The second day of Canada's Farm Progress Show on Thursday paid tribute to young farmers in Saskatchewan. Attendance was strong but down slightly compared to 2016 given the rainy and windy weather.
At a noon luncheon, Tannis and Derek Axten were named Saskatchewan's Outstanding Young Farmers of the Year. They are third-generation grain farmers from Minton who operate a no-till farm focused on soil health. By increasing plant diversity, and by seeding intercrops, companion crops and cover crops, they're dramatically improving the health of the soil and regenerating their land.
Runners-up were Lichelle and Terry Aberhart from Langenburg, Saskatchewan who also have a progressive dry-land grain farming operation.
Outstanding Young Farmers is a national program that recognizes young farmers who exemplify excellence in their profession. Nominees must be farm operators 18 to 39 years of age and derive a minimum two-thirds of their income from farming. Each year one honouree is selected from each of the program's seven regions across Canada, including Saskatchewan. The 2017 national finals will be held in Penticton BC in November.
Day two also featured the Farm Progress Forum, presented by FCC, with three outstanding speakers:
- Graham Sherman, co-owner of Tool Shed Brewing Company, a Canadian brewing success story;
- Alison Anderson, CEO of SuccessionMatching.com who spoke about the five phases of successful farm transition and how to avoid traditional pain points; and
- Drew Lerner, President and Senior Agricultural Meteorologist of World Weather Inc., who has been forecasting weather for 35 years and supports the ag industry by providing detailed short- and long-range weather predictions for each major crop area around the globe.
For a complete listing of all events and activities taking place Friday, please consult our daily schedule.
Source : Evraz Place