The Pahl family gathers on their ranch east of Suffield.--Photo Courtesy Cypress County
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
Located just east of Suffield, the 2024 Farm Family of the Year for Cypress County is the Pahl Family.
The fourth-generation Pahl Livestock operation extends far beyond simply tending the ranch, with members who have given back to the region they live in.
The county award was decided in February, but in line with tradition, recognition will come in July. The winning family will claim a BMO Farm Family Award from the Calgary Stampede, and will receive a plaque from Cypress County at Medicine Hat Stampede July 24-27.
“It’s awesome, it really is gratifying to know people understand what you’re doing, think you’re doing the job the way it should be done,” said LeRay Pahl, who started what would become Pahl Livestock.
LeRay and his wife JoAnn are semi-retired, with sons Scott and Dan handling the daily operations, and all members of the family doing their part to contribute where they can.
“We work hard at what we do, we’re here to help each other out and we’ll do what we need to do to make things right,” said Scott.
Scott has served as a Stampede director and chairman of the rodeo committee, and Dan served on the Beef Pen Show committee. LeRay and Scott have also held various positions in several associations, including Pipeline Grazing Co-op, Southeastern Beef Breeders Association and the Alberta & Canadian Hereford Associations.
Scott’s wife Gina was also on the Pipeline Grazing Co-op and the Redcliff Minor Hockey Association; and Dan’s wife Shauna was a teacher for 30 years and is active in the Medicine Hat Musical Theatre Company.
“Oftentimes their generosity is overlooked by the community, even though they spend a great deal of their time helping neighbours and friends,” said the person who nominated them, who asked not to be named. “Whether it’s moving cows on the coldest and windiest of days, or helping a neighbour … the Pahls will always be there when you call.”
