Kurt and Becky Pedersen’s three children have been farming with their parents since they were babies.
“When I was checking calves, they were in a backpack on my back, or riding in the tractor helping while we were doing chores or whatever,” said Becky Pedersen. “They’ve just grown up by our side.”
Fifteen years ago, the couple bought the farm Kurt grew up on near Edgerton, Alta. They were happy to bring the land back into the family, and start their own livestock operation breeding Red and Black Angus cattle.
In addition to their purebreds, they also have a small commercial herd.
For Pedersen, what is unique about their farm is just how much daughter Quinn, 13, and sons Trigg, 11, and Tell, 8, are involved in the operation including working with the cattle, travelling to shows and preparing for their annual sale in March.
“Our 13-year-old is quite capable of touring anybody through the bull pen and anybody through the cow herd,” noted Pedersen. “She knows our cows inside and out.”
Being their own bosses and breeding their own cattle is what appeals to the couple about having a livestock operation. They also enjoy seeing their cattle grow and develop.
“I think the satisfaction of our breeding decisions in the spring coming to fruition the next calving season, and then watching those calves grow and go on to produce, whether they’re going to someone else’s herd or in our own herd, it’s kind of a proud moment,” Pedersen said.
Because the farm is located on the edge of the Battle River Valley, most of their pastures are quite hilly and steep and the couple aims to build cattle that can handle the rough terrain going up and down those hills.
The Pedersen’s also breed their cattle for efficiency, concentrating on the
One of the family’s two-year-old bulls won Reserve Grand Champion at Farmfair International in Edmonton last year and daughter Quinn halter broke the award winner as a mature bull.
Becky Pedersen said for her and Kurt to see their children taking an interest in the family business is exciting.
“It’s just awesome that there is a future for agriculture, and that there is some passion there.”
With one son already talking about wanting a herd of Baldy cattle, the farm may remain in the family for generations to come.
Nicole Starker Campbell
ECA Review