Every year, the Calgary Stampede and BMO Bank of Montreal recognize outstanding farm families in southern Alberta. The awards program was created to promote a renewed urban-rural relationship and to recognize outstanding southern Alberta farm families who best typify the value of the family farmer to our society.
While farming is the way of life for the Meyer family, they also know how to leave a BIG impact on their community.
The BMO Farm Family Award winner from Starland County recognizes the unique circumstances that living in a small community can bring.
“We know that volunteering in our community is vital to keep programs and facilities running,” states Sherry. Therefore, they remain involved to ensure that their small community of Delia is a vibrant and lively community in Southern Alberta.
Darren and Sherry Meyer both have strong familial ties to Starland County with both of their ancestors settling there over a century ago. Darren’s great-grandfather, Frank DeMott, homesteaded in the area in 1910. A couple of generations later, Darren joined his parents, Harold & Dianne Meyer, in farming after high school. After getting married, Darren and Sherry moved to the farm in 2007, where they purchased their own home quarter and continue to farm a mix of family property, their own purchased land and leased land.
Since Harold took a step back from farming six years ago, Darren has taken the lead on the farm operations. Today, Darren and Sherry, along with their two young daughters Taylor and Shaelyn, continue to operate Darren Meyer Farming Ltd.
The Meyers run a mixed farm operation of beef cattle and grain. As part of their crop portfolio, the Meyers grow wheat, barley, canola and peas, which are all used as forages for their 120 head of commercial Black Angus. The cattle are grazed on perennial and annual pastures, which the latter helps extend the grazing season late into the fall and early winter months. They are also working on adding some purebreds to help expand genetics within the herd. In addition to their attention to grazing, the Meyers also employ several environmentally friendly practices for their cropland. They direct seed with a one-pass system, as well as work with an agronomist to make sure that they are practicing good chemical rotation, pest management and fertilizer rates, as well as testing the soil as needed.
Working on the farm is a true family effort. As Taylor and Shaelyn have gotten older, they are also starting to become active on the farm. They help check cows during calving season and feed in the winter months, as well as go for tractor or combine rides. Darren’s father, Harold, also still helps occasionally with cattle and grain farming, especially at harvest.
Being active members within their local community of Delia is very important to the Meyers. They know how important it is to set an example for their daughters and younger generations, and their community involvement is proof of their words. Darren and Sherry have been active members of the Delia & District Agricultural Society, where Sherry has utilized her accounting skills to serve as treasurer for four years. They are also involved in their local 4-H beef club where Darren serves as a leader, as well as secretary for the Drumheller District 4-H Beef Council. Sherry is currently serving as treasurer for the Delia Curling Club, as well as is an active member (including serving as past treasurer) of Delia School Enhancement Society, which raised funds for the new Delia school built in 2020.
While Darren & Sherry’s farming roots go back many generations, they are hopeful these ties to the farmland and their community will extend to many more generations of Meyers.
