(Regina, SK June 24, 2021)– Dairy producers, Michael and Jessica Lovich of Balgonie, SK were named Saskatchewan’s Outstanding Young Farmers for 2021. The winners were announced at the Saskatchewan regional event held at the AGT Lounge in Regina and virtually on June 22.
Michael & Jessica Lovich own and operate Lovholm Holsteins, a 70- cow dairy that focuses on animal longevity, cow health and production as well as farm sustainability and growth. Being born and raised on dairy farms in Alberta they developed a love for the industry.
The focus of Lovholm Holsteins is to continually breed conformationally superior animals and increase production traits with each cow. They are always looking at ways they can diversify the farm or educate others on agriculture. Living so close to Regina provides many opportunities for the farm to host a tour or Jessica to go into schools to speak about agriculture. Engaging with consumers and educating people is a priority at Lovholm Dairy.
The Saskatchewan Region of Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers Program were pleased to have Sask Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Dave Marit in attendance to honour two outstanding farm operations at their 2021 Regional Event. The couples recognized were:
- Stuart Chutter, raises purebred cattle at Killaly
- Michael & Jessica Lovich, Lovholm Dairy, Balgonie
Darlene Krikau, Saskatchewan Regional Chair, hosted the regional event and had this comment, “We had two excellent nominees this year. Jessica and Michael Lovich are dairy farmers who are passionate about their purebred genetics and consumer engagement. Animal health and longevity play key roles in their farm management decisions. Stuart Chutter is a regenerative beef producer focused on the five principles of soil health, which include diversity. We were so very impressed by both these nominees. They run exceptional farms and are excellent agvocates.”
Celebrating 41 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, CN, John Deere, Bayer, Sollio Agriculture and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and supported nationally by WS, Glacier FarmMedia & BDO.
Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers for 2021 will be chosen at the National Event held virtually December 2-3, 2021.
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For more information or a photo of Michael & Jessica, contact:
Carla Kaeding, Program Manager, Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers
306.896.7833 ·kaedingc@hotmail.com · www.oyfcanada.com