March 13, 2017 marks the diamond anniversary for Golden West.

It was on this day back in 1957 that the company's originating station, CFAM Radio, went live operating at 1,000 watts out of a small studio in Altona.

Farm programming is, and has always been, a major focus for the company.

Altona-area farmer Jake Enns, now retired, remembers when the station first came on the air.

Jake Enns

He says the local farm programming has always been a valuable resource for producers.

"I think CFAM is good, especially the farm program for the farmers," commented Enns. "I remember using it quite extensively to listen to farm news and I think it's still valuable for farmers."

In the beginning CFAM was known as Manitoba's "Farm and Good Music Station".

Lowe Farm-area farmer Wilfred "Butch" Harder says the local coverage is much appreciated.

Wilfred "Butch" Harder

"I think the farm programming is good. I was a director of Manitoba Pool for so many years, and of course a director of the Canadian Wheat Board, and at public meetings you were always there, still are and it's nice to see."

Today, Golden West operates over 40 radio stations, and 18 community portals (with 5 apps) across four provinces, with over 400 local employees.

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