Calgary (Rural Roots Canada) – Farm families across southern Alberta have been recognized for their hard work and dedication to the agricultural community at this year’s Calgary Stampede.

The 2025 BMO Farm Family Awards honour farm families who exemplify the values of the family farm and the spirit of rural life. This year, 19 families were recognized for their leadership in agriculture, community roots, and commitment to preserving and promoting Western heritage.

“It’s such a privilege,” says Puff McKim, of The DU Ranch in the Municipal District of Pincher Creek. “We never expected it. It was totally out of the blue, and we feel so honoured and special because of this day.”

Daughter Kate McKim agrees, saying that as a third-generation rancher, working together as a family is the most important thing that helps keep their operation running.

“It’s incredibly important for our ranch,” she says. “I’m third generation. My kids are fourth generation. We all work together as a family unit to make it happen and make it operate. We’re blessed, we’re lucky to be able to do these things together as a family.”

For the Simkin family of Special Area No. 4, the award is a special honour. A five-generation operation, owner Sue Simkin says life on the ranch has been the best foundation for her kids and grandkids, all of whom help run the operation. “Ranching makes them thinkers, as you have to figure out things on your own to make it more efficient and easier,” she explains.

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Devin and Danielle McNeill run their farm in Cypress County. Passionate about farming and helping their community, the McNeill’s also stressed the importance of family within their operation and the agricultural community as a whole.

“I just think it’s such an important and valuable part of the farming community,” says Danielle. “Our family really tries to hold onto the values we were raised with. We take pride in the deep roots we have in farming and family that have been passed down through generations. We live on the family farm I grew up on, and Devon’s family still farms too, carrying on their own multi-generational legacy. It’s something that runs in our blood and something we find deeply important as we raise our own family.”

For Larry and Trace Woolliams of Woolliams Farms in Rocky View County, this was the second BMO Farm Family Award. The Woolliams run a 9,000-acre grain farm, producing malt barley, canola, wheat, and hay.

Larry says he’s had a lifelong passion for farming. “My passion for farming was ignited at a young age, riding along with my dad and grandfather and learning the ropes of the family farm,” he explains.

Larry, the fifth generation on the farm, is proud to see his son Trace represent the sixth. “It’s pretty spectacular,” he said. “It’s honouring.” Trace, still in school, already plays a key role in daily operations.

All nominees were treated to a reception and brunch, a chance to speak wth government officials, including RJ Sigurdson, Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, a family photograph session, and an afternoon at a Stampede Rodeo event.

All the families say they are committed to keeping the old farming traditions alive while adapting to the ongoing evolution of farming in the 21st century.

Complete List of BMO Farm Family Award Winners 

• Cardston County – Kormos Family
• County of Newell – Retzlaff Family
• County of Warner – Keeler Family
• Cypress County – McNeill Family
• Foothills County – Herr Family
• Kneehill County – Stankievech Family
• Lethbridge County – Konynenbelt Family
• MD of Pincher Creek – McKim Family
• MD of Ranchland No. 66 – Streeter Family
• MD of Taber – Holst Family
• MD of Willow Creek – Vandervalk Family
• Mountain View County – Unger Family
• Rocky View County – Woolliams Family
• Special Areas No. 2 – McMillin Family
• Special Areas No. 3 – Huston/Lyster Family
• Special Areas No. 4 – Simkin Family
• Starland County – Kiemele Family
• Vulcan County – Matlock Family
• Wheatland County – Sammons Family