ONANOLE, MB (March 8, 2017) – Brent and Kirsty Oswald of Cottonwood Holsteins Ltd. have been selected as Manitoba’s Outstanding Young Farmers for 2017. The event took place March 4th at the Elkhorn Resort in Onanole, MB, with the Honourable Ralph Eichler, Minister of Agriculture, in attendance.
Cottonwood Holsteins is a mixed dairy and grain farm that was homesteaded by Brent’s grandparents in the early 1930s. It continues to be a family operation as Brent’s parents, who purchased the farm from their parents in 1968, pass it on to Brent and Kirsty.
“Brent’s passion for farming that started at a young age is evident as you talk to him,” says OYF Program Chair Luanne Lynn. “He beams as he talks about his cows, and their continued increasing performance. The technology that the Oswald’s have incorporated into their dairy operation has allowed them to expand their herd, comprehensive data records and maximize the efficiency of their farm.”
At Cottonwood Holsteins they milk 135 cows and grain farm just shy of 2,500 acres. The Oswald’s, always focus on getting better before getting bigger, which is why they are increasing their emphasis on investing in equipment to boost efficiencies.
“It’s these advances and new benchmarks that we are achieving that keep my passion for farming burning strong,” says Brent.” I knew from a very young age that all I wanted to do was farm, and it’s all I’ve ever done. I look forward to the rest of my farming career, enjoying it while raising my children in the lifestyle that is second to none.”
Celebrating 37 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 CIBC, John Deere, Bayer, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through Growing Forward 2, a federal, provincial, territorial initiative. The national media sponsor is Annex Business Media, and the program is supported nationally by AdFarm, BDO and Farm Management Canada.
Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers for 2017 will be chosen at the National Event in Penticton, BC from November 29 – December 3, 2017.
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For more information or a photo of Brent & Kirsty Oswald, contact:
Carla Kaeding, Program Manager, Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers
306.896.7833 ·kaedingc@hotmail.com · oyfcanada.com