Photo courtesy of the Lacombe County website.
Lacombe County presented the Congdon family with the 2024 Farm Family of the Year Award during the 2024 Lacombe and District Chamber of Commerce Awards.
Fourth-generation farmer, Cody Congdon was chosen as the award recipient because of his passion for the land, commitment to the Gelbvieh cattle breed, and his close-knit partnership with his family, Reeve Barb Shepherd explained.
“At the heart of agriculture is family – which is the foundation that upholds our farms, nurtures our communities, and sustains life in rural Alberta,” Shepherd said. “From their deep roots in farming, passed down through generations, to the hard work and dedication, Cody and the Congdon family have truly embodied the qualities we were looking for in our Farm Family recipients.”
Congdon’s roots run deep in Alberta’s farming community, from working alongside his father to starting a Gelbvieh cattle breeding operation, Rocky Top Gelbvieh.
“I’ve always felt a deep connection to the land and the cattle we raise. I’m proud to carry on our family’s tradition and to keep pushing forward, improving the herd, and doing what I love every day,” Congdon said. “It’s not just a job—it’s a way of life, and I’m grateful to be able to share it with my family.”
Photo courtesy of the Lacombe County website.
In 1990, the Congdon family moved their dairy operation to Lacombe County, while continuing to operate a farm near Camrose, before switching from dairy to beef cattle in 1997.
“Farming has always been in Cody’s blood,” Cody’s father Dale Congdon said.
At an early age, Cody started in the Alberta 4-H Program as a member of the Nebraska 4-H Multi-club in Lacombe County. From there, he purchased his first 15 purebred Gelbvieh females.
“From the time he bought those first 15 heifers, I knew this was his path. Watching him take over and grow Rocky Top Gelbvieh has been one of the proudest experiences of my life,” Dale said. “He’s taken our family’s legacy and put his stamp on it.”
The Congdon family’s journey with Gelbvieh cattle began in 2009 when Dale wintered a herd of heifers.
Cody had the chance to purchase some of the herd, setting the foundation for Rocky Top Gelbvieh.
After earning a welding ticket at Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP), Cody returned to the farm full-time, working with Dale to grow their cattle operation.
Now Cody is focused on improving the herd of 75 purebred Gelbvieh cattle’s genetics.
“When we switched from dairy to beef cattle, it was a big decision, but seeing Cody’s passion for breeding Gelbviehs made it all worth it,” Dale said. “It’s not just about the cattle—it’s about raising them the right way, with an eye for genetics and a heart for the land. Cody’s got that balance, and it shows in everything he does."
Cody and Dale focus on a four-year crop rotation to maintain soil health and maximize the land’s productivity.
They manage pastures through rotational grazing to increase grass regrowth throughout the summer. The cattle are moved frequently to ensure areas are not overgrazed.
Cody is heavily involved in the Gelbvieh community, regularly attending conferences and conventions to learn the latest trends and genetic developments, and advocates for the breed’s continued growth as a member of the Canadian Gelbvieh Association.
**With information provided by Lacombe County
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