Raven's Nest Farm, a Rocky View County operation redefining local food production throughinnovative indoor farming and community partnerships, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Master Farm Family Award. The award was announced by Councillor Greg Boehlke, Chair of the Agricultural Service Board, during the County's Annual Agricultural Tour. The 2026 award honours Keith and Laura Chitwood for their outstanding contributions to agriculture, innovation, sustainability, and community service.
“Keith and Laura represent what the Master Farm Family Award represents," said Councillor Greg Boehlke, Chair of the Agricultural Service Board. "They have embraced innovative farming practices while remaining deeply committed to their community and strengthening local food systems. Their passion for agriculture, environmental stewardship, and community engagement makes Raven's Nest Farm a deserving recipient of this year's award. Their work demonstrates that innovation and tradition can go hand in hand to create a resilient future for agriculture in Rocky View County."
Founded in 1989, the Master Farm Family Award is presented annually to a Rocky View County farm or ranch family that demonstrates excellence in community involvement, agricultural business and industry engagement, team farm management, and technical farm production and sustainability practices. Each year, candidates are nominated by local residents and reviewed by the Agricultural Service Board, which selects one outstanding recipient.
Raven's Nest Farm is owned and operated by Keith and Laura Chitwood. The farm was established with a vision to revolutionize the way communities access fresh, healthy food through innovative modular indoor farming technology. By growing produce close to the people they serve, Raven's Nest Farm supplies local markets, restaurants, and direct-to-consumer customers with fresh, traceable, Canadian-grown produce throughout the year.
Keith is a fourth-generation farmer who was raised in Rocky View County on his family's farm. A former member of the Balzac 4-H Beef Club and an Olds College graduate with a degree in Agribusiness, he combines generations of agricultural knowledge with modern production practices. Laura, originally from Hamilton, Ontario, brings a passion for community engagement and sustainability. A McMaster University graduate, she has volunteered with Agriculture in the Classroom program and continues to serve on a variety of community boards.
Together, Keith and Laura have built a business that blends agricultural tradition with innovation. Their Canadian-made modular indoor growing system is designed to withstand Alberta's climate while producing high-quality leafy greens and herbs year-round. Careful attention to every stage of production - from seeding and transplanting to harvesting, packaging, and delivery - ensures customers receive consistently fresh, premium-quality produce.
Community engagement is at the heart of Raven's Nest Farm. Through active social media channels and a monthly newsletter, the Chitwoods share recipes, educational content, seasonal updates, and initiatives that encourage community participation. Their commitment to giving back is reflected in projects such as a reusable bag collection campaign supporting the Airdrie Food Bank, along with their ongoing efforts to strengthen connections between local food producers and consumers.
Rocky View County congratulates Raven's Nest Farm on receiving the 2026 Master Farm Family Award and thanks Keith and Laura Chitwood for their leadership, innovation, and dedication to strengthening local agriculture and building healthier, more connected communities.
Photo features (left to right): Kristyn Lines, Manager – Agricultural & Environmental Services, Laura
Chitwood, Keith Chitwood, Councillor Greg Boehlke, Chair – Agricultural Service Board