Meet Travis Eklund, one of four farm members on Rocky View County’s Agricultural Service Board.
“My parents are my biggest influence, and I work closely with both of them. Dad and I run our cattle together, so we work together every day. Mom has been involved with riparian health and rangeland health for decades. I’ve been blessed to work with and learn from them every day.
Our ranch was established in 1885, southwest of Cochrane, along the Jumpingpound Creek. My great-grandfather came from England and worked on the railway until it reached the Cochrane area. He accumulated a few head of cattle and decided this would be a good place to start a ranch. At that time, Cochrane wasn’t there; the nearest town was Mitford, just to the west of what is currently Cochrane.
In 2010, I decided to return to the ranch after spending a decade as an Electronic Engineer. I met my wife at the same time, who comes from a ranch in Chauvin, Alberta, and together we’ve continued the family ranch. We run a straight cattle operation and grow hay for winter feed. Because we’re in the foothills and down in the valley where the cold air settles, there are limits to what we can grow.
Rocky View has an incredibly diverse agricultural sector, from towering foothills and forests in the west to prairies in the east. Everything from bees to beef, small flower growers to large grain fields, and operations that are just getting started alongside others that have been here for well over a century. It all needs to be celebrated and, most importantly, protected. Urbanization is a significant threat to the landscapes and agricultural operations.
Serving on the Agricultural Service Board gives me the opportunity to connect agricultural operations in our area with the County. I can help bridge gaps between the producers and the County.
Rocky View County has a tremendous agricultural administration. They do amazing work advocating for producers with the County Council and other departments. The strong leadership, understanding and flexibility throughout the organization support the agricultural sector and give me hope for the future.
What I value most about agriculture is the freedom that comes with working on the land and with livestock. Every day is unique with new things to learn or new challenges to overcome. I’m blessed to work with my family every day. I love working with my wife and kids and passing the knowledge on to the next generation.”
Rooted in family, shaped by the land and focused on the future, Travis brings both lived experience and a strong agricultural voice to Rocky View County’s Agricultural Service Board.
To learn more about the Board, visit: https://www.rockyview.ca/government/boards-and-committees/agricultural-service-board
