Two Ontario farm families, McBain Farms and Roy A Lea Seeds, compete for Outstanding Young Farmer title
The Ontario Outstanding Young Farmer (OOYF) Program will announce the province’s top young farmer during the 2026 awards banquet on April 8 at Cellar 52 in St. Jacobs, Ontario. The event will recognize young agricultural leaders who demonstrate strong farming skills, innovation, and community involvement.
The evening program will begin with cocktails at 4:30 p.m., followed by a banquet at 5:30 p.m. Presentations and the awards ceremony will follow later in the evening. The winning farm family will represent Ontario at the Canadian Outstanding Young Farmer competition scheduled to take place in British Columbia in November 2026.
Two farm couples have been selected as finalists after completing a detailed nomination process and review by the program committee. The nominees for the 2026 award are Tyler and Allison McBlain of McBlain Farms Ltd. in Caledonia, Ontario, and Drew and Heather Spoelstra of Roy A Lea Seeds Ltd. near Binbrook, Ontario.
Tyler and Allison McBlain operate a 4,000 acre fifth generation cash crop farm in Brant County. Their operation produces corn, soybeans, wheat, and oats using conservation practices such as strip tillage and no till systems supported by precision agriculture technology.
The farm focuses on regenerative soil health practices and data driven decision making. In addition to farming, Tyler serves as Deputy District Chief with the County of Brant volunteer fire department. Allison, a trained elementary school teacher, supports agricultural education programs and community activities while helping raise their three children.
Drew and Heather Spoelstra operate a diversified agricultural business that includes dairy, grain, beef, and Clydesdale horses. Drew is a partner in Roy A Lea Farms Ltd., a 2,000 acre dairy and grain operation that began using a modern robotic dairy system in 2024.
He also manages Roy A Lea Seeds Ltd., supplying seed products to local farmers. Heather manages a herd of 50 Clydesdale horses that support mounted police units across Canada. Their horse Roy A Lea Major Laredo led the Budweiser Clydesdales in the 2026 Rose Parade.
The OOYF program celebrates young farmers who contribute to agriculture, leadership, and their communities while helping shape the future of farming in Ontario.
Photo: Drew and Heather Spoelstra and family of Roy A Lea Seeds Ltd.