Ziegler Family Continues Farming Tradition

Ziegler Family Continues Farming Tradition

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

When Nathan Ziegler moved to Edmonton to pursue his education he never envisioned that farming would be in his future.

But after living in the city for several years, and working as a Red Seal Welder, he and his wife Tiffany decided to return to their roots in the Vegreville area and begin farming 13 years ago.

They have not only carved out a life for themselves, but their four children: Corbyn, 12, Avery, 11, Jackson, 5, and Logan, 3.

They own 600 acres of land, but farm 1,800 acres. Nathan, his dad Clinton, Uncle Elwood and his son Colten all own their own farms, but work cooperatively together and share valuable resources with one another. Nathan said working together to help each other out has been invaluable. Often, Nathan’s sister’s children will come over to help out on the farm, which has been a great help to him and Tiffany.

Both Nathan and Tiffany say they have great neighbours, and they all look out for each other. They both enjoy country living. It definitely agrees with the kids who like quading and sledding. The two oldest, Corbyn and Avery, are members of the Vegreville 4-H Beef Club, and love to help out on the farm any way they can.

Ziegler family members. Back row left to right: Avery, Tiffany, Corbyn and Nathan. Front row: Jackson and Logan with their dog Piper.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Tiffany began home schooling the kids in September of 2021. She says it is going well and likes the fact that it offers more flexibility in their schedule. She says it really has been positive for all involved. Tiffany began raising chickens fairly recently, and they currently have 25 baby chicks. Another new addition to the family, is their potbellied pig Mabel. They also have five steers, four bred heifers and two horses.

Farming is a different way of life, and they are looking at different ways to live in a more sustainable way. One of those ways is gardening, and Nathan is planning to build an old fashioned root cellar this summer to store their produce and canned goods.

Living on the farm has been very rewarding, and living through the COVID-19 pandemic, has made them realize what a wonderful an opportunity it has been.

“You find the importance in what is important,” says Tiffany.

While things are always being added to the list, Nathan does like the fact that it’s not a regular 9-5 job. And while the job is the same, “every day is different” which makes it interesting.

Even though they’ve experienced many ups and downs with grain farming, they continue to stay positive. In typical farmer fashion Nathan says, “There’s always next year.”