BMO Ontario Farm Family Awards to Honour Eleven Families at the 2017 International Plowing Match

• Families can also enjoy fun and interactive learning activities for youth all week at the BMO Kids' Zone
• Free admission and pancake breakfast for children under the age of 16 on BMO Kids' Day, Saturday, September 23 from 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

WALTON, ON, Sept. 21, 2017 /CNW/ - BMO Bank of Montreal and the Ontario Plowmen's Association will honour eleven farm families at the annual BMO Ontario Farm Family Awards during the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo in Walton, Ontario on Saturday, September 23, 2017.

The BMO Ontario Farm Family Awards recognize the outstanding contributions made by farmers across the province by bringing the community together to celebrate both these exceptional families and the vital urban-rural relationship. The families will be treated to a day of Plowing Match events, a plaque presentation, luncheon and family photograph session.

Who:	Julie Barker-Merz, Senior Vice President, South Western Ontario Division, BMO Bank of Montreal
	Cathy Lasby, Executive Director, Ontario Plowmen's Association
What:	2017 BMO Ontario Farm Family Award Ceremony
When:	BMO Ontario Farm Family meet-and-greet, 10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
	Plaque presentation on main stage, 11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
	BMO Ontario Farm Family Lunch, 11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
	Family pictures, 12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Where:	Walton, Huron County, ON
	82823 North Line (County Rd 12)
	Walton, ON N0K 1Z0

2017 BMO Ontario Farm Family Award Recipients

Farm Name	Family Name	Farm Location
Crovalley Holsteins	Crowley Family	Hastings
Cull Farms	Cull Family	Douglas
Flynn Farms Ltd.	Flynn Family	Clinton
Gamblane Farms Ltd.	Gamble Family	Owen Sound
Jennen Family Farm	Jennen Family	Thamesville
Orangeline Farms	Kniaziew Family	Leamington
Maitland Meadows Farms	Maitland Family	Jasper
Jobo Farms	Oosterhof Family	North Augusta
Orserdale Farms	Orser Family	Sydenham
Roy-A-Lea Farms	Spoelstra Family	Binbrook
Sunlane Farms	Trask Family	Alma

"BMO has been a steadfast supporter of the Canadian agricultural community throughout our 200 years of doing business, and this event recognizes the Ontario families that lead the sector in business and environmental best practices," said Julie Barker-Merz, Senior Vice President, South Western Ontario Division, BMO Bank of Montreal. "We're thrilled to honour the leadership of these families in the agriculture sector and their vital support of the Ontario economy."

BMO Kids' Day at the International Plowing Match
Throughout the duration of the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo, taking place September 19-23, BMO will host a BMO Kids' Zone each day from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. – featuring fun, educational and interactive games and giveaways. In addition, for the fourth straight year, an entire day of events and activities focused exclusively on kids will take place on BMO Kids' Day – Saturday, September 23^rd. Children 16 years and under arriving between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. will receive free admission to the grounds and be treated to a free pancake breakfast (while supplies last).

BMO and the International Plowing Match
BMO has been a supporter of the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo since 2007. The sponsorship has since evolved with BMO as a Presenting Partner through to 2021 inclusive. As part of the partnership, BMO introduced the inaugural Ontario Farm Family Awards. Recognizing farm families is a further demonstration of BMO's commitment to agriculture. BMO also recognizes farm families in southern Alberta annually at the Calgary Stampede.

About BMO and Agriculture  
BMO's roots in the Canadian agricultural sector date back to 1817, when the Bank first began working with farmers to support and expand the agricultural industry. Today, BMO provides customized loan, deposit, cash management and card payment solutions to Canada's agri-business owners, the largest core commercial sector that the bank serves.

Internet: www.bmo.com Twitter: @BMOmedia

SOURCE BMO Financial Group

Media Contacts: Jessica Leroux, Toronto, [e-mail], [phone]