Imagine waking up in the morning and heading off to work, except instead of being greeted with array of co-workers with whom you have made only a general acquaintance, you are greeted by your family.
To some, being part of a family business could be a dream come true, to others the opposite. However, for the Templeton family of XTC Hereford Farms, running a family business could be considered the secret to their success.
Specializing in both cattle and pedigree seed production and sales, the Templetons were recently nominated for the BMO Farm Family Awards.
One family is nominated from one of 19 municipal districts and counties in southern Alberta and then brought to the Calgary Stampede for the awards ceremony.
Though they have been credited with success by the county, the Templetons remain humble.
“There are lots of good farms around here, we are not heroes by any means,” says Doran Templeton, one of the two managers of the farm.
“We are certainly pleased. It is nice to be thought of, even if we don’t win it is nice to be nominated.”
Indeed, a more suitable nomination could not be found for this farm, it is a true family operated business.
The history of the farm dates back to 1947, when the late George Templeton and his wife Joyce purchased the land. Over the years, the farm and the family expanded.
Presently, George’s sons, Byron and Doran are now managing the farm.
Farming truly runs in the family as Byron’s three daughters Roberta, Jocelyn and Rosie are all involved in the cattle business and the two eldest are enrolled in agricultural programs at the University of Saskatoon.
Doran’s son, Brant, does most of the tractor work on the farm, while his wife, Denise, enjoys caring for the overall appearance of the farm.
“The strength of this place is in the diversity of the two managers,” says Carolyn Templeton, Byron’s wife, who assists in many aspects of the farm.
XTC Hereford farms raises and sells top quality Hereford Cattle. They also produce pedigree seed including wheat, barley, fava beans, flax and canola.
Byron focuses on the cattle production and sales, while Doran is in charge of the seed.
“It is also in the cycle of how the cattle and the grain farm complement each other. Residue from the grain is used for cattle, and residue from the cattle is used to fertilize the seed.”
The cohesive relationships on the farm are not just seen in the products that are produced there; indeed, the family itself works as a cohesive unit which contributes to their overall success in the industry.
“It is a business first and foremost, but there is a lifestyle that goes along with it as well,” says Doran.
Despite their success, having an agricultural business in Southern Alberta has not been without its challenges.
“There are more variables in agriculture than in a lot of businesses,” says Carolyn. “We are at the mercy of the weather.”
“Everyday has its challenges,” says Doran, “but we’ve got enough experience under our belt that we are able to cope. Even though a lot of forces are out of our control.”
Farming is an inherently challenging business, but the Templetons seem to see the challenges as opportunities to improve themselves.
“One thing I noticed about this area is it is very progressive. We are challenged by our neighbours every day,” says Carolyn. “When there is stuff going on, it challenges you to be more innovative.”
“It is learning from other people’s knowledge and enthusiasm,” adds Brant Templeton, Doran’s son.
The Templetons attention to newer technologies in the industry has been another key element to their success.
“Being involved in the pedigree seed business forces us to be on top of the new varieties,” says Doran.
“If you are not adopting new technologies all the time, you are getting behind.”
Technologies such as zero till seeding and GPS technology have helped the Templetons improve their efficiency and quality on the farm.
The rewards of the business go beyond the obvious successes of the farms production.  The farming lifestyle is something that every member of the Templeton family seems to appreciate.
“We all enjoy doing a good job,” says Doran.
“We take pride in what we’ve done.”
“We like to see how things can improve and enjoy the challenge of making two blades of grass where only one grew before.”