Stafford family honoured at Medicine Hat Stampede as Farm Family of the Year

The award recognizes not only the success of Stafford Ranching south of Irvine, but also the family’s contributions to agriculture, environmental stewardship and the community.

Ross Stafford said being recognized in front of friends, neighbours, and fellow members of the agricultural community at the Medicine Hat Stampede was a humbling experience.

“It’s humbling for sure,” Ross said.

“We’re thankful. Cypress County is a great place to call home.”

The Staffords have grown their ranch from about 20 cows when they purchased the property in 2006 to a herd of roughly 200 head of cattle today.

Their children have also remained closely connected to agriculture, as Jane Stafford works in the livestock industry after studying animal science, while Rylan Stafford works as a welder and continues raising cattle and training horses.

Ross and Jane said the recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the work the entire family has put into the operation over the years.

“We’re grateful, it’s a wonderful community,” Ross said.

“We love working together, so it’s fun to get recognized together. We love what we do, so it feels good to go,” Jane said.

Before returning home to Medicine Hat, the family travelled to Calgary for the BMO Farm Family Award celebrations, where they joined the other recipient families from across southern Alberta.

Arlene Stafford said the event provided an opportunity to celebrate with other agricultural families before taking in one of the Calgary Stampede’s signature attractions.

“Calgary Stampede was amazing, we were with 18 or 19 other families, and it was special to all be together, and then we went to the rodeo up there, we were given tickets up there,” Arlene said.

The Staffords built their ranch from the ground up after moving to southeastern Alberta in 2006.

In addition to expanding the cattle operation, the family has completed stewardship projects to protect riparian areas on the ranch and has remained active in organizations including 4-H, the Bow Island Grazing Association and Medicine Hat Stampede events.

The Farm Family of the Year award is presented annually by Cypress County to recognize outstanding agricultural families whose contributions extend beyond their own operations through leadership, volunteerism and support of the rural community.

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READ: Cypress County’s Stafford family honoured 2026 Farm Family of the Year

by Jett Schwaier

Stafford family honoured at Medicine Hat Stampede as Farm Family of the Year

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