson Family; Joe & Joanne Jackson
Rocky View County: Scott Stock Farm; Earl & Debra Scott
Special Area #2: Malaka Ranches; Sylvester & Yvonne Malaka
Special Area #3: Caskey Family; Graham & Marlene Caskey
Special Area #4: Murphy Land & Cattle Ltd; Robert & Rosemary Murphy
Starland County: Richmond Ranch; Jim & Stephanie Richmond
Vulcan County: Bexte Family; Nadine & Hubert Bexte
Wheatland County: Risdon Farming Ltd.; Norma-Jean & Doug Risdon
PAST WINNERS
23
2008Cardston County: Martin, Sheila, Keeley & Braeden Hillmer
County of Forty Mile: Marlene (Ray) and Sons
County of Lethbridge: Lloyd, Connie & Ryan Mercer
County of Newell: Barg Farms, Fred & Doug Barg
County of Warner: 409490 Alberta Ltd, Bill & Paula Kaupp
Kneehill County: Rowbottom Farms, Richard & Joe Rowbottom
MD of Foothills: Humfrey Farms Ltd, Bruce & Norma Humfrey
MD of Pincher Creek: M & H Ranch and Feedlot Inc, Harry & Marilyn Welsch
MD of Ranchland: Don & Donna Mowat
MD of Taber: Gouw Quality Onions, Casey Sr., Casey Jr. & Kyle Gouw
MD of Willow Creek: Husted Farms, Larry & Theresa, Tom & Florence Husted
Mountain View County: Mastin Seeds. Bob Mastin
Rocky View County: Farquharson Farms, Don & Marlene Farquharson
Special Area #2: 2L Ranch, Delbert & Elanor Humfrey
Special Area #3: Hern Ranches, Jim & Carol Hern
Starland County: Reed Farms, Walter, Roxie, Jason, & Goldie Reed
Vulcan County: HP Hansen Farms Ltd, Henry & Christine Hansen
Wheatland County: Rocky Ridge Land and Cattle, Lorne & Noreen Stewart
2007Cardston County: Craig & Mary Ellen Smith
County of Lethbridge: Witdouck Farms Ltd., Brian, Calvin & Dale Witdouck
County of Newell: Rommens Farms Ltd., Wendell Rommens
County of Warner: R. J. McKenzie Farms, Ron, Joan & Mike McKenzie
Cypress County: Franz Land & Cattle Co., Gary Franz
Kneehill County: Sorenson Farms Ltd., Murray & Ingrid Sorenson
MD of Foothills: McPherson Ranch, Hugh McPherson
MD of Pincher Creek: Windswept Ranch, Fred & Dierdre Schoening
MD of Ranchland: Nelson Ranch, Einar & Judy Nelson
MD of Taber: Midland Colony, Jon Kleinsasser & Family
MD of Willow Creek: Jack & Colleen De Kok & Family
Mountain View County: Bird Family Farm, Grant Bird
Rocky View County: Cairns Feed Yard, Larry & Joan, DJ & Pam Cairns
Special Area #2: R & L Holdings, Rick & Donna Laughlin
Special Area #3: Whispering Sand Farm, James Newton
Starland County: Leonhardt Farms, Ron & Helen Leonhardt
Wheatland County: Daryl & Connie Lausen
PAST WINNERS
24
2006Cardston County: Nish Farms, Wayne & Debbie Nish & Jenni & Burke Nish
County of Forty Mile: Van Tryp Brothers Ltd., the Van Tryp Families
County of Lethbridge: Keujer Farms, Bernny & Sandi Keujer & Family
County of Newell: Kokay Farms Ltd., David & Kathlyn Peltzer
County of Warner: Nick D’Agnone Farms Ltd., John & Shelia D’Agnone
CypressCounty: FawnCreekRanching,Geoff&MelanieWatson
Kneehill Couty: Bates Farms, Del & Sharon Bates & Families
MD of Foothills: Prairie Rock Farms, Robert G. & Carrie Jackson & Family
MD of Pincher Creek: Twin Butte Simmentals, Tony & Lorraine Bruder & Family
MD of Ranchland: Bateman Ranch, William & Pat Bateman
MD of Taber: Welsh Family Farm, James, Cindy & Jason Welsh
Mountain View County: Meadow Lea Farms, Gary & Kathy & Kelly Richards
Rocky View County: Lamb Cattle Co. Ltd., John, Kim, Nicole & Dustin Lamb
Special Areas #2: Bar J Bar Ranch Ltd., Gene & Mary Johnson & Family
SpecialAreas#3: WagstaffLand&Cattle,Barry&JuanitaWagstaff
Starland County: Don & Sherry Bitz and Family
Vulcan County: Bushell Farms Ltd., Doug & Sharleen Bushell & Family
Wheatland County: Sevcik Simmental Ranch, Marvin & Donna Sevcik
MD of Willow Creek: Echo Springs Ranching Co. Ltd., Bill & Dave Massie & Families
2005Cardston County: Bullock Land & Livestock, William & Sylvia Bullock & Families
County of Forty Mile: XL Bar Ranch Ltd. Terry Lane & Families
County of Newell: Steinbach Ranching, Bernard & Ruth Steinbach
County of Warner: Pittman Brothers, Charles Pittman Family
Cypress County: Biemans Farms, Ken Biemans & Family
Kneehill County: Kubinec Farms, Pat Kubinec & Family
MD of Foothills: Robertson Ranch, Alex Robertson & Family
MD of Pincher Creek: The Bloomin Inn, Francis & Colleen Cyr & Family
MD of Ranchland: Webster Ranch, Arthur & Betty Webster & Family
MD of Taber: De Groot Farms, John & Sandra De Groot & Family
MD of Willow Creek: Bar S Ranch, Clay & Avril Chattaway & Family
Mountain View County: Notley Farms, Wayne & Thelma Notley
Rocky View County: Hansons Ranches, Ron & Irene Hanson & Family
Special Area #2: Housch Family Farm, Rick & Wilda Housch
Special Area #3: Peterson Farms, Merlin & Clara Peterson
Special Area #4: Hadwin Cattle Company, Doug & Joan Hadwin & Family
Starland County: Michie Farms Ltd., George Michie & Family
Vulcan County: Clemalta Farms, Bob & Beverley Clemens
Wheatland County: Corbiell Herefords, Armand & Mary Corbiell
PAST WINNERS
25
2004Cardston County: R.C. Bust Farms
County of Forty-Mile: Harty Farms Ltd.
County of Newell: Armstrong Ranches
County of Warner: Hierath Farms
Cypress County: Flat Valley Farm
Kneehill County: E & D Hastie Farms
MD of Foothills: Newman Farms Ltd.
MD of Pincher Creek: McClelland Family Ranch
MD of Ranchland: Cross Six Ranch
MD of Taber: Oseen Farms
MD of Willow Creek: Gray Farm
Mountain View County: Israelson Farms
Rocky View County: 7 Y Bar Farms
Special Area #2: Stringer Ranches
Special Area #3: Camden Farms Ltd.
Special Area #4: Ron Letniak Farm
Starland County: Hoover Farm
Vulcan County: Benci Seed Farms
Wheatland County : Hilton Acres Ltd.
2003Cardston County: Bo-Mar Farms
County of Forty Mile: Schusslet Brothers
County of Lethbridge: Nolan Cattle Co, Ltd.
County of Newell: Lazy A Farms Ltd.
County of Warner: Hwy 52 Beef Producers Ltd.
Cypress County: Aberle Farms
Kneehill County: Penner Land & Cattle Inc.
MD of Foothills: Giles Ranch
MD of Ranchland: Mountain Park Ranch
MD of Taber: Geremia Farms
Mountain View County: Pochapsky Farms
Rocky View County: Cairns Feedlot Ltd.
Special Area #2: Gould Ranching Ltd.
Special Area #4: Rooke Ranching Ltd.
Starland County: Wilson Grande Coulee Ranch
Vulcan County: Triple E Farms
Wheatland County: Ostergard’s Seed Farm Ltd.
2002Cardston County: Hansen Ranches
County of Forty Mile: Murray Lake Ranching
County of Lethbridge: Tokariuk Family
County of Newell: Burton Farms
County of Warner: Wilde Bros. Farms Ltd.
Cypress County: Yanke Ranches
Kneehill County: Stankievech Farms
MD of Foothills: Roseburn Ranches Ltd.
MD of Pincher Creek: Ricjard & Stephanie Hardy
MD of Ranchland: Rocking P Ranch
MD of Taber: Nakamura Farms Ltd.
MD of Willow Creek: Bar-RZ Polled Herefords
Mountain View County: West 40 Farms Ltd. & Richview Farms Ltd.
Special Area #2: Day Lenfesty
Starland County: Adams Land & Laivestock Ltd.
Vulcan County: Twin Valley Farm & Ranch
Wheatland County: Pat Cammaert Farm
2001Cardston County: Bar Double M Angus
County of Forty Mile: Edmond & Ruby Hirch
County of Lethbridge: Fletcher Farms
County of Newell: Fabian Seed Farms
County of Ranchland: Burke Creek Ranch Ltd.
County of Warner: Doenz Ranches Ltd.
Cypress County: V & V Farms
Kneehill County: Bell Farms
MD of Foothills: Schaal Ranch
MD of Pincher Creek: Cairnstone Farms
Mountain View County: Poplar View Ranch
Rocky View County: R. Havens Cattle Co.
Special Area #2: Rockyhill Ranch
Special Area #4: Deagle Cattle
Starland County: MDM Aqua Farms
PAST WINNERS
26
MD of Willow Creek: Gray Farm
Mountain View County: Israelson Farms
Rocky View County: 7 Y Bar Farms
Special Area #2: Stringer Ranches
Special Area #3: Camden Farms Ltd.
Special Area #4: Ron Letniak Farm
Starland County: Hoover Farm
Vulcan County: Benci Seed Farms
Wheatland County : Hilton Acres Ltd.
2000Cardston County: Dave & Kelly Newton
County of Forty Mile: Bruce & Carla Robertson
County of Lethbridge: Neveridle Farms Ltd.
County of Newell: Ernest & Anne Walde
County of Warner: G & N Farms Ltd.
Cypress County: Short Grass Ranches
Kneehill County: Arn’s Brae Farms
MD of Foothills: Wilson & Marlyne Sutherland
MD of Pincher Creek: Utopia Ranch
MD of Ranchland: T Over V Ranch
MD of Taber: Brian & Evelyn Conrad
Mountain View County: MacFarquhar Farming
Rocky View County: Gordon & Chris Bishop
Starland County: Brian & Jill Clayholt
1999County of Forty Mile: Dykshoorn Farms
County of Lethbridge: Groenenboom Land & Cattle
County of Warner: Baker Land & Cattle Co. Ltd.
Cypress County: Brian & Betty Kirschenman
Kneehill County: Sunterra Farms
MD of Foothills: Ball Ranches
MD of Pincher Creek: Jenkins Lazy U Ranch
MD of Ranchland: Stan Wilson & Family
MD of Taber: Stamp’s Select Seeds
Mountain View County: Innislake Dairy Farm
Rocky View County: Wooliams N2N Ranches
Special Area #4: Murphy Ranch
Starland County: Morrin Corner Bison Ranch
Vulcan County: Doug & Mary Anne Stanko
Wheatland County: John & Allison Sander
1998County of Forty Mile: Jim & Anne Geldrich
County of Lethbridge: Chapman Farms
County of Newell: South Slope Feeders Ltd.
County of Warner: Sleepy Hollow Seeds Ltd.
MD of Foothills: C.R. Longson & Sons
MD of Pincher Creek: Antelope Butte Ranch Ltd.
MD of Ranchland: Nelson Creek Farms
MD of Taber: Huvanaars Seed Farms Ltd.
MD of Willow Creek: Morkin Farms Ltd.
Rocky View County: Winkler Farms
Starland County: Dan & Elaine Moe
Vulcan County: H & H Farms Ltd.
Wheatland County: L4 Ranches
1997County of Forty Mile: Elroy & Edith O’Hara
County of Lethbridge: F. Takeda & Sons Farm Ltd.
County of Newell: Pickett Ranching Ltd.
County of Warner: Doenz Farms Ltd.
Cypress County: Barry & Sandy Schorr
MD of Foothills: Northridge Farms Ltd.
MD of Pincher Creek: Bar 15 Simmentals & Stevick Angus Ranch
MD of Ranchland: Mount Sentinel Ranch Ltd
MD of Taber: Randy & Anne Luehr
Mountain View County: Remitall Cattle Co.
Rocky View County: Grandview Ag. Ltd.
Starland County: Pearson Farms
Wheatland County: Spring-Air Canada Ltd.
1996County of Forty Mile: Kelly & Judy Van Ham
County of Newell: Doerksen Farms
Cypress County: Keith & Rhonda Reesor
MD of Foothills: Callahan Farms
Rocky View County: Bell-Mor Farms
Starland County: R & D Farms
Wheatland County: Indian Springs Farms Ltd.
PAST WINNERS
27
SOUTHERN ALBERTA AGRICULTURE SERVICE BOARD
NIZNIK FAMILY
PHARIS FAMILY
KEELEY FAMILY
GASTFAMILY
PALMERFAMILY
KULTGENFAMILY
WAUTERSFAMILY
HARIFAMILY
LINDSTEDTFAMILY
MARSHMANFAMILY
PEACOCKFAMILY
LAMBFAMILY
WALSH FAMILY
MULLEN FAMILY
DAVISFAMILY
DUNCALFFAMILY
OSADCZUKFAMILY
WEBBFAMILY
