A century of farm family fulfillment

Times Contributor    

 

One of the 2014 Century Farm and Ranch Awards went to the Wilson family of Wheatland County at a ceremony in Lethbridge on Aug. 19. Eighty-one other farm families across the province of Alberta also received the award.

The requirement was to be currently farming the same land that was farmed for 100 years or more by members of the same family. The awards were given in recognition of the modern farm and ranch family’s ability to overcome constant challenges and recognized their ability over generations to remain on the family farm. 

“We are quite proud of it. It is not something every farmer has done,” said Ross Wilson. “We are the fourth generation on the same farm. We are happy to receive the award and happy they recognized us for it.”

Wilson said they received notification in the mail about the honour, and received a nice plaque in commemoration. They unfortunately couldn’t attend the dinner held in Lethbridge for recipients.

The Wilsons have a mixed farm, raising cattle, and growing wheat, barley and canola; he said among other things it takes perseverance for families to stay farming 100 years on the same piece of land. He agreed there were many challenges. He had a clear idea of one challenge that has never been removed from a farmer’s life.

“There is one challenge that hasn’t changed in a hundred years and it’s the weather. It’s unpredictable and we are completely dependent upon it. It doesn’t matter if it is 1909 or 2009,” said Wilson. “We are growing bigger and better crops, but if it doesn’t rain … it doesn’t grow, and if it gets too hot … it’s not that good either.”

Today’s farmers have some advantages, like the provision of crop insurance. Recently, hail swept through the area and hit Wilson’s wheat fields, and other farms in the area were hard hit, but Wilson said farmers took the hit and then stood up and went right back to work.

“It’s a fact of life. It is better to have some grain in the bin, but at least you can get some money back,” said Wilson.

Wilson had advice for those interested in starting their own farm.

“It’s a lifestyle. I get to be my own boss. Every day is a different day and every year is a different year. It has its ups and downs and as soon as you think you have things figured out, the next year is different.”

Wilson said all the family are involved in working the farm too.

“It’s a great place to raise a bunch of kids. Everybody pitches in,” said Wilson. 

It is not uncommon for farm families to have backup skills that they rely on in lean times, to carry them through. In his younger years, while his father managed the farm, Ross went to college and got a degree as a denturist and later worked with pipeline crews. 

With so much time put into farm activity, you would think their hobbies would not be farm related. Not so for the Wilsons. They are active in rodeo and Ross’s wife and daughter participate in barrel racing.

“It’s all we have really known. This is what keeps everyone together and everyone happy. I am not sure what doing anything else would be like,” said Wilson.