Celebrating Alberta Agriculture – BMO and the Calgary Stampede recognize 20 farm families

Calgary – BMO Bank of Montreal and the Calgary Stampede are proud to recognize 20 southern Alberta families who represent the true values behind agriculture. Now in their 22^nd year, the BMO Farm Family Awards are a celebration of the outstanding contributions the chosen farm families have made to the agriculture industry and their community. This event showcases those who take an innovative approach to growing their business, demonstrate a commitment to traditional western values and maintain an exceptional standard of sustainability.

“We’re so proud to be supporting a tradition that is more than two decades in the making, and one that honours those who best typify the value of the family farmer to our society,” said Susan Brown, Senior Vice President, Alberta and Northwest Territories Division, BMO Bank of Montreal. “The BMO Farm Family awards celebrate outstanding entrepreneurial dedication to the agriculture sector and rural way of life, and we are thankful for the winners’ leadership and support for the community.”

Each year, the municipal districts in southern Alberta each nominate one family. Selected families, who best display the qualities of a Farm Family, are brought to the Stampede for the BMO Farm Family Awards, which include a reception and special greetings from Alberta's Minister of Agriculture.

“Farm families have long been the foundation of Alberta’s rural communities,” says Oneil Carlier, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry. “Their hard work, commitment and ingenuity have helped build and grow not just Alberta’s agriculture sector, but our province. I’m honoured to be a part of recognizing this year’s recipients for their achievements.”

The BMO Farm Family Awards this morning also featured a reception, awards ceremony and brunch. On hand to help recognize those being honoured were Susan Brown, Senior Vice President - Alberta/NWT Division, BMO Bank of Montreal, David Sibbald, Calgary Stampede President and Chairman of the Board as well as Oneil Carlier, Alberta Minister of Agriculture.

The winning families also received a personalized gate sign and tickets to the afternoon Stampede Rodeo.

The winners of the 2018 BMO Farm Family Awards are:

About the Calgary Stampede

The Calgary Stampede celebrates the people, the animals, the land, the traditions and the values that make up the unique spirit of the west. The Calgary Stampede contributes to the quality of life in Calgary and southern Alberta through our world-renowned Stampede, year-round facilities, western events and several youth and agriculture programs. Exemplifying the theme We’re Greatest Together; we are a volunteer-supported, not-for-profit community organization that preserves and promotes western heritage and values. All revenue is reinvested into Calgary Stampede programs and facilities.

About BMO and the Calgary Stampede

BMO Bank of Montreal’s ties to the Calgary Stampede are long and remarkable. The relationship between BMO and the Calgary Stampede is the oldest business relationship in Western Canada, dating back to 1884. BMO has been the banker to the Calgary Exhibition since 1899 when lands were christened at Victoria Park. The Agricultural Society had purchased 94 acres of land from the Dominion of Canada and built a race track, cattle sheds and an exhibition building. BMO continued as the banker in 1912 when the first rodeo took place and it became the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede.

For more information, please contact:

Agriculture Media Committee

agmedia@calgarystampede.com

Brooke Martine

Media Relations Coordinator

Calgary Stampede

T 403.261.0339

C 403.336.3979

bmartine@calgarystampede.com