In celebration of farm families that have maintained continuous production for 125 or more years, the province launched the new Heritage Farms designation. Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Stan Struthers presented official signage here to Betty and Walter Heaman who farm northwest of Virden.
“Families like the Heamans that have successfully maintained their farms from generation to generation have contributed significantly to the stability of rural life, rural communities and economic growth in the province,” said Struthers. “These families have witnessed and experienced first-hand the evolution of farming in our province, surviving the tough times and celebrating the good times.”
Betty’s great-grandparents homesteaded the original property in 1882 starting with a quarter-section of land. A second quarter-section was added under her father’s ownership. Since her marriage to Walter, the farm has grown to include 6,500 acres, where the family grows wheat, oats, barley, canola, flax and peas. They also have a few feeder yearlings and operate a pedigreed seed-cleaning business. The family has also grown to include three sons: Doug, Bob and Ken and their families. Doug’s children Jason, Brittany and Quinton; Bob’s children Krystle and Aidan; and Ken’s son Brett also help on the farm.
“Farming is all we’ve ever done. We kept the farm because we like the lifestyle and when you are your own boss you get to make your own choices,” said Betty. “As our children and grandchildren have come to appreciate the land, we are confident that this next generation will continue on the tradition of farming.”
Approximately 500 families in Manitoba qualify for the Heritage Farm designation as they have maintained a farm within their family for at least 125 consecutive years. To date, more than 1,500 farms have already been recognized for reaching a century of operations. Application forms for the Heritage Farm designation will be available online at www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/ or from any Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives (MAFRI) GO Centre or GO office.
“We are proud to recognize and encourage the sustainability of the family farm by honouring those who have met the challenges of the constantly evolving agriculture industry,” said Struthers. “They appreciate the importance of growing opportunities and taking advantage of good advice like that offered by MAFRI specialists on business development and succession planning. We congratulate them all and encourage them to join the Heaman family and step forward and be recognized.”
