Terry and Gayle Smith recognized with BMO Saskatchewan Farm Family Award

By Mallory Cawthra

LEADER - On November 27th, 2021, at the Canadian Western Agribition (CWA) in Regina, Terry and Gayle Smith were humbled to learn that they were one of four Saskatchewan families awarded the BMO Saskatchewan Farm Family Award. 2021 is the inaugural year for the BMO Saskatchewan Farm Family Award, and it is sponsored by BMO Bank of Montreal in partnership with the CWA. The award recipients receive a commemorative sign and are honoured during November. The CWA website states: “This award will recognize a select number of Saskatchewan farm families for the outstanding contributions made by farmers across the province and invites us to join them in celebration of them during CWA’s 50th anniversary.”

Olivia Bircham is a family friend who nominated the Smith family for this award. Oliva couldn’t think of a more deserving family and felt that they should be nominated. The award recipients are selected by the Agribition committee and nominations are open until the end of October. The nomination process involved having Olivia describe the impact Terry and Gayle have made in the agricultural sector as well as in their community, to which she replied: “I would describe Terry as a “connector,” he is the guy who knows everyone, and everyone knows Terry. Terry leverages his broad network to ensure his fellow ranchers and farmers are looked after.” Terry and Gayle are active members of the Leader community – both heavily involved with their church, and Gayle volunteers with the Leader Lions and Curling Clubs.

Olivia went on to say that, “Terry has been a pivotal resource for many operations in ensuring they have enough feed in recent years, which has contributed to the sustainability and survival of many ranches by connecting them with his sources of purchasing feed. It is rare to find someone so selfless and dedicated to the betterment of others (especially in challenging times). This is true of both Terry and Gayle.” Olivia reiterated that this selfless desire to help others succeed is what makes Terry and Gayle Smith outstanding contributors to the agricultural sector.

Gayle said that it was a very humbling experience to win this award at Agribition, ranching is a way of life, and they love what they do.

Olivia provided the following historical information about the Smith Ranch.

The Smith Ranch was purchased in 1976. The original purchase was 20 sections, and 10 sections along the Saskatchewan River were added to the Ranch a few years after the purchase. Terry and Gayle both resided on the Ranch and raised their three kids there until they moved into the Town of Leader in 2020. Their son Mitchell now lives on the Ranch, and giving their son a strong start brings their history full circle; from the start Terry was given in 1976.