Nominate an Outstanding Young Farmer

Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers Program is designed to recognize young farmers that exemplify excellence in their profession. Eligible nominees must be farm operators between the ages of 18 and 39 who derive a minimum of two-thirds of their income from their farm operations. Each year one farming couple is selected from each of the program’s seven Regional Recognition Events to represent their respective region at the National Recognition Event.

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Meet our 2023 Finalists

National Event

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Scholarships

Are you passionate about agriculture in Canada? The Outstanding Young Farmers Memorial Scholarship supports future generations in the pursuit of their passion. Two $1,000 scholarships are awarded annually to students pursuing post secondary education in agriculture. The annual application deadline is June 30^th.

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W.R. Motherwell Award

Dr. Motherwell was a leader in Canadian agriculture for over 50 years. He is the namesake of the W.R. Motherwell Award, presented annually to an individual or couple who demonstrate excellence in leadership and dedication to the Outstanding Young Farmers Program and the agriculture industry.

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Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers program is more than a showcase for Canada’s Outstanding Agriculture Industry, the national event brings all of Canada’s grassroots ag producers together to celebrate the struggles and the successes of the work people do everyday. It is an opportunity to learn from each other, talk about what we do in agriculture, renew old friendships and to make new friendships.

Greg & Sarah Stamp AB 2023

Making connections with the other nominated couples, who represented regions across Canada, was a rich experience. We are so thankful that we are part of this alumni group, that we have this ability to do this every year. We were able to learn a lot from the others despite their diverse farm backgrounds. As alumni, we have access to 40 years’ worth of previous COYF members who represent a tremendous amount of expertise. I didn’t think there was any such pool of knowledge available in Canada.

Andre & Katie Steppler MB 2021

I know as a nominee, it felt like we have arrived, like it was something that marked the end of a journey, but in hindsight it brings more clarity, and it was much more about COYF being a launching pad. The conversation sparked and the confidence gained propelled us to grow and expand and to do all that we do better.

Cammy Lockwood BC 2019

It was such an amazing experience to celebrate Canadian agricultural excellence. The nominees were all such great examples of what is great about our country and the farming community. There was definitely no one size fits all and the breadth of diversity in crops and marketing styles was surprising. The people we met and friendships formed will be with us for a long time.

Raymond & Tracey Bredenhof BC 2021

We really didn’t see ourselves as outstanding and did not see how one event could have much impact on our future. BUT, the people we met during this event have immensely changed our lives and the positive environment created here will last us until we can go again! Making connections with people who are out there pushing it as hard as we are.

Lauchie & Jolene MacEachern AT 2017

The most valuable thing we gained from this week was new friends. The ability to share ideas and network with the people we have met will help to improve our farming operation. We were very inspired by the other honourees. The comments and feedback from others also gave us more confidence in what we do on our farm.

Derek & Tannis Axten SK 2017

This group is what Canada and Canadian Farmers are all about! We are so blessed and proud to be a part of this group of outstanding people, who just happen to farm!

Andrew Lovell - AT 2016

No other organization with which I have been involved compares to COYF in celebrating excellence in ALL aspects of agriculture. Alumni flourish knowing that they are learning from other members and are eager to hear the stories and experiences of new honourees every year.

Luanne Lynn ON 2005

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Nominate an Outstanding Young Farmer

Meet our 2023 Finalists

Scholarships

W.R. Motherwell Award

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