What is the BMO Farm Family Awards?

  • Every year, the Calgary Stampede and BMO Bank of Montreal recognize outstanding farm families in southern Alberta for their contributions and commitment to agriculture and their communities.
  • The awards program was created to value farm families who best typify the value of the family farmer to our society, as well as celebrate families who take an innovative approach to growing their business, demonstrate a commitment to traditional western values and maintain an exceptional standard of sustainability. 
  • Each year, the municipal districts in southern Alberta nominate one family.
  • The families are brought to the Stampede for the BMO Farm Family Awards, which includes a reception, greetings from Alberta's Minister of Agriculture, brunch, awards presentation, and family photograph session.
  • The winning families are then treated to an afternoon Stampede Rodeo performance.

Why?

  • To recognize outstanding contributions that farm families make to their communities
  • To celebrate families who take an innovative approach to growing their business, demonstrate commitment to traditional western values and maintain exceptional standard of sustainability
  • To increase the awareness of the high ideals of the way of life in agriculture and rural citizenship


How does the family qualify?

  • Farm families must be actively involved in both agriculture and their community
  • Agriculture must provide the major source of income
  • Must be active in primary agriculture and have members residing on farm

Who nominates the families?

  • Alberta Agriculture Service Board representatives from the various southern Alberta districts/ municipalities

What happens with the nominees?

  • All nominees are honored at the Farm Family Award Ceremonies held in conjunction with the Calgary Stampede.
  • It is at the ceremony and brunch that the families meet with BMO Bank of Montreal representatives, government officials, Calgary Stampede Board Members, and Stampede Royalty.
  • Each family member receives free admission to the park, a Farm Family Awards limited edition pin, and an afternoon rodeo ticket. Professional family photographs will be taken and each family will be presented with a personalized farm gate sign.

Where is the event held?

  • In the Palomino Room, BMO Centre.

Dates and schedule


July 8, 2019
10:00 a.m.
Palomino Room, BMO Centre


Guest information


Do I need a ticket to spectate?

  • This is an invitational event only.