Lethbridge Event Spotlights Young Farmers

Nov 08, 2024
By Jean-Paul McDonald
Assistant Editor, North American Content, Farms.com

Outstanding farm couples to present at November event

The Sandman Signature Hotel in Lethbridge, Alberta, will host the prestigious Outstanding Young Farmers (OYF) National Event.

Alberta’s OYF regional chair, Jinel Ference, describes farming as a journey of resilience and commitment, akin to navigating Alberta's Rocky Mountains.

This national celebration, running from November 27 to December 1, recognizes exceptional young farmers who have only excelled in their agricultural ventures but contributed to enhancing urban-rural relations.

Candidates, aged between 18 and 39, are chosen for their innovative approaches and the sustainable practices they employ on their farms.

They were selected for their leadership and commitment to agriculture in their respective regions.

These finalists will share their farming stories, challenges, and successes during the event.

“I want to extend and invite everyone to enjoy the hospitality that the Alberta hosting committee has prepared for us as they showcase their beautiful province and the region of Southern Alberta and how Water is life for all of us. To the honorees I would like to say I sincerely hope you take time to forge long lasting friendships and discover new relationships that you will always cherish. You all share passion and diversity in your agricultural expertise.”, states COYF President Danny Penner.

Among the regional finalists are Aubyn and Tristan Banwell from Spray Creek Ranch in Lillooet, BC, and Lorin and Daniel Doerksen from Gemstone Cattle Company in Gem, AB.

From Saskatchewan, Erika and Cyle Stewart of Pine Ranch Ltd. in Morse will speak, alongside Paige and Marcus Dueck of Four Oak Farms in Kleefeld, MB.

Ontario's representatives are DJ Wassenaar and Matt Bergman from Haybury Farms Inc in Jarvis, and from Quebec, Alison Blouin and Simon Plante of Polyculture Plante 1987 Inc in Sainte-Pétronille.

These young leaders represent the vibrant future of Canadian agriculture, showcasing the innovative spirit necessary to drive the industry forward.

Photo Credit: oyfcanada.com

Video: Creating Pollinator Habitat From Farmland

Why did we turn this land in to pollinator habitat? We we rented this farm consisting of six fields this 23 acres was the most challenging. Nine acres of is a large sandhill with trees all along the North edge. Most years it wouldn't produce very much grain at all. So when we bought this farm we decided it was time to take that hill out of production and put it to good use. So we seeded it to pollinator habitat. Here's a look at it three years in, and it's looking better every year. There's a strong marestail seedbank out there, but the pollinator species are beating it back a little more each year. The grasses have really come on strong this year. And we have a neighbor who keeps some beehives on the habitat. Hope you enjoy taking a tour of our pollinator habitat!