The M.D. of Wainwright is proud to recognize farm families whose long-term stewardship has helped build the foundation of agriculture in our community.
The 100-Year Farm Family Award recognizes families that have owned land within the M.D. of Wainwright for 100 years or more. The 125-Year Farm Family Award, introduced in 2026, recognizes families whose continued stewardship reflects the resilience, adaptability, and enduring legacy of the family farm.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Have owned land within the M.D. of Wainwright for at least 100 or 125 years, as applicable.
- Provide documentation showing the relationship between the applicant and the original homesteader or landowner.
- Provide the date the family took possession of the land.
- Provide a copy of the current land title and supporting ownership documentation.
Applications are reviewed by the Agricultural Service Board. Successful applicants receive a commemorative plaque recognizing their family’s milestone.
100 Year Farm Family Award Application
The Government of Alberta’s Century Farm & Ranch Award and 125-Year Farm Recognition program celebrates farm and ranch families that have owned and actively operated their land for 100 years or more. The program recognizes the enduring contribution of Alberta farm and ranch families to their communities and the province’s agricultural economy. Visit the Government of Alberta’s Alberta Century Farm & Ranch Award page for eligibility requirements and application information.
The Municipal Farm Family Award recognizes an outstanding local farm family for its agricultural practices, community involvement, and contribution to rural life.
For many years, farm families in northern and central Alberta were recognized through the Farmfair International Farm Family Award program. Although that program was discontinued in 2024, the M.D. established the Municipal Farm Family Award to continue recognizing deserving local families. In 2026, a provincial Farm Family Award program resumed through the Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies.
Each year, one agricultural society within the M.D. is designated to nominate a local farm family. The nomination rotation is:
- Irma Agricultural Society
- Wainwright Agricultural Society
- Edgerton Agricultural Society
- Chauvin Agricultural Society
The recipient family will work with a local designer to create a custom award commemorating the recognition.
Created in 2025, the Youth Community Impact Award recognizes local youth ages 12 to 18 who make meaningful contributions to their rural community. This non-academic award celebrates young people who demonstrate selflessness, initiative, and dedication to helping others. Nominees may contribute through volunteerism, mentorship, peer support, leadership, or by starting projects and programs that benefit the community. Nominations are reviewed through an anonymous selection process. Nominations are due annually by May 1. The recipient is recognized at the M.D.’s annual Rural Routes Supper and receives a commemorative plaque.
Youth Community Impact Award Nomination Form
Past Recipients:
- 2025 – Gabrielle Rue
- 2026 – Natalie Heimdal
Rural Routes began during the drought years of the early 2000s, when many members of the agricultural community were experiencing significant stress and uncertainty. What began as a small opportunity for neighbours to gather has become a valued annual tradition of food, entertainment, and community connection.
The event is also an opportunity to recognize the recipients of the M.D.’s community awards. Rural Routes is free for M.D. ratepayers to attend. Registration typically opens approximately six weeks before the event and is promoted through M.D. communication channels.
In 2022, the M.D. established two annual $1,000 scholarships to support rural students pursuing post-secondary education. Applications are due annually by September 1 and are reviewed through an anonymous selection process.
Agricultural Service Board Scholarship
Available to students enrolled in an agriculture or environment related post-secondary program.
Education Scholarship
Available to students enrolled in any program at an accredited college, university, or trade school.
Please review the applications below for details:
Agricultural Service Board Scholarship Application
Education Scholarship Application
Past Recipients:
- 2022: Jade Eggen & Jennifer Klemchuk
- 2023: Charleah Stafford & Cheyenne Porter
- 2024: Ryan Chesterman & Kaitlyn Gross
- 2025: Teylor Longmuir & Kensey Spornitz
- 2026: Ryan Trefiak & Everett Campbell
The Association of Alberta Agricultural Fieldmen (AAAF) Memorial Scholarship honours active and retired AAAF members who have passed away while supporting the association’s commitment to continuing education.
One $1,000 bursary is available annually in each of the association’s five provincial regions. Applicants must be enrolled in an agricultural or environmental science program. Applications are due annually by September 1.
AAAF Memorial Bursary Application
Recent M.D. of Wainwright Recipients:
- 2022: Ryan Chesterman
- 2026: Teylor Longmuir