Pictured from left to right: Vella Anderson, Quin Anderson, Kodi Anderson, Jordan Anderson, Jason Anderson and ASB Chair and Division 9 Councillor Bob Chrenek. Seated: Larry Anderson. Photo supplied by the County of Grande Prairie.

By Curtis Galbraith

Agriculture

Farming Heritage Homestead Award for Sexsmith family

Sep 8, 2022 | 6:00 AM

A long-time Sexsmith farming family has been given a Farming Heritage Homestead Award by the County of Grande Prairie.

The Anderson family was saluted on Saturday.

Jason and Kodi Anderson currently run the farm, which still includes the homestead of Jason’s great grandparents.

“Pretty excited to be 110 years. Fourth generation. Pretty exciting feat as far as I’m concerned,” says Jason.

Anderson says his great grandparents, Swan and Carrie Anderson, were storekeepers in Minneapolis, Minnesota before they came to the Peace.

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“They left electricity and water, and they came to a sod shack and lived for … many years before they ended up with any sort of amenities here.”

A release from the County of Grande Prairie says “Swan and Carrie Anderson left Minneapolis, Minn. in early 1912 by train to Edmonton with their four children and all their belongings. They travelled by oxen and sleigh on the Grouard Trail to start their homestead. Swan had been a storekeeper for 40 years.”

Anderson says he is hoping the farm keeps going to the next generation.

“Our youngest son Jordan is in Grade 12 this year and he’s aspiring to be a heavy-duty mechanic and he says he wants to farm.”

The family has also been involved in many community things, including the Peace Country Classic Agri-Show and the Sexsmith Agricultural Society.

Jason says this is something that “was passed down to us.”

“Mom and Dad both volunteered with community events and clubs. When you grow up seeing that, it just becomes common nature. We spent many years working in 4-H and I’ve been part of many clubs. “It’s just, I guess, a way of life.”

Farm families around the Peace are busy harvesting. Anderson says they are “pleasantly surprised” with the yields this year.

“It’s dry so that’s a bonus. There’s no drying to be done this year so far and it’s yielding alright. All is a plus for the little bit of moisture we had this summer.”

Anderson estimates harvest at his farm is about 60 per cent complete. He says a lot of cereals and pulses have been combined and some farmers are waiting for the canola to ripen.