Agricultural Wall of honor

Century Farm Award Applications

This honor recognizes the contributions to Agriculture by individual producers, individuals in agri-business, or individuals in extension and research work. Candidates for the Agriculture Wall of Honor should have demonstrated leadership in farm, rural and community organizations at the district, county or provincial level. Selections for the Camrose Agricultural Wall of Honor are considered on the basis of a person's outstanding contribution to agricultural development and the quality of rural life within the perimeter of Camrose County.

Agricultural Wall of Honor Inductees

Verlyn grew up in Camrose and began his post-secondary studies at Camrose Lutheran College. He completed his law degree at the U of A in Edmonton and returned to Camrose to practise law for the next thirty years.

In 2008, Verlyn entered politics and served as MLA for Wetaskiwin-Camrose until 2015. He was appointed as the Minister of Justice and Attorney General in 2011, and from mid-2012 until 2015, he served as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. During this time, he led trade missions to Asia and Kazakhstan, helped negotiate the federal, provincial, territorial Growing Forward 2 Agreement and led the development of the Rural Economic Development Action Plan. He was proud to be an advocate for agricultural stakeholders and was involved in the creation of Open Farm Days.

After leaving politics, Verlyn founded OlsonLaw, based in Vegreville. The focus of his practice is assisting families with the transition of their farms or small businesses to the next generation.

As a volunteer, Verlyn has coached baseball and hockey, and served on the boards and committees of the Bethany Group, Camrose Lutheran College Corporation, Alberta Motion Picture Development Corporation, Viking Cup, Scandia Lutheran Church, Armena Athletic Association, Camrose Sport Development Society, Nordlys Film and Arts Society and Diabetes Canada.

Verlyn and his wife, Mardell, raised three children and live near Armena, on land which has been in his family for generations. Spending time with their grandchildren is now their favourite pastime. Verlyn Olson The Gordeyko family moved to the Camrose area in 1946 where Allan along with his father and brother operated a mixed farm of cattle, grain and Clydesdale horses. Following his high school graduation Allan continued to farm as well as attend the Vermillion School of Agriculture where he is now a 60-year Alumni member. In 1963 Allan ventured off on his own establishing his own farmstead where his keen interest for Clydesdale horses began, initially as a hobby and eventually became a large part of the farming operation. Due to son Wes’ interest in heavy horses the family’s involvement in the Clydesdale breed has continued through today.

Allan was a dedicated member of many organizations including: member of Camrose 4-H Beef Club, Leader of Bawlf 4-H Beef Club, Life member and past president of the Alberta Clydesdale Association, Life member, past President and Director for 35+ years of the Clydesdale Horse Association of Canada, board member of the Camrose Agricultural Society (now CRE) for 20+ years, as well as member of the Ohaton Athletic Association for 40+ years.

Allan showed Heavy Horses at the Camrose Fair, Toronto Royal Winter Fair as well as numerous fairs across North America having won numerous titles over the years. He also judged many Heavy Horse Competitions across North America and Scotland. All of Allan’s dedication and hard work led to being recognized on many levels including: Provincial Farm Family Award in 1978, Camrose County Farm Family Award 1992, Calgary Stampede Longest Standing exhibitor in the Heavy Horse Division, 2011 World Champion Mare 6 Horse Hitch, 2018 World Clydesdale Show Supreme Halter Horse Champion. Allan Gordeyko

Contact Us

Agricultural Services Office
Manager - Kevin MacDonald
Assistant Manager - Corey Stuber

4238 - 37 Street
Camrose, AB T4V 5B2

Email: asb@county.camrose.ab.ca

Phone: (780) 672-4765