Calgary, AB – The Calgary Stampede and BMO Financial Group (BMO) recognized and celebrated 19 southern Alberta families at this year’s BMO Farm Family Awards. The 2022 chosen families were welcomed to Stampede Park for the 26th annual BMO Farm Family Awards where they were recognized for their exceptional commitment to the agriculture industry and the community.
The Calgary Stampede and its long-time partner, BMO, aim to create awareness about the importance of farming and agriculture. They work to support the hard work and dedication each of the Farm Families put into keeping their family operations running smoothly and keeping the agriculture industry moving forward through innovation.
“BMO’s long history of support for the agricultural community is anchored by our partnership of the BMO Farm Family Awards,” said Lynda Taylor, National Head, Agriculture and Agribusiness, BMO Financial Group. “Honouring the hard-working farming families of Southern Alberta for their innovation and impressive contributions to the agriculture industry is a true joy for BMO.”
Each of the municipal districts in southern Alberta nominate a family who displays these qualities of a Farm Family. The winning families are chosen for their contributions to Alberta’s farming and agriculture sectors. They are true leaders in their fields and have longstanding relationships within their communities. The farm families have a strong passion for agriculture, and many continue family legacies.
The Alberta Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development, Nate Horner, the National Head, Agriculture and Agribusiness, BMO Financial Group, Lynda Taylor and Calgary Stampede President and Chairman of the Board, Steve McDonough were all on hand at the awards ceremony to recognize and congratulate the winning families.
“Farm families aren’t just integral to Alberta’s rural economy, they’re a foundational part of our proud agricultural heritage,” said Nate Horner, Alberta Minister of Agriculture, forestry and Rural Economic Development. “Congratulations to the winners of the 2022 BMO Farm Family Awards and thank you for all your contributions to our province and agriculture sector.”
The selected families were invited to Stampede for the BMO Farm Family Awards event on July 11, which included an awards ceremony, reception and brunch. All Farm Families also received an afternoon at the Calgary Stampede Rodeo and a personalized gate sign for their farms.
The winners of the 2022 BMO Farm Family Awards are:
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| Cardston County | Gibb Farms Ltd. | Gibb (Larry) |
| County of Forty Mile No. 8 | 4M Farms | Morgan (John) |
| County of Newell | Evans (Gary & Sheila) | |
| County of Warner | Thomas (Keith) | |
| Cypress County | Cottonwood Livestock | Forbes (Gordon & Patty) |
| Lethbridge County | Vanden Elzen (Mary) | |
| MD of Foothills No. 31 | RJ Bart Stock Corp | Brocklebank (Bart & Rosemary) |
| MD of Pincher Creek | Rutledge (Steve) | |
| MD of Ranchland No. 66 | Mount Sentinal Ranch Ltd. | Green (Sarah) |
| MD of Taber | 1508806 AB Ltd. | Unruh (Brent & Lynda) |
| MD of Willow Creek #26 | Dunlop Ranch Ltd. | Dunlop (Blaine & Jodi) |
| Mountain View County | Henry (Lynne & Mildred) | |
| Rocky View County | Cross Rock Ranch Ltd. | Hurt (Ron & Donna) |
| Special Areas No. 2 | McNiven (Mike & Kathy) | |
| Special Areas No. 3 | Westerlund Ranches | Westerlund (Terry) |
| Special Areas No. 4 | Strankman (Darryl & Rosana) | |
| Starland County | Fred Ewing Family Farm | Landry (Mark & Angie) |
| Vulcan County | Greene (Dan & Shari) | |
| Wheatland County | Generation Land and Grain Company Ltd. | Konschuh (Eldon & Sheila) |
About the Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede celebrates the people, the animals, the land, the traditions and the values that make up the unique spirit of the west. The Calgary Stampede contributes to the quality of life in Calgary and southern Alberta through our world-renowned Stampede, year-round facilities, western events and several youth and agriculture programs. Exemplifying the theme, We’re Greatest Together, we are a volunteer-supported, not-for-profit community organization that preserves and celebrates our western heritage, cultures and community spirit. All revenue is reinvested into Calgary Stampede programs and facilities.
About BMO and the Calgary Stampede
BMO Financial Group’s ties to the Calgary Stampede are long and remarkable. The relationship between BMO and the Calgary Stampede is the oldest business relationship in Western Canada, dating back to 1884. BMO has been the banker to the Calgary Exhibition since 1899 when lands were christened at Victoria Park. The Agricultural Society had purchased 94 acres of land from the Dominion of Canada and built a race track, cattle sheds and an exhibition building. BMO continued as the banker in 1912 when the first rodeo took place and it became the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede.
For more information, please contact:
Tyla Nixon
Communications Coordinator
Calgary Stampede
T 403.261.0309
E tnixon@calgarystampede.com
