Five generations and still going strong, Diamond Four Farms was named the Farm Family of the Year at the Community and Business Awards Gala.
Diamond Four Farms Ltd. is owned by Kevin and Elgar Newsham whose 3,000- acre holdings include the original 1898 homestead west of Innisfail on the Little Red Deer Road. Tyler, Kevin's son, is the fifth generation on the land and an active part of the family operation.
“We raise cattle, grow hay and grain on our land,” said Kevin of the farm's output. “Diversification has been the secret to our success in maintaining the farm for 116 years, not to mention the relationships we have built with each other in the farming community and business partners.”
Both Kevin and Elgar have other interests in Central Alberta.
In addition to farming, Kevin coaches hockey and is also part owner of Alberta Gold Seal Forage Corp., which ships Timothy hay around the world and is on the board of the Innisfail Seed Cleaning Plant.
Elgar has been active in the Innisfail area, starting with White Farm Equipment, which eventually led him to owning his own machinery dealership for 10 years. He was active on the UGG Grain Coop board, which was started by Elgar's father in the early 1900's. Spending 18 years on the UFA board, he also served with Canadian Food Grains supplying food to the world through Christian relief efforts.
“It's nice to be recognized in the community by the Chamber of Commerce,” said Kevin. “More importantly, it is important to recognize the value of farming and the hard work that farmers put into their product. It's not just a job you go to, it's a lifestyle that has incredible rewards.”
The Gerrard Cattle Company, Eagle Creek Farms, YFF, and White Haven Farms were also nominated for the award.
