Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers Program (COYF) is a unique program designed to recognize farmers and farm couples who exemplify excellence in their profession and promote the tremendous contribution to agriculture. The program is open to farmers or couples who derive at least two-thirds of their income from farming operations.
Alberta/NWT is one of seven regions. Each region holds an event where local nominees are judged on specific criteria. All regional winners represent their areas at an annual national event where they compete to be named Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers.
To read how this years’ Alberta/NWT award winners exemplify the ideals of our program click below.
Brothers Daniel, Lorin and Barry Doerksen are fourth generation producers operating a mixed farming and ranching operation in Gem, AB along with their father Arno and his brother Tim. Their irrigated land base supports production of cash crops and forage crops grown for winter feed and silage. Along with a commercial cow-herd, the family also […]
Lee and Lisa are the third generation at Crestomere Holsteins, a family dairy farm where they work alongside Lee’s parents and raise their two young children, Ava and Easton. Crestomere Holsteins, milking around 100 cows, transitioned to a modern robotic barn in 2018, a big change moving from the old 67 tie-stall barn. The couple […]
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.
Churchbridge, SK (Sept 9, 2024) – Aliera Chernoff of Strathmore, AB and Danielle Nagazina of Calgary, AB have been selected as the Outstanding Young Farmers Memorial Scholarship winners for 2024. Each winner receives a $1,000 scholarship to support their post-secondary agricultural education4. Aliera Chernoff’s passion for agriculture comes from an appreciation for the vital role […]
(Olds, AB Aug 1, 2024) –Daniel, Lorin & Barry Doerksen of Gem were named Alberta’s Outstanding Young Farmers for 2024 at the Alberta Region’s Recognition Event held in conjunction with Olds Smart July 31- Aug 1. Brothers Daniel, Lorin and Barry Doerksen are fourth generation producers operating a mixed farming and ranching operation in Gem, […]
Alberta Regional Event
July 30-Aug 1, 2024
OYF National Event
Nov 27-Dec 1, 2024
Click here for information on national and regional sponsorship opportunities with Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers.
The COYF Memorial Scholarships were established in memory of the late Martin Streef, president of Streef Produce Ltd., a family-run fresh fruit and vegetable business in Woodstock Ontario, to help future generations of Canadians pursue their passion for agriculture.
In 1996, Streef was recognized as both Ontario’s and Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmer. He died in April 2008.
