Pictured left to right are Councillor Bob Chrenek, Chair of the Agricultural Services Board; Andre and Diane Harpe and daughter Aarika; and Councillor Karen Rosvold. Photo supplied by the County of Grande Prairie

By Curtis Galbraith

Agriculture

Tribute for Valhalla farm family

Jan 21, 2022 | 6:47 PM

The County of Grande Prairie has given a 100 Years of Farming Heritage Homestead Award to the Harpe family from Valhalla Centre.

This award is given to families that have farmed in the county continuously for the last 100 years.

“It has been a privilege for my family to be part of the community of Valhalla Centre for the past 100 years,” says Andre Harpe in a release from the County of Grande Prairie.

He adds in the same release community involvement has always been important to the family.

“As an immigrant from Norway, my grandfather arrived in the area in 1918, received the deed to the land in 1921 and went on to marry a local schoolteacher and raise three daughters, balancing the responsibilities of farming and family life with his service on local boards. My parents, Richard and Ann Harpe, took over the farm in 1972, and my father served multiple terms as County Councillor. In 1984, I began working on the farm before moving into management of the operation. My wife, Diane, and I have three daughters and look forward to seeing the farm continue to remain part of our family for many years to come.”

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The county takes applications for its Heritage Homestead Award and the Pioneer Farming Family Award throughout the year.

Applications can be filled out here.