Draft:Scholten Farms

Scholten Farms
Town/City	110080 Range Road 22-0, Lethbridge County, AB T0K 2A0

Scholten Farms is a historic farm in southern Alberta. It is located at 110080 Range Road 22-0.

History

1953-1965: Early Years Under H.W. Scholten

In 1953, H.W. Scholten purchased a 160-acre farm in Picture Butte. In the early years, the farm was a traditional mixed agricultural operation, with a variety of crops and livestock. The crops grown included barley, wheat, sugar beets, and alfalfa for hay. The livestock on the farm consisted of chickens, pigs, calves, and 13 milk cows.

In 1957, the farm was connected to a party line phone service, a shared telephone line common in rural areas at the time. Two years later, in 1959, a fire destroyed the original farmhouse. A new house was constructed in 1960, and H.W. Scholten expanded the farm's dairy operations by building a dairy barn and acquiring a herd of 40 dairy cows.

In 1962, Roelof Scholten, a member of the Scholten family, purchased the farm. H.W. Scholten passed away on July 8, 1965, leaving behind a legacy of agricultural innovation and growth.

1965-2000: Irrigation and Expansion

Before 1970, the farm utilized a basic irrigation system, which required a pump to pressurize water pipes. The pipes needed to be moved manually three times a day to ensure proper watering of crops. In 1980, Scholten Farms upgraded to a wheel-move pipe irrigation system, which also required manual adjustments several times a day. This irrigation method continued until 2000.

Throughout these decades, the farm maintained its traditional crop production and livestock operations, adapting to advancements in agricultural technology while keeping its hands-on, family-operated approach.

2000-Present: Transition to Cattle Feeding

In 2000, Roelof Scholten and his wife Diny sold the farm to the next generation—Wilfred and Brendan Scholten. The new owners expanded the farm's focus by purchasing an acreage one mile down the road in 2001. This marked a significant shift in Scholten Farms' operations. They applied for and received a cattle feeding permit, allowing them to feed up to 800 heads of cattle. The corrals were built to accommodate this new venture, leading to the closure of the hog operation to meet the permit requirements.

By 2003, Roelof and the Scholten family were managing a sizable cattle feeding operation, though they did not receive government funding, as they did not meet the criteria for large-scale agricultural subsidies.

Operations and Practices

Throughout its history, Scholten Farms has been known for its diverse agricultural practices. The farm initially focused on mixed crop and dairy farming, with an emphasis on barley, wheat, sugar beets, and alfalfa. It was a traditional mixed farm, with dairy cows and a variety of other livestock contributing to the farm's economy.

In the early 2000s, Scholten Farms shifted its focus from mixed farming to cattle feeding. This decision was driven by the changing agricultural landscape in Alberta and the desire to adapt to new market demands. The farm's irrigation practices also evolved over time, from hand-moved pipes to more advanced wheel-move systems, reflecting broader technological advancements in farming.

Legacy

Scholten Farms remains a testament to the adaptability and resilience of family-run farms in Alberta. It has survived fires, changes in agricultural practices, and the challenges of operating in a competitive and evolving industry. The Scholten family's commitment to innovation and sustainable farming practices has allowed the farm to continue thriving over generations.

External links

• Scholten Farms via Google Maps
• Profile on Government of Canada Job Bank