Century Family Farm Award Great Legacies

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

Saskatchewan has witnessed some remarkable contributions from its citizens over its 100-plus year history - none greater than those of its agricultural producers.

With the province now embarking on its second century, an increasing number of family farms around the province are similarly approaching their 100th anniversaries.

The Province of Saskatchewan created the Century Family Farm Award as a way to acknowledge and honour residents preparing to celebrate these historic milestones.

Since the program's inception in 1981, these awards have been presented to hundreds of Saskatchewan families.

"The Century Family Farm Award is a wonderful tribute to the pioneers who helped settle this province, and to their descendants who have worked hard for so many years to continue building upon their legacies," said Ellen Harder, the co-ordinator of the award program with Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food.

"It's a way for the people of Saskatchewan to say 'thank you' to families who have contributed so much to this province over the years," she added. "And the pride you see on the faces of those receiving the award shows just how special it is to them."

The Trimble family of Elstow is one of those proud recipients.

Charlotte Trimble and her husband Don Hartz are the third generation to work the family farm that was settled by her grandfather Luther Trimble in 1906.

"We love Saskatchewan and we love the land," Trimble said. "While it's taken a lot of work and a lot of guts over the years, we're very proud of what's been accomplished on our farm over the past century. Receiving this honour was just the icing on the cake."

Application forms for the Century Family Farm Award can be found on the Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food website at www.agr.gov.sk.ca under Forms/General, or by using the website's Search function.

Hard copies of the form can also be obtained by contacting Ellen Harder at (306) 787-5216, or the Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.

In order for a farming operation to be eligible, members of the same family must have farmed the land continuously for 100 years or more. Applicants are responsible for providing a written history of family ownership and/or verifying information offering reasonable proof of operation along with the application.

The family must live in Saskatchewan and continue to operate the farm. Applicants are eligible for one award per family.

Recipients have the option of receiving an etched glass figure, an indoor wall plaque, or a gate sign (for an additional fee). Certificates marking the honour may also be presented to family members as determined by the eligible family.

For more information, contact:

Ellen Harder, Co-ordinator
Century Family Farm Award Program
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
Phone: (306) 787-5216