By Scott Roblin

Area farmers & ranchers recognized for over a century of work

Jul 26, 2018 | 5:00 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — An overwhelming sense of pride at the Cypress Centre on Thursday afternoon, as a dozen local farmers and ranchers were recognized for their place in Alberta’s history.

The Century Farm and Ranch Awards were presented to area producers who have spent more than 100 years on their property and who have helped to establish Alberta’s agricultural footprint.

A handful of local families were presented with bronze plaques by the province, including the Reesor family from Irvine and the Stickel family of Seven Persons.

It was a big day for the Elkwater’s Beierbach family as well, as they were presented an award in commemoration of their first area ranch.

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Matriarch Fay Beierbach has been involved in the ranching business for all her life and said it’s an industry that her family takes pride in.

“My family has always been in this business,” said Beierbach. “We know it from day one, I do, my family does, it’s important.”

A common theme of the afternoon was family, with many of the operations that were honoured spanning multiple generations.

The Beierbach clan is no different, as all of Fay’s children, eight grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren are all involved in the ranching business.

The 93-year-old said it’s a powerful thing seeing five different generations over her lifetime working towards the same goal.

“It means everything to see that they value the dream, the importance of raising food for humanity.”

According to the province, over 1,750 families have received the Centre Farm and Ranch Awards since 1993.

The other families honoured on Thursday included the Battrum family from Sibbald, the Brady family from Nobleford, the Cradduck family from Taber, the Dixson family from Foremost, the Doenz family from Warner, the Hirsche family from Wrentham, the Johnson family from Oyen, the Kulyk family from Buffalo, and the Peterson family from Oyen.