Carseland farmer recognized

Times Reporter        

 

They provide food for many areas. Countless hours are spent from dawn until dusk trying to make a living and support their families. 

Carseland farmer Ron Ostrom and his family were rewarded for their efforts with the BMO Farm Family Award during the Calgary Stampede on July 7. The local family was named the Wheatland County representative for the prestigious award, which is given yearly to 20 counties in Southern Alberta.

The Ostrom family farming roots go back to 1917 when Ron’s grandparents purchased a farm, which was primarily mixed cow/calf operation. Ron, along with his wife Carla, took over the farm from his parents in 1985. It was there that they established the Lone Star Cattle Company and became a feedlot. 

The feedlot has about 5,000 animals in there at all times, which is the most convenient size for their farm to operate at.

The award is a significant accomplishment for the Ostroms, as it honours their dedication to farming. 

“Our family has been in the Carseland/Strathmore area for generations. My dad and grandpa – we have all been active in the area and it is nice to be recognized,” said Ostrom, who credits his father and grandpa for where the farm is today. 

The balance of the feedlot and the amount of cattle has been pretty inconsistent in the last ten years. 

“Since 2003 it has very much been a rollercoaster. We have had mostly lows, but some highs, and in the last year or so, the market has turned around significantly,” said Ostrom. As a result of these market swings, the profitability rate has increased and that is a positive sign for Ostrom and many other farmers.

“The industry is very competitive and the cattle numbers are low and we are going to enter a time of over-capacity of feeding and the cattle industry,” said Ostrom. 

There are promising times ahead for the cow/calf industry and the feedlot will remain balanced.