By Curtis Galbraith

Three farm families given awards by the County of Grande Prairie

Nov 21, 2018 | 12:33 PM

The County of Grande Prairie had recognized three families for farming in the County for 100 years or more.
 
The Martins from Beaverlodge and the Samagas from Bezanson have both been given the Heritage Homestead Award. It is for families that have been in the County for a century or more and still own the original homestead.
 
“It gives you a sense of your base and roots – where you’ve come from – and a feeling of building something to pass on to our girls, ” said Gavin Martin of the award in a release sent out by the County of Grande Prairie.
 
“When we were dating and attended marital counselling before being married, we were asked what we dreamed of doing and we both said, ‘farming’. I always wanted to farm. It’s not a 9-5 job but it’s so rewarding. I like to be out in the country, away from the hustle and bustle,” added Janet Samaga in that same release.

The Bues from Valhalla have been given the Pioneer Farm Family Award. This is for those who have farmed in the County for 100 years on land they owned or rented.
 
Byron Bue said in that release “As a young boy I remember hauling bundles by horse and hay rack on a wagon to the threshing machine. It was neat to experience that, to see it first hand. It gave me a real appreciation for the work.”
 
All the awards were given out at Thursday’s Agricultural Services Board meeting.