The Tofteland family of Valhalla Centre are the recipients of a 100 Years of Farming Heritage Homestead Award. Family members were recognized by the County of Grande Prairie’s Agricultural Services Board during a presentation in Hythe on August 18, 2021 (Photo supplied by the County of Grande Prairie)

By Shaun Penner

100 Years of Farming Heritage Homestead Award

Tofteland family recognized for century of farming in the County

Aug 19, 2021 | 8:21 AM

A century of farming in the Valhalla area has earned a local family an award from the County of Grande Prairie.

The County says the most recent recipient of the 100 Years of Farming Heritage Homestead Award was the Tofteland family of Valhalla Centre. The award was presented to the family on Wednesday in the hamlet of Hythe.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Morris Tofteland said it feels great to have their farming legacy acknowledged, which began in 1917 when Morris’ great grandparents John and Olivia Tofteland arrived in Valhalla Centre from Norway, via Minnesota, to settle on a homestead.

“When I’m farming around the old site, I’m taken by the changes from the days of horses to the modern equipment we use today,” said Morris, noting the land is now unoccupied, but the original home is still standing on the property.

“It’s quite something to look at that small house knowing my great grandparents raised quite a big family of three sons and a daughter who arrived with them from the United States.”

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The Toftelands say they are proud of their family history and the heritage provided by their 160 acres of land, which today serves as a grain-based operation.

“Six generations have farmed this quarter,” Morris added. “We’re proud it has been in the same Tofteland name for so long, and that the current generations continue to work it to this day.”

Morris was able to share the honour of receiving the award Wednesday with his cousins and fellow landowners Steve, Daryl, Dallas and Chad, and their many extended family members.

“It’s a good life, one that I have found very rewarding, and it’s very special to see my son and daughter and their children working the land and carrying on the Tofteland family farming tradition.”

As acknowledgement for their century of maintaining and farming the homestead, the County provided the family with a metal sign which includes the family name and parcel description.

“Although our communities have grown and changed throughout the years, our foundation in agriculture still influences every aspect of the County of Grande Prairie,” said Sonja Raven, the Agricultural Fieldman for the County.

“Honouring these families for a century of contributions to our heritage is a token of our appreciation.”

The County adds applications for the 100 Years of Farming Awards are accepted throughout the year. The application form can be found here.