Celebrating Canada's outstanding young farmers

Dec 04, 2024
By Farms.com

National winners highlight excellence in agriculture

The Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers (OYF) program recently recognized two exceptional winners during its 2024 national event in Lethbridge, Alberta. Gemstone Cattle Company of Alberta and Polyculture Plante 1987 Inc. of Quebec were chosen from seven regional finalists for their innovation, dedication, and excellence in agriculture.

Gemstone Cattle Company, led by the Doerksen brothers, has transformed their family farm using regenerative agricultural practices. By incorporating rotational grazing, poly-cropping, and direct marketing through “Gemstone Grass Fed Beef,” they have enriched their soils and expanded their business. Their efforts earned them recognition in Avenues Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2023.

Polyculture Plante 1987 Inc., led by Simon Plante and his wife Alison Blouin, specializes in horticulture. They’ve modernized operations with advanced irrigation techniques, sustainable practices, and above-ground berry farming. Alison’s focus on supporting their workforce reflects their commitment to community and quality.

OYF’s program recognizes outstanding farmers aged 18-39, selecting winners who exemplify excellence in their profession while fostering urban-rural connections. The 2024 event, supported by sponsors like CIBC, John Deere, and Bayer, highlighted the contribution of agriculture to Canada’s economy. For more details, visit www.oyfcanada.com.

Photo Credit:

Video: What Does 20 MILLION Hogs a Year Look Like?

?? The Multi-Plant System Processing 20 Million Hogs Annually in the Midwest JBS USA operates multiple large-scale pork processing facilities across the Midwest, including major plants in Iowa, Minnesota, and Indiana. Combined, these facilities have the capacity to process approximately 20 million hogs annually.

Each plant operates high-speed automated slaughter systems capable of processing up to 20,000 head per day, followed by fabrication lines that break carcasses into primals, sub-primals, and case-ready retail products.

Hog procurement is coordinated through electronic marketing platforms that connect regional contract finishing operations and independent producers to plant demand schedules. This digital procurement system allows for steady supply flow and scheduling efficiency across multiple facilities.

Processing plants incorporate comprehensive food safety systems, including pathogen intervention technologies, rapid chilling processes, and integrated cold-chain management. USDA inspection is embedded throughout the harvest and fabrication stages to ensure regulatory compliance and product integrity. Finished pork products — from bulk primals to retail-ready packaged cuts — are distributed through coordinated logistics networks serving domestic and export markets.