Wheatland farm family pick

Times Contributor    

 

Wheatland County has chosen the Ostrom family for the Bank of Montreal (BMO) Farm Family from Wheatland County for 2014, but the final choice was not an easy one.

“Every community has people that would fit this award,” said Deputy Reeve Ben Armstrong.

Council members stated letters and suggestions had come in from the public and were taken into consideration when nominating potential candidates for the award. The process included considering the existing nomination process, suggestions for future procedures and which division within the county had been represented in the past. Discussion led to the Ostrom family winning out over the many deserving candidates. The Ostroms raise and breed Shorthorn and Shorthorn plus cattle on the Lone Star Cattle Ltd. farm feedlot in the Carseland area.

“I have the greatest respect for Ron and Carla,” said Division Three Councilor Don Vander Velde. “Many of the young people in this area got their first job at their feedlot. They have always been active in the community and give of their time and money whenever it is needed.”

BMO set up the award to focus on recognizing contributions that enhanced the quality of life that farmers and their families make to their communities. This also includes any innovative farm practises. Each year, municipal districts in southern Alberta nominate one family. Then, all the families go to the Calgary Stampede for the BMO Farm Family Awards, which include a reception, a greeting from Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture, brunch, an awards presentation, and a family photograph session. The winning families are then treated to an afternoon Stampede Rodeo performance. 

Mike Darling, District Vice President of the Bank of Montreal Alberta and North West Territories Commercial District, said the BMO has been working with farm families for over 100 years and participating in the Stampede’s Farm Family awards for 17 years.  The bank acknowledges the hard work and business acumen needed for Alberta farm families to succeed and considers their contributions to agriculture, with community based values honed from pioneer spirit a foundation for communities throughout Alberta.

Bob Thompson, Chair of the Calgary Stampede Board, said all the farm families reflect the best of Alberta’s rural roots and should be acknowledged for providing food for everyone’s table, but also given recognition for the contributions made in enriching lives of others.