Page 7 - Salute to Agriculture

THURSDAY MARCH 25 2021 n THE BRANDON SUN WESTMAN THIS WEEK B7
n
Celebrating Manitoba’s farm families

We are excited to be honour- VERWEY FAMILY —
ing the 2020 BMO Farm Family VERWEY FARMS
Award recipients. Unfortunate-
ly, when the 2020 Royal Mani- Historical background: This
toba Winter Fair was cancelled third-generation farm was
last March due to COVID-19, started by Raymond’s parents.
we were unable to move for- Ray and Jill encouraged their
ward with our planned in- children to gain an education,
person celebrations. We are then come back help grow the
happy to be partnering with farm.
The Brandon Sun and BMO They work together as a fam-
to finally acknowledge these ily, as everybody has the ability
families and celebrate their ac- to do “the job.”
complishments and dedication Jill is the vice-president of
to agriculture in Manitoba. Keystone Ag Producers (KAP).
Type of farming operation:
Grain, cattle and dairy farm.
» The Provincial Exhibition of
Manitoba Family participation: Run- Verwey Family — Verwey Farms Steppler Family — Steppler Farms
ning a 6,000-acre farm requires
Editor’s note: Look for stories the family all work together. the future: The family has voice in ag policy. bandry is a priority. STEPPLER FAMILY —
about the Provincial Exhibi- They promote equality among maintained a mixed operation The family has not been Community involvement: STEPPLER FARMS
tion’s 2021 farm families in cousins and siblings. despite continued industry afraid to try new crops and In 2018, the family grew 40 Historical background:
upcoming editions of Westman People involved include Ray pressure to specialize. They en- cropping methods to improve acres of soybeans to support Steppler Farms is a multi-
This Week. and Jill, their children, and courage each other to get and farm profitability. STARS, raising $22,350. They generational farm and will cel-
Ray’s brothers Gerry, Roger stay educated with advances in Land stewardship: Crop ro- open their farm on Open ebrate its centennial in 2021.
and Conrad. agriculture. With Jill’s presence tations are maintained to im- Farm Day to promote ag edu-
Combining the past and in KAP, they are now pursuing a prove soil health. Cattle hus- cation.
» See Page B10

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