COYF recognizes Carl Marquis for lifelong excellence in farming leadership
Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers program honoured Quebec farmer and long-time leader Carl Marquis with the 2025 W.R. Motherwell Award at its national event in Toronto at the end of November.
The recognition celebrates his exceptional service, dedication, and leadership within both the COYF program and the Canadian agricultural community.
Marquis began farming at the young age of 19, when he purchased a run-down farm in Ste-Croix Lotbinière, Quebec. Over more than four decades, he has transformed it into an impressive family operation known today as Ferme Florka.
Together with his wife Lorraine Lemay, daughters Catherine and Justine, and son-in-law Alexandre, the family manages a successful dairy herd of 250 cows, 850 acres of grain land, and 5,000 maple syrup taps.
Marquis has been a dedicated supporter of COYF since representing Quebec at the national finals in Vancouver in 2003. His involvement includes registering candidates, judging regional competitions, helping host national events, recruiting sponsors, supporting judges, and participating in strategic planning.
He also served a full decade on the National Executive, including a term as National Committee President from 2018 to 2019. His work has strengthened the program and raised awareness about the importance of bilingual communication and translation.
Beyond COYF, Marquis has been an active contributor to his community. He has served with the Union des producteurs agricoles, the Agropur cooperative, and the Lotbinière Holstein Club. He is also a founding member and longtime secretary of the Agricultural Machinery Cooperative and has appeared on several agricultural television programs.
Lemay, his partner in both business and life, shares in his every achievement. Together, they have received major recognitions, including Quebec’s National Order of Agricultural Merit in bronze, silver, and gold categories. Their farm was also named Quebec’s Farm Family of the Year in 2023.
During the award presentation, COYF Vice President Ryan Mercer and alumni member Sylvain Gascon praised Marquis’s lifelong dedication. Sylvain remarked, “Passion defines Carl… the next generation is ready to take its place at LORKA Farm.”
Photo Credit: carl-marquis-print-farms