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. The families are brought to the Stampede for the BMO Farm Family Awards, which includes a reception, greetings from Alberta's Minister of Agriculture, brunch, awards presentation, and family photograph session. The winning families are then treated to an afternoon Stampede Rodeo performance.
This invitational reception will take place at Stampede Park in Calgary.
Goal:
To name and recognize outstanding Alberta farm families in the districts south of Red Deer.
Purpose of Award:
to promote the relationship between urban and rural people
to focus on Agriculture and Agri-Food at the Calgary Stampede
to increase the awareness of the high ideals of Agriculture, Agri-Food and the opportunities of rural living
Requirements:
farm families must be actively involved in their community and either Agriculture or Agri-Food
Agriculture or Agri-Food must provide the major source of income
must be active in primary Agriculture or Agri-Food and have members residing on farm
Who nominates:
Alberta Agriculture Service Board representatives from the various districts/municipalities.
What happens next:
All nominees are honored at the Farm Family Award Ceremonies held in conjunction with the Calgary Stampede. It is at the ceremony and brunch that the families meet with BMO Bank of Montreal representatives, government officials, Calgary Stampede Board Members, and Stampede Royalty. Each family member receives free admission to the park, a Farm Family Awards limited edition pin and an afternoon rodeo ticket. Professional family photographs will be taken and each family will be presented with a personalized farm gate sign.
Congratulations to the families who are nominated for the 2025 Farm Family Awards!
Cardston County - Kormos Family
County of Newell - Retzlaff Family
County of Warner - Keeler Family
Cypress County - McNeill Family
Foothills County - Herr Family
Kneehill County - Stankievech Family
Lethbridge County - Konynenbelt Family
MD of Pincher Creek - McKim Family
MD of Ranchland No. 66 - Streeter Family
MD of Taber - Holst Family
MD of Willow Creek - Vandervalk Family
Mountain View County - Unger Family
Rocky View County - Woolliams Family
Special Areas No. 2 - McMillin Families
Special Areas No. 3 - Huston/Lyster Family
Special Areas No. 4 - Simkin Family
Starland County - Kiemele Family
Vulcan County - Matlock Family
Wheatland County - Sammons Family
Event Runs: July 7, 2025
BMO Centre