(Regina,SK June 23, 2023) – Third generation grain producers Jake Leguee, Sarah Leguee and Eric Nikolejsin from Weyburn, SK were named Saskatchewan’s Outstanding Young Farmers for 2023 at the Saskatchewan Region’s Recognition Event held in conjunction with Canada’s Farm Show at REALDistrict June 21-22.
Leguee Farms was initially established in 1956, when grandparents Don and Elsie Leguee bought the home section at Weyburn, SK. Their parents, Russ & Sharon, took over the farm in the late 1970’s. In the early 2010’s, management of the farm transitioned to generation three as Sarah and Jake became partners in the operation. In 2017, Erik, husband to sister Amber, joined the farm team. Today, Sarah, Jake, and Erik manage the farm as a team.
The Leguee team intensively manages their crops, believing in the importance of continuous improvement, always seeking to find new ways to look after both their soils and margins. They work with their partners to stay on the leading edge of technology, continually trialling new products and practices.
The family strongly believes in the importance of community and leadership. Sarah and Jake are involved with the broader ag community as well, including APAS, the SaskWheat Development Commission, and the Global Farmer Network. They are determined to share a positive story on social media and in Jake’s popular blog, A Year in the Life of a Farmer.
The Saskatchewan Region of Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers Program were pleased and proud to have two diverse and impressive operations at the 2023 Regional Event. The Nominees recognized were:
Russell & Beth Wildfong- Wildfong Enterprises- Craik
Jake Leguee, Sarah Leguee and Eric Nikolejsin- Leguee Farms- Weyburn
Past President of the National OYF board, Steve Cooper’s comment on the event was, “It was an incredible privilege to be part of this event. The Provincial Minister of Agriculture, Deputy Minster of Agriculture, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, representatives from all faucets of Saskatchewan Agriculture and of course the amazing alumni of Saskatchewan’s Outstanding Young Farmers Program were all present to see the amazing things this year’s nominees were accomplishing on their farms.”
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 and CN with media sponsors Glacier FarmMedia and WS. It is supported nationally by BDO.
Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers for 2023 will be chosen at the National event in Laval Quebec from November 22-26, 2023.
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For more information or a photo of Jake Leguee, Sarah Leguee and Eric Nikolejsin, contact:
Carla Kaeding, Program Manager,
Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers
306.896.7833 ·kaedingc@hotmail.com · www.oyfcanada.com