County of Grande Prairie Agricultural Services Board Chair, Councillor Chrenek, presented the Balderston Family with a 100 Years of Farming Heritage Homestead Award during an award presentation on October 26. Pictured from left to right: Kurt Balderston, Marcy Balderston, Gilbert Balderston, Vivian Balderston and ASB Chair and Division 9 Councillor Bob Chrenek. Photo supplied by the County of Grande Prairie.

By Curtis Galbraith

Agriculture

Sexsmith farm family saluted by the County of Grande Prairie

Oct 27, 2022 | 3:47 PM

The Balderston Family from Sexsmith has been given a 100 Years of Farming Heritage Homestead Award by the County of Grande Prairie.

Five generations have farmed the land that was the homestead in 1912 of Kurt Balderston’s great-grandfather Edward Morgan, who came to Canada from Wales.

“I think it really makes you think about everything that the generations that came before did. My great grandfather came across the Edson Trail and came here with nothing and started clearing land with his bare hands and an axe and oxen.”

Balderston says there is also an appreciation for what previous generations did so future generations could earn a living off the same land. He adds says it means a lot, and it is a privilege, to still be farming his great-granddad’s homestead.

“I think it’s just the fact that they came from another country. They just had the clothes on their backs, and they came over here and started from nothing.”

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“I realize how much people take for granted nowadays and the things people complain about Those people came over here and felt it was a blessing to have the opportunity to live here and farm this land.”

He adds even though farming is changing, he wants to preserve family farm values.

“So many people are selling out because our land is worth a lot of money and people sell out and sell out to big corporations or big farms.”

“For me, we’re a smaller family farm but that means a lot more. I hope that my kids and. hopefully, grandkids can carry on and make a living off this farm that’s supported us for 110 years now.”

Balderston is also on the County of Grande Prairie council, representing Division 2.

He encourages others to apply for these awards. He says anyone interested can contact the agriculture department or talk to anyone on the Ag. Service Board.