Farms.com Home   Ag Industry News

Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers kicks off this week

Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers kicks off this week

National winners will be announced on Nov. 25

By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com

The Canadian ag industry is a couple days away from finding out who the 2022 Canadian Outstanding Young Farmers are.

Attendees of Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers (COYF) festivities in Saskatoon, Sask. will learn who the winners are on Friday during a banquet.

The competition recognizes farmers between the ages of 18 and 39 who exemplify excellence in their profession and promote agriculture.

"It's always fun to see these young and upcoming farmers/producers come in and share their stories,” Carla Kaeding, the COYF’s program manager, said in a statement. “It's just amazing how they're trying new technology, doing new environmental plans to create sustainability and move agriculture forward. "

Throughout the year, Farms.com connected with some regional winners about their accomplishments and the excitement heading into the national competition.

Representing British Columbia is Gurpreet Lidder.

A fruit farmer from Keremeos, B.C., Lidder runs an 80-acre fruit farm and uses precision agriculture to ensure the health and production of his orchard.

He uses soil, leaf and fruit tests to paint a comprehensive picture of what’s going on in the field. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work, he said.

Cody Straza and Allison Squires are representing Saskatchewan in the competition.

The couple from Wood Mountain, Sask. raise livestock and organic grains on more than 8,000 acres of land.

Squires has a Ph.D. in toxicology from the University of Saskatchewan and promotes the organic industry through on-farm research.

Straza received an agricultural and bioresource engineering degree from the U of S and implements principles he learned in university on his farm.

Moving further east, Richard and Kristy-Layne Carr of Marchand, Man. will carry Manitoba’s flag into the national competition.

The farmers started out as a beef operation but ended up selling land and most of their beef herd to enter the dairy sector.

Dave and Jenn VanDeVelde will represent Ontario during the COYF competition.

The owners and operators of Wholesome Pickins Market and Bakery in Delhi, Ont., facilitated changes on the farm, which has been in Dave’s family since 1930.

In 2006, the couple decided to begin producing fruit and in 2007 grew their first ever-bearing strawberry crop.

The other regional winners are:


Trending Video

2024 AGM Day 1 - Agriculture Matters

Video: 2024 AGM Day 1 - Agriculture Matters

In this diverse and dynamic discussion, our panelists will share unique insights on why agriculture matters in ensuring food security, addressing environmental challenges, and navigating economic landscapes. From the fresh perspectives of 5th generation producer Mady Adamson, to the on-farm and business savvy of Manitoba’s own Paul Spenst, to the wisdom of former CEO and marketing expert Kim McConnell and his 40+ years in the business, we aim to explore the common ground that binds generations in recognizing the profound impact of agriculture.

This inclusive dialogue will not only bridge generational gaps but also emphasize the enduring relevance of agriculture across urban and rural Canada, particularly when faced with the realities of continued pressures on our supply chain that continue to drive up the cost of food and food production. Join us for an enriching discussion that spans the ages, unifying diverse viewpoints to foster a collective understanding of the vital role agriculture plays in building a prosperous and sustainable future.