BMO FARM FAMILY: 100 years of farming with the Stammers Family
The Stammers family feels like they’ve hit the jackpot with the lifestyle they lead. “We have had the best place to watch our family grow, from the beautiful sunrises in the early mornings to the stunning sunsets at the end of busy days,” expresses Dale Stammers. “I love what I’m doing, and I look forward to every day. If you like what you’re doing, it makes [life] easier.”
Dale and his wife, Allison, are the 2024 BMO Farm Family from Special Areas #3 and operate their family farm and ranch just outside of Oyen, Alberta. However, the farming lifestyle is no stranger to Dale or Allison, as they are third-generation farmers and have expanded to the fourth and fifth generation with their son, Jeff, and daughter-in-law, Krista, as well as their three daughters, Kaydance (16), Cantlee (12) and Verena (7).
Nominated by Special Areas No. 3 Service Board, the Dale Stammers Family was thrilled to be invited guests at the BMO Farm Family Awards Brunch, and afternoon rodeo performance, July 8, 2024. The annual event takes place during the Calgary Stampede, to celebrate and recognize southern Alberta Farm Families for their commitment to the agriculture industry, their community and to western heritage. Together with BMO, The Calgary Stampede recognized 18 Farm Families, presenting each family with an award and Family Photo. Back row: Kaydance, Cantlee, Krista, Jeff, Dale , Allison, Laura , Kyle, Kelsey, Dave. Front: holding framed certificate: Verena and Tenley.
Looking for new opportunities, Dale’s grandfather, Arthur, and his brother, Charlie, came to Helmsdale, Alberta, from Southwold, England in 1910. Unfortunately, Charlie died in a blizzard, but Arthur later married Sara Jones in 1917 and had five daughters and one son, George. George would help his parents farm; and after marrying Audrey Zawasky in 1954, and his parents retiring the same year, he would take full ownership of the family farm. George and Audrey had three sons, Dale, Brent and Shane. All three sons continued to help on the family farm until they were able to purchase their own land and start their own operations. However, they continued to help each other for branding, weaning or shipping cattle, as needed.
After high school in 1976, Dale purchased 4 ¾ sections of grass and cultivated land from one of his father’s neighbors – keeping him farming in the same area he had grown up. Dale married Allison, who grew up on a farm 40 miles away, in 1979. Over the years, the operation has grown, and they currently have 7,720 acres, of which 2,000 acres is for grain, such as wheat, oats, barley and triticale – which in dry years might only be used as cattle feed. “The cows come first,” quips Dale. The rest of the land is utilized for their 250 cow-calf pairs. They have 50 Red Angus cow-calf pairs they use for heifer replacements. They are then bred with Simmental bulls and those are bred with the Charolais bulls to provide a meat desired by buyers. The calves are weaned and sold in the autumn when they are approximately six months old.
Their son, Jeff, always had an interest in farming and ranching and enjoyed working alongside his father. He and Krista returned to farming in 2010 when they purchased the home section where Krista grew up. In 2019, they continued to expand by purchasing grassland right next to Dale and Allison’s home, which now connects their two properties together. In addition to the cattle business, they started a new endeavor in 2019, purchasing a flock of 15 Suffolk ewes, which has grown to a flock of 60 ewes. The venture started as a way to allow the girls to be hands-on but has now grown into a niche business of selling lamb meat to locals. The girls can be found out in the corrals lambing and caring for them, in addition to helping check cows with their parents. Dale and Allison’s other children – Kyle and his wife, Laura; and Kelsey and her husband, David, and their daughter, Tenley – are involved during the busy times of branding, weaning and preg testing, along with extended family and neighbours.
Krista has a background in Equine Science and Western Horsemanship, so when she and the girls have a down moment, you might find them riding or attending clinics in town. Dale has also served on the Special Areas Agriculture Service Board and Road Committee for several years.
While the Stammers are delighted to have surpassed the milestone of 100 years of farming within their family, they are also hopeful about the future. “We are proud to be able to be part of another generation, as our granddaughters grow up on the farm and enjoy the lifestyle as much as we have,” Dale reflects.