BMO Farm Family Awards mark 30 years, honouring 19 families shaping Alberta agriculture

Calgary, AB (July 7, 2026) — On July 6, the Calgary Stampede, in partnership with BMO, was proud to announce the 19 recipients of the 2026 BMO Farm Family Awards, marking 30 years of recognizing southern Alberta farm families at the Calgary Stampede.

Since 1996, the BMO Farm Family Awards have honoured hundreds of outstanding families whose contributions reach far beyond the farm gate. This year’s recipients represent the people at the heart of Alberta agriculture: families who help feed our communities, strengthen rural life and carry forward the values that have shaped the province’s agricultural story for generations.

“For 30 years, the BMO Farm Family Awards have recognized the dedicated families who feed our communities, showcase our Western heritage and keep agriculture moving forward,” said Stuart O’Connor, President & Chair of the Board, Calgary Stampede. “These awards reflect what has always been true of the Calgary Stampede: agriculture and community spirit run through everything we do, and those values have long been part of the shared history between the Stampede and BMO, a relationship dating back to 1896.”

The Calgary Stampede and BMO have spent three decades working together to champion Alberta agriculture and the people behind it. The awards recognize the families whose work supports sustainable farming practices, agricultural innovation, leadership and volunteerism.

Each year, award recipients are welcomed to Stampede Park for a special recognition ceremony and lunch, followed by an afternoon at GMC Stadium to take in The World’s Richest Outdoor Rodeo, in celebration of their achievements.

“BMO is proud to mark 30 years of the BMO Farm Family Awards and to celebrate the generations of farm families whose leadership, resilience and dedication continue to shape the future of agriculture in Alberta,” said Leah Weatherill, National Head of the Agriculture Group, BMO Commercial Bank. “BMO’s connection to the Calgary Stampede and to the agriculture community runs deep, and we are proud to recognize the farm families who strengthen rural communities, advance innovation and carry forward the traditions that are so important to Alberta’s identity.”

Honourees are nominated by municipalities throughout southern Alberta and are selected based on their commitment to agriculture, community service, environmental stewardship and innovation. The families are leaders in their fields, with many representing multi-generational legacies, and embracing new technologies and practices.

As the 2026 BMO Farm Family Awards mark an incredible 30 years, the Calgary Stampede and BMO celebrate the legacy of the awards while continuing to highlight the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Alberta Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Tara Sawyer, whose family received a BMO Farm Family Award in 2014, attended the ceremony alongside O’Connor and Weatherill.

“For 30 years, the BMO Farm Family Awards have celebrated the families whose dedication, innovation and stewardship have helped make Alberta agriculture one of the strongest in the world,” said Minister Sawyer. “Congratulations to this year’s recipients for the lasting contributions you make to your communities and our province. Your hard work strengthens Alberta’s economy, feeds families here and around the world, and inspires the next generation of agricultural leaders.”

The winners of the 2026 BMO Farm Family Awards are:

Andrew Family (Special Area No. 3)
Christensen Family (Wheatland County)
Foote Family (Municipal District of Willow Creek No. 26)
Gridley Family (Starland County)
Gschaid Family (Lethbridge County)
Hewitt Family (Municipal District of Pincher Creek)
Jacobson Family (County of Newell)
Knievel Family (Kneehill County)
McWilliam Family (Foothills County)
Odland Family (Municipal District of Taber)
Packer Family (Mountain View County)
Ralston-Norregaard Family (Rocky View County)
Reese Family (County of Warner)
Reimer Family (County of Forty Mile)
Sande Family (Vulcan County)
Stafford Family (Cypress County)
Tricsli Family (Cardston County)
Walton Family (Special Area No. 2)
Williams Family (Municipal District of Ranchland No. 66)

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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 shares Western hospitality and community spirit. calgarystampede.com

About BMO and the Calgary Stampede 

BMO and the Calgary Stampede have a longstanding relationship. In fact, the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede is the oldest commercial customer of the BMO Calgary branch, having opened their account in 1896, only ten years after the branch opened. In 1899, BMO became the official bank of the Calgary Exhibition, the predecessor to the Stampede, and then an official sponsor in 1914. Since 1996, the BMO Farm Family Award has been presented annually to outstanding farm families in southern Alberta who best illustrate the value of family farmers to society. In 2024, the BMO Centre at Stampede Park opened its doors as Western Canada's largest convention centre. With a total facility size of over 1 million sq. ft., BMO Centre helps position Calgary as a premier destination for global conventions and events. For more information, visit ourheritagebmo.com.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Media Relations
Calgary Stampede                                             

E media.relations@calgarystampede.com

Kate Simandl
BMO Public Relations
T (416) 867-3996
E kate.simandl@bmo.com