Lexi and Todd Balisky, and their children Emma, Luke, Heidi and Wyatt of Balisky Farms are being honoured as the 2019 County of Grande Prairie Farm Family of the Year. The award recognizes a local farm family that has made significant contributions to agriculture and their community. This year marks the 51 st year of the award.

“The County congratulates the Balisky family as being named the 2019 Farm Family of the Year,” said Sonja Raven, County of Grande Prairie Agriculture Fieldman. “With over a century of farming history in this area and an entrepreneurial spirit that has helped shape the local agri-business landscape, this family has truly demonstrated leadership in building and supporting agriculture as a key driver of our economy.”

The Balisky family is notable for its partnership approach to farming and agri-business. As a multi-generational farming family, several members of the Balisky family have created partnerships to establish farm operations in the region. The family also partnered to start Peace Farm Power in the 70s, which has grown to become Prairie Coast Equipment, and Balisky Fertilizers, which later sold to Neils Agri in the early 80s.

“We are truly privileged and honoured to be named the County’s Farm Family for 2019,” said Todd Balisky. “Our family has always been close and we’ve been fortunate to work alongside one another over the years.”

Todd and Lexi currently live and ranch near the family’s original Bear Lake homestead. Todd’s grandparents, George and Nellie, homesteaded in Bear Lake in 1912, after they arrived in Canada from North Dakota, U.S. In 1963, Todd’s parents, Terry and Marcy Balisky, and his aunt and uncle, Bob and Ruth Balisky, settled in the Goodwin area near DeBolt, operating a cow/calf, oilseed and grain farm.

In 1998, Terry and Marcy; Bob and Ruth; Todd and Lexi; along with Todd’s cousin Wade Balisky partnered in operations that included beef cow/calf and buffalo ranching, and grain and oil seed farming. As part of a succession plan, in 2007, Lexi and Todd began working with Todd’s sister Lynn and her husband Albrecht Scheidegger to operate the beef cow/calf and oilseed farming operation. Seven years later, in 2014, Lexi and Todd took over the beef operation, which has now grown to over 400 head of cattle. Lynn and Albrecht own and operate the grain and oilseed farm.

“The entrepreneurial spirit keeps us motivated to try different things and diversify our operations,” said Todd. “I think it’s a Peace Country trait, as many people in our region have that spirit.”

The Balisky family’s volunteer activities are extensive. They range from government committees and boards, to the Peace Country Beef Congress and the Peace Country Forage Association, to local school boards. The family also supports numerous community organizations and youth organizations such as 4-H and minor hockey, and is involved in the Peace River Bible Institute, Bear Lake Bible Camp, and the Peace Country Wilderness Camp – to name only a few.

The Balisky family will be officially acknowledged at a banquet at the Peace Country Classic Agri-Show on March 8th, 2019. Tickets to attend can be purchased by contacting the Agriculture department at 780-532-9727. The Farm Family Award is a tradition in the County that dates back to 1969. More information about the Farm Family Awards Program is available at www.countygp.ab.ca/farmfamily.

Information provided by the County of Grande Prairie.