Three area families have been honoured for their dedication to farming for the last 100 years. The Martin family whose farm is in Beaverlodge and the Sarmagas family who farm near Bezanson were both given the Heritage Award on November 15th. Gavin Martin says he was proud to recieve the award.
“It gives you a sense of your base and roots, where you’ve come from, and a feeling of building something to pass on to our girls.”
The Heritage Award is given to families who have farmed in the area for 100 years and have ownership of their original homestead land. Martin and his family members work on 5,000 acres of land and own 500 cows and calves. Agricultural Fieldman Sonja Raven says these families are adding to the county’s farming history.
“The county is steeped in agricultural tradition. The longevity of these families in farming is remarkable and what they’ve contributed to the region is an incredible legacy.”
Those awards were given out at an Agricultural Services Board Meeting on November 15th. The Pioneer Farming Family Award was also given out at that meeting. It is awarded to a family who has farmed or ranched in the area for 100 years on land they own or rent.
This year’s winner was the Bues family who farm near Valhalla. Applications for both awards will continue to be accepted throughout the year. To apply, visit the county’s website.