McWilliam farming family from Foothills County honoured as 2026 BMO Farm Family

The McWilliam family from Foothills County, farming east of Okotoks, was named a 2026 BMO Farm Family during an awards ceremony at the Calgary Stampede on July 6, recognized alongside 19 other families for their contributions to agriculture, community service, innovation, and environmental stewardship.

The family settled in the Foothills over 100 years ago and today operates McWilliam Farms Ltd., a dryland operation growing peas, canola, wheat, and barley. Bernie McWilliam bought the land from his parents in 1970 and modernized the operation, shifting from hogs and cattle to crop production. Three daughters — Tanya, Melissa, and Taylor — and their families now help with day-to-day operations, as do grandchildren.

Darlene McWilliam said her favourite part of the farm is "looking out the window and seeing all three generations working together during harvest." She credited the multi-generational approach as key to the farm's success: "Each generation brings different strengths to the table. Everyone has had their own experiences, seeing things in a different way and bringing different things back to the farm to make it better."

Bernie echoed the sentiment: "We really learn from each other and then adapt to have improvements and efficiencies."

The family is active on agricultural boards and supports organizations including the Porchlight Society, which focuses on mental health for farmers, and Not in My City, an anti-human-trafficking organization. Bernie served as an Alberta Wheat Pool delegate for many years. Each BMO Farm Family receives a personalized farm gate sign and meets with Stampede royalty, Calgary Stampede board members, government officials, and BMO representatives.