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The Dunns received the BMO Farm Family Award at the Calgary Stampede, July 12. The family has been farming in the Balzac area for 100 years.

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Balzac area family wins award at Calgary Stampede

The Calgary Stampede and Bank of Montreal recognized a Balzac area family for its outstanding contributions to the Alberta agricultural sector, July 12.

Jim, Lorne and Danny Dunn were brought to the Stampede and attended the awards ceremony, which included a reception, greetings from Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture Jack Hayden, brunch, an awards presentation and family photography session.

“It was a nice award,” said Jim.

“I don’t know if we deserve it. We are not a large farm, but we are a family farm. This farm has been in the family for 100 years.”

Jim’s grandmother’s uncle John Cabana settled the farm, located just west of Balzac, in 1906. Jim’s mom Ruby Dunn (née Duggan) was born and raised in the area. Her family farm was located where CrossIron Mills mall is now.

The Dunns recently bought some land northwest of Airdrie and have about 800 acres of cropland, more than 1,800 of pasture and about 275 head of cattle.

“Our cow herd is all Angus-based crossbreds,” said Jim.

“We breed predominantly Charolais bulls, but also Angus to keep the cross in there. This year, for the first time in 45 years, I bought a Hereford bull.”

Some of the animals belong to one of Jim and Shirley’s daughters, Teal, who, Jim says, “was always interested in cattle. She had her own little herd right through 4-H, and she’s still got them.”

The couple’s son, Garrett, is pursuing other trades, but still finds time to help out — as do their other daughters, Bradi and Noelle, and Dan’s son Ryan.

Although Dan has semi-retired after being a full partner for many years, Lorne, at 77, is still very active.

“Dad probably spends a bit more time on the crop side,” Jim said.

“He works right alongside me all the time. He probably works harder than me.”

All 16 recipients of the 2010 BMO Farm Family Awards play a critical role in furthering Alberta agriculture.

Jim said the key characteristic of any good farm family is resiliency.

“It is such a tough business and in the past 10 or 12 years, it has gotten tougher,” he said.

“With the drought and BSE and then the border closures, the cattle end hasn’t turned a profit in four or five years.”

He said farming has changed drastically since his family put down roots years ago.

“Everything seems to be bigger with more land and more equipment but I don’t think it is any more profitable,” he said.

“In fact, my grandma’s uncle John Cabana bought half a quarter section and grew hay on it and he had it paid for within a year. Now that would take you 60 years.”

BMO Farm Family Award recipients were chosen by the Alberta Agriculture Board Services based on the difference they have made to the farming community and the other communities they share.

“Agribusiness is a very important part of BMO’s Commercial Banking business in Alberta and the BMO Farm Family Awards, along with product innovations such as the recently launched AgriInvest Account, are excellent ways to show our support for farmers in the province,” said Bill Hogg, vice president, Alberta/NWT commercial district, Bank of Montreal.

“These families are outstanding examples of how far farm management has come and the tremendous contributions they make to the Alberta economy.”

The awards focus attention on the importance of farming as a diverse and compelling business sector, the unique ideals and opportunities of rural living and the manner in which farm families are actively involved in their community.

“We are proud to recognize families who uphold the traditions of the past while helping the province’s ongoing economic growth,” said Dr. David Chalack, president and chairman of the board for The Calgary Stampede.