By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com
The Bank of Montreal (BMO) in partnership with the Ontario Plowmen’s Association (OPA) released the names of the 2014 recipients of the BMO Ontario Farm Family Award. The full list of award winners can be read below.
Prior to the most recent announcement, BMO published the names of 26-farm families who were nominated by their local plowmen’s association to be in the running for the award. Each branch was given the opportunity to nominate a farm family in their county, which they felt best deserved recognition for the contributions that they have made to their farming community and the agricultural industry. The families chosen did not have to be an OPA member.
A provincial selection committee then picked 10 families out of the nominee list to win the prestigious award. The 10 families will be treated to a day at the 2014 International Plowing Match (IPM) and Rural Expo to be held in Ivy, Ontario. Local nominees will still be recognized at their local plowing match as well.
The top-10 families will be honoured at a recognition program on Saturday, September 20. The day-long itinerary includes a complimentary lunch and a professional family photography session. In the past, families have received an engraved farm gate plaque and VIP treatment at several popular IPM events, including tractor square dancing.
The award was first introduced at the 2012 IPM held in the Waterloo Region. It was brought back again in 2013, and is now in its third year in 2014. While the Family Farm Award initiative began in 2012, BMO has been a sponsor of the IPM since 2007. A similar award is given out to Alberta farm families by BMO at the Calgary Stampede.
County Farm Name Family Name
Bruce JSE Farms The Eby Family
Chatham-Kent Roy and Betty Anderson Anderson Family
Elgin Lunnvale Farms The Lunn Family
Frontenac Eilevale Farm The Sleeth Family
Hastings Huffmandale Holsteins Ltd. Edward Huffman/Edwin Huffman
Huron George Underwood Farms George and Helen Underwood
Renfrew Davdonest Farms The Reid Family
Stormont Stanlee Farms Inc. Jim & Nancy Wert
Wentworth (South) Don-Mair Farm Dale and Marie Smith
Wentworth(North) Cox Farms William and Marjorie Cox