The Alberta Outstanding Young Farmers (OYF) Region is preparing to host Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers’ National Event which will take place at the Sandman Signature Hotel Lethbridge, AB from Nov 27- Dec 1, 2024.   

Alberta’s OYF regional chair, Jinel Ference states, “Ag business is comparable to the peaks and valleys found in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta.  It takes great strength, perseverance and commitment to navigate the journey of being producers in agriculture and the Outstanding Young Farmers of Canada are exceptional examples of this.” 

 Every year this event brings recognition to outstanding farm couples in Canada between 18 and 39 years of age who have exemplified excellence in their profession while fostering better urban-rural relations. Seven entrepreneurial farm couples from across Canada chosen from their home regions will present highlights of their operations at the National Event on Friday November 29.

This year’s regional finalists are:

BC- Aubyn & Tristan Banwell- Spray Creek Ranch-Lillooet

AB- Lorin & Daniel Doerksen- Gemstone Cattle Company- Gem

SK- Erika & Cyle Stewart- Pine Ranch Ltd.- Morse

MB- Paige & Marcus Dueck- Four Oak Farms- Kleefeld

ON- DJ Wassenaar & Matt Bergman- Haybury Farms Inc- Jarvis

QC- Alison Blouin & Simon Plante – Polyculture Plante 1987 Inc- Sainte- Pétronille

AT- Geena Luckett- Luckett Farms Ltd- Wallbrook, NS

 “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. 

 Celebrating 44 years, Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers’ program is an annual competition to recognize farmers that exemplify excellence in their profession and promote the tremendous contribution of agriculture. Open to participants 18 to 39 years of age, making the majority of income from on-farm sources, participants are selected from seven regions across Canada, with two national winners chosen each year. The program is sponsored nationally by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, CIBC, John Deere, Bayer, Sollio Agriculture, Meridian Manufacturing and CN with media sponsors Glacier FarmMedia and WS and video sponsor, Bamboo Shoots. It is supported nationally by BDO.

Source: Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers Competition November 6, 2024 news release