Binbrook, Ontario farm family earns top provincial honours and advances to national Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers competition
Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers (COYF) Program has announced Drew and Heather Spoelstra of Binbrook, Ontario, as the Ontario regional winners for 2026. The announcement was made following the Ontario regional competition held April 7 through 9 in St. Jacobs, Ontario. As provincial winners, the Spoelstras will represent Ontario at the national Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers competition in Vancouver, British Columbia, this November.
The Ontario regional event highlighted the strength, diversity, and leadership found within the province’s agricultural community. Two exceptional farm families competed as finalists for the 2026 title:
- Drew and Heather Spoelstra, Roy-A-Lea Farms Ltd., Binbrook
- Tyler and Allison McBlain, McBlain Farms Ltd., Caledonia
Both operations demonstrated a strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community involvement, making the selection process highly competitive.
A Diverse and Forward-Thinking Family Farm Operation
Based in Binbrook, Drew and Heather Spoelstra are lifelong advocates for agriculture and proud partners in Roy-A-Lea Farms Ltd., a diverse, family-run operation producing grains, hay, dairy, and beef. Their farm reflects a balanced approach to modern agriculture, blending production excellence with leadership and long-term vision.
Heather Spoelstra leads the well-known Roy-A-Lea Clydesdales program, breeding and marketing elite Clydesdale horses across North America. Her involvement extends beyond the farm gate through extensive service on agricultural and industry committees, where she contributes her expertise and passion for livestock and rural communities.
Drew Spoelstra is a graduate of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program and the owner of Roy-A-Lea Seeds Ltd. He currently serves as the 33rd President of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, representing approximately 38,000 farm family members across the province. His leadership role reflects a deep commitment to strengthening Ontario agriculture and advocating for farmers at the provincial and national levels.
Together with their three daughters, Hadlea, Harper, and Kasey, the Spoelstras are dedicated to community leadership and to building a sustainable, multi-generational future for Ontario’s farming landscape.
High Praise for Ontario’s Outstanding Finalists
Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers Program Vice President Andrew Lawless praised the calibre of competitors at the Ontario event and the leadership demonstrated throughout the competition.
“The Ontario Outstanding Young Farmer event, held in the beautiful town of St. Jacobs, Ontario, was inspirational,” Lawless said. “There were two outstanding finalists who represented the program very well. These were passionate farm families utilizing innovation to drive their farms forward while contributing to their communities in meaningful ways. Tyler and Allison McBlain and Drew and Heather Spoelstra each did a remarkable job. Congratulations to Drew and Heather, who will move on to represent Ontario at the national event held in Vancouver, British Columbia, in November.”
Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers Program is an annual competition that recognizes farmers under the age of 40 who demonstrate excellence in their profession and make significant contributions to the agriculture sector and their communities. Participants are selected from seven regions across Canada, with two national winners chosen each year.
The 2026 National Outstanding Young Farmers will be announced at the national competition taking place in Vancouver, British Columbia, from November 25 through 29, 2026.