Agricultural Awards

100-Year Farm Family

Sturgeon County wants to recognize families who have been homesteading here for 100 years or more. Your family may be eligible for the 100-Year Farm Family Award. To qualify, submit your application with the following information:

  • Proof your family has owned the land for at least 100 consecutive years by supplying documentation and records of ownership to verify the history.
  • Verify that you are a direct descendant of the original homesteader.
  • Confirm that your family is currently farming the land.
  • Show that you live on the original homestead quarter.

Winners

2023 – Davidson Family

Two South Dakota brothers discovered the area thanks to the gold rush.

Aerial photo of the Davidson Family Farm
2022 – Christie Family
2022 – Pelletier Family

Excellence in Agriculture Award

Sturgeon County is proud of the achievements of its diverse and innovative agricultural sector and created this award to recognize individuals, families, businesses, and community groups involved in agricultural production, agricultural community groups or agricultural support services who demonstrate excellence in what they do- and help to improve the environment, local communities and the economy.

We are looking for individuals, producers, agribusinesses, agritourism operators or community groups who demonstrate any of the following in their operations:

  • Technology and Innovation
    Develop and/or provide unique solutions to existing challenge or opportunities in the agricultural sector – be it a physical technology, new approach to problem solving, communication or marketing, or the building or improvement of partnerships.
  • Community Engagement and Support
    Engage with youth or others in the agricultural sector or to provide internship opportunities to those interested in becoming more involved in the agricultural sector.
  • Environmental Stewardship
    Make efforts to improve environmental quality or to minimize the environmental impacts of their business or operations, or set an example to others on how environmental stewardship practices can be incorporated into a farm or business.

Eligibility

  • Families and operators of all types and sizes of farms including grain and oilseed growers, livestock producers, greenhouses, market gardens and u-picks
  • Businesses who support to the agricultural sector
  • Businesses who process or add value to agricultural commodities
  • Agri-tourism operators
  • Individuals, community associations, groups and clubs

Winners recieve:

  • Professional photography session
  • Customized artwork with commemorative plaque
  • On-farm/on-site catered meal for up to 12 people on a day of your choosing
  • Recognition/feature article on Sturgeon County website and social media
  • Future consideration for nomination by the Agriculture Service Board for the BMO Farm Family Awards

Submit a Nomination

Members of the public have the opportunity to submit applications or nominations from January 1 to March 22 annually. The Agricultural Service Board (ASB) reviews submissions and can make nominations. Up to three recipients are selected annually.

Winners

2023 – Ward and Jo-Anne Middleton

Planting 45,000 trees on potential farmland could raise a few eyebrows, but for Sturgeon County’s Jo-Anne and Ward Middleton, it’s a responsibility. For their conservation efforts, they were named as a Sturgeon County Excellence in Agriculture Award.

Jo-Anne and Ward Middleton pose on their family farm upon winning the 2023 Excellence in Agriculture Award.
2022 – 2BK Vegetable Farm

Farm fresh vegetables, hard work, local employment, and simple kindness are the ingredients for success at a Sturgeon County market garden.

2BK Vegetable Farm is a fast-growing success story of how Brian Brenneis and Karen Krachkowski combined their diverse talents and resources. Brian grew up helping at his family’s vegetable farm, he had growing experience, but Karen’s green thumb wasn’t as obvious. She was a former hairstylist, but she did own farmland near Namao.

Read the full story.

Related Links

Sturgeon County offices will be closed on March 29 and April 1, for Good Friday and Easter Monday. Offices will re-open April 2 for regular hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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