A local farm is gaining recognition for not just their operations, but everything they contribute to the community.
The K-Cow Ranch was chosen as one of 13 recipients for the 2019 BMO Farm Family Awards. They were nominated for the honour by the County of St. Paul.
Owners Kevin and Janice Wirsta were humbled.
“It’s not something you think about,” Janice noted. “It’s not something that you think is your goal or anything. It wasn’t something that crossed our minds as something that we wanted to achieve or be part of, but, we were certainly honoured when we were approached about it.”
The distinction is presented to families from northern and central Alberta communities who best represent the values of a family farm within their rural community. The Wirsta’s will accept the award on Saturday, Nov. 9 during the Farmfair International, an agricultural show in Edmonton.
Kevin is the third generation of Wirsta’s farming on the family’s original quarter of land, and in 2016 they received the Alberta Century Farm and Ranch Award to mark 100 years on the farm.
“It’s quite a milestone to be able to keep a family farm in the same family name for 100 years,” expressed Janice.
For Kevin, farming is part of his roots.
“It’s something that you’ve really got to enjoy. You’ve got to love the smell of fresh soil, and the diversity of the everyday activities. One day you’re moving cows from one pasture to another, the next day you’re vaccinating, another day you’re cutting hay, and maybe the next day you’re chasing cattle in because they’re out on the road because a tree fell down on the fence.”
Both of their daughters, 17-year-old Kailey and 15-year-old Lexi, have shown interest in staying on the ranch after completing their post-secondary studies.
“They’ve been quite involved with the operations as well. Through 4-H, they’ve got their own herds started and they’ve got a good start on their own programs and what not,” explained Janice.
Janice and Kevin spend a lot of time giving back to local groups. Along with holding positions with the Stoney Lake Community Association, they’ve both been leaders with the St. Paul 4-H Light Horse Club and the Elk Point 4-H Beef Club.
“My parents volunteered lots, and I guess you just grow up volunteering,” Kevin expressed. “It’s what you give back to the community, and it builds and makes a stronger community.”
Janice described the Stoney Lake Community Association as “near and dear to their hearts” because Kevin’s parents were involved in the group.
“I think with larger farms we’re not seeing as much participation in community associations, so we really want to make sure that we maintain our rural community association here,” she continued.
A highlight of their year is participating in the Alberta Open Farm Days, a provincial event that sees producers offering tours and demonstrations to teach attendees about agriculture.
Kailey first heard about the opportunity when competing in a provincial 4-H speaking event, and the family thought it would be the perfect fit for their farm.
“It’s a good idea to try and encourage the urban people to come to the farm, see where their food comes from, and help them understand,” Janice detailed. “When they hear in the news about hormones, grass-fed, and talking about chemicals and organic, we want to help them understand exactly what those mean, how we track cattle, how we vaccinate, and that it’s not a horrible thing. It’s just like when people get vaccinated, and it eventually dissipates from your system.”
The Wirsta family offered their appreciation to those that thought of them for the Farm Family Award.
Janice said, “We’re very honoured that we would be recognized for what we contribute back to the community. It’s not something that we could have expected, but it’s certainly something we’re thankful that we’re able to contribute and will continue to contribute as much as we can to our communities, the rural lifestyle, and encouraging other operators to do similar things to try and maintain our rural communities. I think it’s important that we make sure that we keep the rural communities thriving.”
