2026 Farm Family of the Year | Lenz Farms Ltd.

Lacombe County is pleased to recognize the Lenz family as the 2026 Farm Family of the Year. Brian and Dianne Lenz, Glen and Laurie Lenz, and Jason and Paula Lenz operate Lenz Farms Ltd. – a 3rd-generation mixed grain and cattle farm with deep roots in our community.

For nearly eight decades, the land southwest of Bentley has been home to the Lenz family.

What began in 1948, when Fred and Dorothy Lenz left Saskatchewan in search of a new opportunity, has grown into a thriving, multi-generational mixed-grain and cattle operation. Today, Brian and Dianne Lenz, Glen and Laurie Lenz, and Jason and Paula Lenz continue to build on that legacy, combining innovation with a strong commitment to family, community, and environmental stewardship. For their contributions to agriculture and rural life, Lenz Farms Ltd. has been selected as Lacombe County's 2026 Farm Family of the Year.

"Just to be nominated is an honour," says Jason. "You don't expect to be recognized for what you do day in and day out. Farm families play such an important role in our communities, and we're grateful to Lacombe County and the Lacombe and District Chamber of Commerce for recognizing agriculture in this way."

Growing alongside agriculture

When Fred Lenz purchased the family farm in 1948, agriculture looked much different from what it does today. Barley was the primary crop, much of the land remained in pasture, and the shorter growing season limited what producers could successfully grow.

Over the decades, the farm evolved alongside the industry. Advances in crop genetics, changing growing conditions, and new technologies created opportunities for growth and diversification. In the 1960s, the family expanded into a farrow-to-finish hog operation, which remained an important part of the farm for more than 50 years before being phased out in 2014. Today, Lenz Farms focuses on grain production and a cow-calf operation.

"Not only has the technology changed, but what we can grow and how much we can grow have changed too," says Glen. "We're always learning and making adjustments."

Farming for the future

A willingness to adopt new technology and continuously improve farming practices has helped shape the farm's success.

From soil testing to variable rate fertilizer management, new crop genetics and modern equipment upgrades, the family is constantly evaluating how to make the best use of its resources while improving productivity and sustainability.

"You need to know what you have in the soil," says Jason. "Every area of a field has different needs. Applying the right nutrients in the right place leads to healthier crops, more efficient crop inputs, and is better for the environment."

That same philosophy extends to their stewardship of the land. Lenz Farms became one of the first farms in Alberta to install tile drainage in the mid-1980s, and the system has continued to expand over the years.

Tile drainage uses a network of underground pipes to remove excess water from agricultural land. By improving drainage and reducing prolonged saturation in low-lying areas, the system supports healthier crops, reduces soil compaction, and helps crops recover more quickly following wet conditions.

The family has also embraced practices that help build long-term soil health. Rather than removing all crop residue after harvest, much of the remaining straw is incorporated back into the soil, helping replenish nutrients and increase organic matter.

"We’ll bale only what we need for our livestock and help neighbours who need straw," says Brian. "The rest goes back into the soil. We want to leave the land in even better condition for the next generation."

A family effort

Like many successful farms, Lenz Farms is built on teamwork.

Brian oversees the cattle operation and grain hauling, Jason leads crop production and marketing, Glen keeps equipment and infrastructure running smoothly, and Paula manages the farm's finances. When the workload increases, everyone pitches in, including the younger generation.

Whether it's harvest, moving cattle, or tackling projects around the yard, the farm succeeds because family members continue to work together toward a common goal.

Building a stronger community

The Lenz family's commitment extends well beyond their farm gate.

Over the years, family members have contributed to numerous agricultural organizations, local boards, recreation facilities, churches, and community initiatives. From agricultural leadership roles and advisory boards to local hockey, arena, church, and community projects, giving back has long been part of the family's values.

"It's amazing what can get done when people get involved," Brian says. "You meet different people, gain new perspectives, and learn from one another."

The family has also supported initiatives such as the Canadian Foodgrains Bank growing project, helping provide assistance to communities far beyond Lacombe County. In recognition of his contributions to agriculture, Jason received the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2024.

Looking ahead

While the farm's history stretches back nearly 80 years, the family remains focused on the future. Like many agricultural families, they hope the next generation will have the opportunity to continue the legacy that began with Fred Lenz in 1948.

"The grandkids are the future," says Jason. "We'd love to see the farm continue, but whatever path they choose, we hope they appreciate the opportunities agriculture can provide."

For Brian, the recognition remains both humbling and unexpected.

"Farming is something you do because you love it," Glen says. "You don't expect to be recognized for doing what you love."

Through generations of hard work, adaptability, and service to their community, the Lenz family has built more than a successful farm. They have built a lasting legacy, one that continues to grow alongside the land they have called home for nearly eight decades.