News Releases

Calgary, July 12, 2010 – The Calgary Stampede and BMO Bank of Montreal today recognized 16 southern Alberta families for their outstanding contributions to the Alberta agricultural sector. The recipients of the 2010 BMO Farm Family Awards each demonstrate the critical role they play in furthering Alberta agriculture. These families have been able to combine the ideals and traditions of the past with up-to-date business and technological practices.

The importance of Alberta's agricultural sector has been a constant theme of the Calgary Stampede and an important component of BMO Bank of Montreal's commercial banking business in the province.

The recipients were chosen for this honour by the Alberta Agriculture Board Services based on the difference they have made to the farming community and the other communities they share. The awards bring attention to the innovations and expertise of Alberta farmers and ranchers within an industry that is as much about the business as it is about western heritage and family values.

“Agribusiness is a very important part of BMO's Commercial Banking business in Alberta and the BMO Farm Family Awards, along with product innovations such as the recently launched AgriInvest Account, are excellent ways to show our support for farmers in the province,” said Bill Hogg, Vice President, Alberta/NWT Commercial District, BMO Bank of Montreal. “These families are outstanding examples of how far farm management has come and the tremendous contributions they make to the Alberta economy,” Hogg added.

The awards focus attention on the importance of farming as a diverse and compelling business sector, the unique ideals and opportunities of rural living and the manner in which farm families are actively involved in their community.

Many of the families have farmed in the province for decades. For instance the Casebeer family farm sits about 13 kilometres east of Carstairs and is this year's BMO Farm Family Award recipient for Mountain View County. Something about the Alberta prairie convinced Philip Casebeer to put down roots in 1901 and more than a century later, those roots are stronger than ever. “Yup, that's five generations — my grandpa, my dad, me, my son and my grandson,” said Mernus Casebeer.

“We are proud to recognize families who uphold the traditions of the past while helping the province's ongoing economic growth,” said Dr. David Chalack, President and Chairman of the board for The Calgary Stampede.

The winners of the 2010 BMO Farm Family Awards are:
1.County of Forty Mile No. 8 Rob & Stephanie VanRoessel, Bow Island 
2. County of Lethbridge Doran & Byron Templeton, Lethbridge 
3. County of Newell No.4  Tracy & Michele Hemsing, Rolling Hills 
4. County of Warner No. 5 Darcy & Carol Cronkhite, Warner
5. Kneehill County  Jim Eskeland, Drumheller 
6. MD of Foothills #31 Harley & Joan Earl, High River 
7. MD of Pincher Creek  Roy & Diana Reed, Pincher Creek 
8. MD of Ranchland No. 66  Carl & Julia Gerwien, Nanton
9. MD of Willow Creek  Harvey & Bernita Van Hierden, Fort Macleod
10. Mountain View County  Mernus Casebeer, Carstairs
11. Rocky View County  Jim, Lorne & Danny Dunn, Airdrie 
12. Special Area #2 Greg & Karen Gordon, Hanna 
13. Special Area #3  Raymond & Sherrie Rude, Sedalia
14. Starland County Larry, Cindy, Daniel, Sarah & Michelle Dodd, Morrin
15. Vulcan County  Wayne & Mike Davey, Champion
16. Wheatland County  Doug & Wes Clark, Bassano

Each family was presented with a personalized farm gate sign, and had a professional photograph taken. The families will also receive admission to Stampede Park, and tickets to the rodeo.

Detailed biographies are available at www.stampedeagriculture.com (Click on the BMO Farm Family Awards Logo). Farm family photos are also available by contacting Sharon Yeast, 403.261.9316, syeast@calgarystampede.com or Anna Melnick, Media Relations Coordinator, Calgary Stampede at 403.261.9102 amelnick@calgarystampede.com