McNeills named Farm Family of the Year for Cypress County

Devin McNeill grew up a little further north down Highway 41 in Bindloss and is a third generation farmer.

Devin and his wife Danielle operate the farm, teaching their four kids ranging in ages from five to 12 to make the most of what the land gives them, and to make their community better while doing it.

“If you want something, you’ve got to work for it,” Devin said in a media release from the county.

“You can’t make any major decisions until the crop is in the bin. Even then, issues can arise.”

The family won the nomination after a vote by Cypress County’s agricultural service board.

The individual who nominated the McNeill family wrote about how the family has been involved in the Hilda community.

“From volunteering on the fire department, Hilda and Community Association and at Schuler School, they are willing to work with their hands and their minds to make the area a better place,” the nomination read.

Danielle who grew up in Cypress County is an active volunteer, from school council in Schuler to the Elkwater Ski Club, and more.

“We enjoy helping where we can and have always believed that these positions are very important in small communities,” Danielle said.

“If we don’t have enough involvement, they may disappear and never return again.”

Devin earned his 10-year award from the county’s fire services, where he’s the captain of Station 8.

He was a director on the 2017 wildfire recovery committee and remains with the community association.

The grain farm operation for the McNeill’s operates on a five year crop rotation and including pulses, cereals, and oil seeds.

Devin said the focus is making sure to do what is in the best interest of the land.

“Sometimes you just have to do what in your gut makes the most sense,” Devin said.

“During these last couple of dry years, it’s been trying to find products that don’t have carry over from drought,” he added.

“You might not see it to begin with, but the next year you see the damage if you don’t put the right products down.”

There is a little bit more optimism for the McNeill’s this growing season with recent moisture, but according to Devin you never count your crops until the yield is in the bin.

Devin, Danielle and their children Tyson, Emitt, Aria and Boyd will be able to enjoy their recognition next month in Calgary and Medicine Hat.

“It’s nice to feel appreciated for our hard work and the contributions that we make within our community” said Devin.

“We are lucky to live this blessed lifestyle.”

by Jesse Gill

McNeills named Farm Family of the Year for Cypress County

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