Ontario’s Outstanding Young Farmers Program is designed to recognize young farmers and farm couples for their contribution and excellence in the agricultural field.
Individual farmers and couples between the ages of 18 and 39 who derive a minimum of two thirds of their income from their farm operations are nominated to be chosen as Ontario’s Outstanding Young Farmers. Applicants are judged by a panel on criteria such as progress made during their farming career, maximum use of soil, conservation practices, production history, financial and management practices, and contributions to the community and province.
“Ontario’s Outstanding Young Farmers Program is excited to be partnering with Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show on September 10th to celebrate some of Ontario’s most diversified and innovative young farmers,” says Christina Pyke, Co-Chair of Ontario’s Outstanding Young Farmers.
Ontario is one of the seven regions across Canada that holds an event where local nominees are judged. This is followed by an annual national event where all competitors from each region come together to represent their designated region. The regional event for Ontario is Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show. At the show, nominees make a presentation to a panel of judges, and the winners will proceed to the national recognition event.
“The program is an alumni-based peer-recognition awards program that is designed to recognize young farmers who exemplify excellence in their profession,” says Pyke. “The passion, dedication and willingness to pursue their farming dreams is part of what makes the 2019 OYF finalists so special.”
This year’s finalists are Jan and Jony Roos of Roos Dairy Goats in Brownsville, Ontario, Ben Tomory of Pefferlaw Creek Farms in Uxbridge, Ontario, and Kendra and Steve Bloomfield of Bloomers Family Farm in Ilderton, Ontario. “OYF alumni, sponsors, friends and fellow Ontario farmers are invited to hear their stories which will be highlighted in PowerPoint presentations,” adds Pyke.
Show attendees are encouraged to visit the Special Events Tent at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 10 for the nominee presentations, followed by the announcement of the winner.
“With the generous support of Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show and sponsors, the OYF program continues to grow each year,” concludes Pyke. “We hope to see you at the 2019 OYF Regional Event on September 10!”