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| Three producers were recognized at the February 11 Ag Choices event for their innovative plans to grow for the future.
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It was a tough task for the judges, but when the winners of the 2009 Best Practices Award were announced, it was easy to see why Claude and Judy Kolk, Tamara Taylor and Kirstin Kotelko are so deserving of recognition.
The announcement was made by the Honourable George Groeneveld, Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, during the AgChoices 2009 conference held February 11 at the Capri Centre in Red Deer.
“From many outstanding entries, judges chose these three producers for the 2009 Best Practices Award,” said the Minister, “based on the clarity of their vision, the feasibility of their planning and the potential to add value to their operations.”
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Honourable Geroge Groeneveld, Minister of Agriculture and Rural and Rural Development with Tamara Taylor, Ravenwood Farm Fresh Meats. |
Each of the winners received a customizable prize package valued up to $10,000 to allow them to take their business idea to the next level.
Meet the winners
Claude and Judy Kolk of Kayben Farms near Okotoks have built an innovative farm business that includes landscaping, a tree nursery, a fruit orchard and a greenhouse. In 2009, the Kolks plan to expand their business to include agri-tourism activities, a café and a fruit processing facility.
“We are very excited about where we’re going,” said Judy Kolk, “and look forward to making our vision come true.”
Tamara Taylor, her husband Mark and her parents Dayle and Alice Murray raise and direct-market their own farm-grown livestock through Ravenwood Farm Fresh Meats in Caroline. For this farm family, expansion is very much on the menu for 2009. They expect to add a goat milk dairy, expand their product line and add to their retail space.
“This is more than a business to us,” said Tamara Taylor. “It’s great to see everything come together and the prize package will help us realize our goals for the future.” |
Claude and Judy Kolk of Kayben Farms, Okotoks, Alberta |
Kirstin Kotelko, President of Spring Creek Ranch Inc., plans to expand the value chain for her Spring Creek Ranch branded beef. This includes developing criteria to reward ranchers who supply the program and a system to track meat quality data. She attributes much of her success to the unique partnership she enjoys with her father Bern.
“My dad is passionate about the production of the animals,” said Kotelko, “and I’m passionate about the food.”
The Best Practices Awards are made possible by the Agricultural Policy Framework, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. |
Conference organizer, Wendy McCormick and Honourable George Groeneveld, Minister of Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development with Kirstin Kotelko of Spring Creek Ranch Inc. |
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