Farm Stories
Coming of Age on a Mid-20th Century Alberta Mixed Farm
by George Rock

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George Rock grew up in the 1950’s on a central Alberta farm that was very typical in some ways, but unusual in others. Thanks to the Rock family’s inherited expertise, knack for innovation, and openness to ideas from colleagues and hired hands, the farm thrived through the 1940’s and 1950’s. They specialized as suppliers of breeding stock and registered seed to other farms, while extending the business into more unusual endeavours, including purebred sheep and thoroughbred racehorses. As George matured, he also witnessed the widespread impact of mechanization, which enabled the farm to expand in the 1960’s but also brought new challenges. Despite being from a small, geographically isolated community, George was exposed early on to the larger world through stories from his extended family and the farm’s ethnically diverse hired hands. Third in a family of four, his education included not only a one-room schoolhouse, but also trips to the US and neighbouring provinces. Even as he grew, learned, and got up to mischief with his younger sister; mourned the untimely death of his eldest brother when he was eleven and saw his family embroiled in a national political scandal when he was thirteen. Begun as reminiscences for his grandchildren, the stories in this book recall a rural world that is much changed, while also reflecting universal themes of innovation, humour, and family adaptation.

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From an early age George Rock had an interest in agriculture, geography, and history of all types. As a child he heard many stories about homesteading and early farming, and in retirement he began writing some of his own stories about growing up on the farm to share with his family. One thing led to another, and this book is the result. He joined the family farm business after graduating in Agriculture from the Olds School of Agriculture and the University of Alberta. Working alongside his wife June, father, and brother for 15 years, he extended the sheep breeding enterprise and innovated through irrigation. After dust allergies forced him to leave the family farm, he had a 25-year career with Alberta Agriculture that included receiving a Master of Agriculture degree while holding several positions at the District, Regional and Provincial levels. His work with farmers, their families and rural organizations included integrating new technologies and managing the dynamics of family businesses. Author Photo by Lorraine Hjalte

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Contributors

Author

George Rock

Editor

Colleen MacNaughton

Editor

Melanie Rock