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.
Atlantic is one of seven regions and includes the provinces of Nova Scotia, new Brunswick, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island. 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’ Atlantic award winners exemplify the ideals of our program click below.
Raised on dairy farms in Holland, they both moved to Ontario where they met. They gained farming experience from their families who had poultry, cash crops, pigs and veal. Marijke received her Agricultural Business Degree and Will his Red Seal Mechanic. In 2017 they moved to PE and took over a potato farm with help […]
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.
(Mill River, PE – July 27, 2023) – New potato producers Marijke Oudshoon and Willem van de Wetering of Spud Isle Farms located at Morell PE were named Atlantic’s Outstanding Young Farmers for 2023 at the Atlantic Region’s Recognition Event held in Mill River PE July 16-18. Will and Marijke both grew up in Holland […]
(Saskatoon, SK- October 21, 2022) – The Saskatchewan Outstanding Young Farmers (OYF) Region is preparing to host Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers’ National Event which will take place at the Delta Bessborough Hotel in Saskatoon, SK from Nov 23-27,2022. Saskatchewan OYF regional chair, Derek Axten states, “We hope you will enjoy the event as we share […]
Atlantic Regional Event
July 17-18, 2023
OYF National Event
Nov 23-26, 2023
Click here for information on national and regional sponsorship opportunities with Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers.
The OYF 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.