Twin Lakes Ranch Ltd., a multigenerational cattle operation east of Balzac, has been named the recipient of Rocky View County’s (RVC) 2025 Master Farm Family Award.
"The award was announced by Councillor Greg Boehlke, Chair of the Agricultural Service Board, during the County’s Annual Agricultural Tour," shared RVC.
The 2025 award recognizes the Ralston and Norregaard families — Brenda Ralston, Phil Norregaard, Mark Norregaard, and Patricia Ralston — for their outstanding contributions to agriculture, sustainability, farm management, and community service.
"Founded in 1989, the Master Farm Family Award is presented to a Rocky View County ranch or farm family who shows excellence in community involvement, agricultural business and industry engagement, team farm management, and technical farm production and sustainability practices."
Locals suggest candidates each year, and the Agricultural Service Board reviews them before choosing one deserving laureate.
"Twin Lakes Ranch Ltd. traces its roots back to 1918, and since then, five generations of the family have called the ranch home. The legacy continues today with Brenda and her husband Phil managing the ranch alongside their son Mark, who is currently studying animal science at the University of Saskatchewan and building his own herd."
Twin Lakes Ranch emphasizes perennial and annual forages for livestock feed, supported by strategic crop production. Phil oversees the farm’s daily operations, while Brenda brings her expertise in cattle nutrition and works as a Research Scientist at Lakeland College, focusing on farm animal welfare and antimicrobial resistance.
"Committed to sustainability, the family implements innovative grazing practices, such as using fall-seeded rye for spring grazing and cross-fencing for optimal forage use. They have invested in water management systems to adapt to regional aquifer pressure, developing dugouts and pit wells to supplement traditional well sources."
According to RVC, Twin Lakes Ranch is an active participant in programs like OFCAF (On-Farm Climate Action Fund), RALP (Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program), and ALUS (Alternative Land Use Services), and maintains strong partnerships with Foothills Forage & Grazing Association and Rocky View County Agriculture Services.
"Brenda and Phil are also deeply engaged in the community, as active members of the Airdrie Agricultural Society. Brenda as secretary. Brenda volunteers with the Calgary Stampede Aggie Days and Classroom Agriculture Program, returning to schools year after year by popular request. Phil is a long-standing member of the Foothills Forage & Grazing Association, promoting best practices in forage and livestock management. Together, they have contributed hundreds of volunteer hours to the Balzac 4-H Beef Club."
Rocky View County concluded by congratulating Twin Lakes Ranch Ltd. on receiving the 2025 Master Farm Family Award and thanked them for their leadership, resilience, and outstanding contributions to agriculture and the wider community.
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