Ontario

Current Ontario Winners

David & Jennifer VanDeVelde- Dehli

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.

Ontario 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.

National Event Presentation

Ontario’s  Outstanding Young Farmers Program Video

Ontario Outstanding Young Farmer Podcast

To read how this years’ Ontario award winners exemplify the ideals of our program click below.

Read their Story View Regional Winners

Current Nominees

2022- Rick & Kevin Howe-Elgin County

The Howe Farm

Rick and Kevin Howe are brothers who grew up surrounded by many diverse farming operations. The Howe Family has been farming in Elgin County since 1861. Both brothers explored post secondary education in non-agricultural areas but eventually returned to their farming roots. G & M Howe & Sons was established in 1990 by Rick and […]

Read their Story

2022-David & Jennifer VanDeVelde-Delhi

Wholesome Pickins Market and Bakery

David and Jennifer VanDeVelde created Wholesome Pickins Market & Bakery, a bustling farm operation located in Delhi, ON. Both University of Guelph graduates, David and Jenn returned to the family tobacco farm in 2006 and created Wholesome Pickins. Through strong roots in the community and a passion for innovation, they have been blessed to grow […]

Read their Story

ONTARIO CALL FOR 2024 NOMINATIONS- Deadline Jan 31

CLICK HERE FOR APPLICATION

Read their Story

NOMINATE A FARMER

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.

VIEW NATIONAL CRITERIA

VIEW NOMINATION FORM

More Ontario Outstanding Young Farmers News

News

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Upcoming Events

Ontario Regional Event
August 17, 2023

View Details

OYF National Event
Nov 23 - 27, 2022

View Details

Regional Sponsors

Click here for information on national and regional sponsorship opportunities with Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers.

Scholarships

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.

PLEASE NOTE that there are TWO Streef Memorial Scholarship Awards. 

 CLICK HERE FOR COYF SCHOLARSHIP

 Ontario Region Memorial Scholarship

 

Contact Us

Cathy Bartolic
Regional Manager

Email: ontariooyf@gmail.com
Phone:

Amy Cronin
Regional Chair

Email: amy@croninfamilyfarms.com
Phone: 519-450-9158

Jason or Christina Pyke
Past Chair

Email: pyke.christina@gmail.com
Phone: 613-385-2941