Municipality of Cypress County

The county recognizes contributions from all citizens make up our tremendous community. From small acts to massive undertakings, there is a huge variety in the way these contributions manifest themselves.

We routinely celebrate both families and individuals who consistently make positive differences.

See below for lists of past winners.

Farm Family of the Year

The BMO Bank of Montreal Farm Family Awards are given annually to outstanding southern Alberta farm families who best typify the value of the family farmer to our rural communities and society in general. The Cypress County winner is honoured both at the Calgary and Medicine Hat Stampede.

June 26, 2024

Pahl family honoured with award

The Pahl Family are Cypress County's Farm Family of the Year for 2024. From left, Steve, Vanessa (who we sadly lost in 2022), Maloney, Madison, Dan, Shauna, LeRay, JoAnne, Gina, Logan, Alli, Kaden, and Scott.

They’ve been pillars of the community in every way imaginable, and this year the Pahl family is Cypress County’s Farm Family of the Year.

From rodeo boards to community associations, the fourth-generation Pahl Livestock operation does so much more than tending to their ranch east of Suffield. As the nomination for them reads, “They are wonderful members of this community and great friends to those who live within it.”

“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,” says LeRay Pahl, who started what is now Pahl Livestock back in 1970.

The county award was decided in February, but the recognition traditionally comes in July. The winning family also claims a BMO Farm Family Award from the Calgary Stampede, invited for a full day in their honour during the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth July 8. After that, they’ll be front and centre at the Medicine Hat Stampede July 24-27 to officially receive a plaque from Cypress County.

LeRay and his wife JoAnn note they’re semi-retired, with sons Scott and Dan taking the lead on day-to-day business and son Steve helping at times. But everyone – including Scott’s wife Gina, son Kaden, and daughters Alli and Logan; and Dan’s wife Shauna and daughter Madison – have played roles in the family’s success.

“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,” says Scott.

LeRay was a second-generation farmer, taking over from his dad Gilf Pahl. LeRay served as a Cypress County councillor for 30 years, was an original board member of the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta, and served various roles with the Medicine Hat Stampede over 54 years including president and vice president. JoAnne was Cypress’ Citizen of the Year in 1996 after penning a history book, “Wagon Trails & Pioneer Trails.”

Scott also 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 on the Pipeline Grazing Co-op, Southeastern Beef Breeders Association, the Alberta & Canadian Hereford Associations, and all three coached minor hockey. Gina has also served on the Pipeline Grazing Co-op and the Redcliff Minor Hockey Association; and Shauna was a teacher for 30 years and is active in Medicine Hat Musical Theatre Company.

Those things look good on paper but as the person who nominated them (who wishes to remain anonymous) points out, it’s their humanity that makes them truly deserve praise.

“Often times their generosity is overlooked by the community even though they spend a great deal of their time helping neighbours and friends. “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.”

Citizen/Young Citizen of the Year

These awards have been established to recognize individuals who display continued dedication and perseverance to a cause or causes that have ultimately benefited the citizens of Cypress County and the public at large.

This year's Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year will be announced July 13 as part of Celebrate Cypress County, happening at the Welcome Centre in Walsh.