The Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba in partnership with BMO once again recognized three outstanding farming families from Manitoba with their BMO Manitoba Farm Family Awards.
This year there were three nominees and thus, 3 recipients for these well-deserving awards.
Jim Brown of Dizzy Acres, Steven Mangin of Mangin Bros Dairy Ltd. and Dallas Johnston of DJ Cattle Company were acknowledged and presented with plaques at the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair during Thursday night’s evening performance inside the Keystone Centre’s main arena.
"The BMO Manitoba Farm Family Awards recognize the impressive contributions to the agriculture community across the province and the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba has been pleased to assist with this worthwhile venture," states Drew Clayton, Sponsorship Coordinator for the Provincial Ex.
"It's a fantastic award because obviously, our farming families volunteer in many areas of their communities," says General Manager of the Provincial Ex, Mark Humphries. "You know they'll keep the local legion going, they'll help out at the arena or the theatre, you'll find them serving at the rink, and that's what it's all about. it's that community involvement."
"You'd be surprised just how much farming families contribute to their local economy and local community," adds Humphries.
Drew Clayton shared some of the history and accomplishments of each of our farming family award winners:
Dizzy Acres
Dizzy Acres is a 4,200-acre mixed farm south of Brandon. In addition to growing wheat, canola and soybeans, the Browns have 120 head of black angus. While Brown’s farm was first settled in 1930, Dizzy Acres was established in 2004.
Mangin Bros Dairy
The Mangin Bros. Dairy meanwhile is located near Holland and Steven’s grandparents started the farm in the 1960’s. Soon after the farm became a milk dairy. As the industry evolved, so did the family farm. After building a new dairy barn in 2003, Steven and brother Jamie took over the farm seven years ago. By that time, the farm had grown to milking over 100 cows and cultivating 2,100 acres.
Following a devastating fire in the summer of 2022, the Mangins recommitted to the industry by rebuilding a state-of-the-art dairy barn a year later. The farm today has 120 cows milking at all times and manages the total cattle herd of 250.
DJ Cattle Company
DJ Cattle Company was established in 1945 by Dallas’ grandparents and, after his parents assumed operation of the farm in 1985, Dallas, Lynne and family took over ownership twenty-five years ago.
The farm has been primarily a beef operation with cereal grain and forage crops for feed. Currently, the Johnstons’ raise purebred Black Angus.
All three generations of the Johnstons have been involved as volunteers within the community – from curling and hockey to Community fall suppers. Dallas is currently an Executive Director with the Provincial Exhibition and is also the Manitoba Director on the Canadian Angus Association.
"All three award recipients this year demonstrate a strong commitment and passion to the agricultural way of life," shares Clayton. "They excel at building their businesses with a focus on new efficiencies, sustainability and technology while actively volunteering within their respective communities."
Each award-winning family received a plaque of recognition for their accomplishments!
BMO has a longstanding history of supporting Canada’s agricultural community. Celebrating these families for their pioneering spirit and wide stewardship of our resources is just one way that they show their gratitude.
Like BMO, the Provincial Exhibition takes pride in supporting agriculture in Manitoba, including recognizing local farm families with this prestigious award. The Provincial Exhibition values and appreciates their efforts to become involved in as many communities in Manitoba.