Linrich Farms earns ag recognition

FAMILY FIRST: Hays families were well represented at the 2019 Calgary Stampede as Linrich Farms accepted its 2019 BMO Farm Family award. ADVANCE PHOTO SUBMITTED

Hays area farming operation Linrich Farms have been crowned a 2019 Farm Family at this year’s Calgary Stampede.

Richard, Linda and the Huvenaars family were in attendance to accept their award at the Stampede.

Recognizing families who represent the true values of agriculture, Bank of Montreal and the Calgary Stampede are proud to recognize 19 southern Alberta families at this year’s BMO Farm Family Awards.

The 2019 chosen farm families were welcomed to Stampede Park for the 23rd annual BMO Farm Family Awards to celebrate the contributions they have made to the agriculture industry and their community.

As leaders in Alberta’s agriculture industry, the winning farm families have deep-seated roots in their communities, a passion for farming and proud family legacies carried on through their day to day operations.

“BMO has a long history of supporting the agricultural community, and we are proud to honour these families and their contributions to the rural way of life that is the very heart of Canada,” said John MacAulay, BMO regional president, Prairies and Northwest Territories Division. “The BMO Farm Family Awards recognize the contributions made by Alberta farmers, from their deep roots in the community to the stewardship of the lands on which they work, and the values of hard work and commitment that they embody.”

The BMO Farm Family Awards aim to maintain a primary focus on agriculture and agri-food at the Calgary Stampede and within southern Alberta, promote the relationship between urban and rural people and create awareness about agriculture and the value of the family farmer. This event showcases those who take an innovative approach to growing their business, demonstrate a commitment to traditional western values and maintain an exceptional standard of sustainability.

Every year, each of the municipal districts in southern Alberta nominates one family who displays the qualities of a Farm Family. Selected families are brought to Stampede for the BMO Farm Family Awards, which include an awards ceremony, reception and brunch.

“Congratulations to all the Farm Families. I’m proud of all their hard work and contributions to Alberta’s agricultural sector,” said Alberta Minister of Agriculture, Devin Dreeshen. “Farm families demonstrate a great mix of family values and business acumen. I wish these families every success going forward and reiterate that Alberta’s government will create conditions so businesses are best positioned to thrive.”

In addition to Devin Dreeshen, the Alberta Minister of Agriculture, John MacAulay, Regional President, Prairies and Northwest Territories Division, BMO Bank of Montreal and Dana Peers, Calgary Stampede President and Chairman of the Board were also in attendance to help recognize the winning families.

Each Farm Family also received a personalized gate sign and an afternoon at the Calgary Stampede Rodeo.