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 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.
Nominations are now closed for 2023.
Recognize excellence in farming within the Municipal District of Taber. Nominate a farmer who excels in farming practices, management, conservation, and community involvement.
Nomination forms are available here (PDF) or at the MD of Taber Administration Office 403-223-3541 and the Operations & Maintenance facility 403-223-3142. Forms can be picked up in person or requested by mail.
Send nominations to:
BMO Farm Family of the Year Award Contest
Municipal District of Taber
4900-B 50 Street
Taber, AB T1G 1T2
For inquiries, contact Agricultural Services at 403-223-8735.
The BMO Farm Family of the Year will be honoured at the Municipal District of Taber's Agricultural Service Board meeting and invited to the Calgary Stampede, joining exemplary farming families from across the Province. View our Calgary Stampede & Bank of Montreal Farm Family Award Policy here.
Past Winners
1997 – Randy & Anne Luehr
1998 – Huvanaars Seed Farms Ltd.
1999 – Stamp’s Select Seeds
2000 – Brian & Evelyn Conrad
2001 – No nominee
2002 – Nakamura Farms Ltd.
2003 – Geremia Farms
2004 – Oseen Farms
2005 – DeGroot Farms – John & Sandra DeGroot & Family
2006 – Welsh Family Farm – James, Cindy & Jason Welsh
2007 – Midland Colony, Jon Kleinsasser & Family
2008 – Gouw Quality Onions, Casey Sr., Casey Jr. & Kyle Gouw
2009 – Tri R Farms, Tim & Patricia Redekop
2010 – No nominee
2011 – No nominee
2012 – Dry Coulee, Doug & Anita Jensen
2013 – Zelenka Farms Ltd., Robert & Carol Zelenka & Family
2014 – Thistle Ridge Ranch, Ben & Carol Tams Family
2015 – Pepneck Family Farm, Pepneck Family
2016 – Molnar’s Taber Corn & Pumpkins, James & Jennifer Molnar Family
2017 – Reynolds Family Farm, Murray and Helen Reynolds
2018 – Tall Land & Cattle Company, Tom Machacek Family
2019 – Linrich Farms Ltd., Richard and Linda Huvenaars
2020 – Torsius Tater Farms, Bill Torsius Family
2021 – Covid 19
2022 – Brent & Lynda Unruh
2023 – Chin Ridge Farms, Lawrence Barany Family
