A couple from Winkler has been named the 2017 Farm Family of the Year by the Red River Exhibition Association (RREA).

Jack and Dianne Froese, who own Froese Enterprises, join a distinguished list of 51 other families who have been honoured with the award since its inception in 1966.

"The Froese family are innovators and leaders in Manitoba's agricultural industry and they personify the qualities recognized by this title," said Garth Rogerson, CEO of the RREA.

Jack has served the Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers for 20 years and has also been the chair of Pulse Canada. He's also presented to the House of Commons and Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture and participated in Team Canada trade missions to Algeria, Egypt, Iran and India.

"I consider it an honour when you get recognized by your peers," he said. "You don't always feel worthy of the honour but I'm very grateful for the honour."

Currently Jack is a director with the Manitoba Canola Growers Association and serves as President of the Canadian Canola Growers Association.

"The Froese family is deserving of this award as their family embodies what it means to live in rural Manitoba," said Francois Labelle, Executive Director of the Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers (MPSG). "They engage with their community, are exemplary stewards of the environment and have built a farm business that is progressive, diverse and a welcome place to work and visit."

The Froese family, who were nominated by MPSG, will receive their award June 19th during the 2017 Red River Exhibition in Winnipeg.