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.
To read how this years’ Ontario award winners exemplify the ideals of our program click below.
Derek and Jen Van Dieten have built their organic dairy and cash crop farm into a successful business literally from the ground up. Derek grew up in a mixed farming operation. During his teens, Derek worked for a local dairy farm and that is where his passion for dairy farming exploded. Jen was from a […]
Stewart Skinner and Jessica Kelly own and operate Imani Farms Ltd in Listowel. Ontario. They work 167 acres for their hog and cash crop operation. Although both started their careers working in agriculture related jobs, they knew that they were destined to be farmers. Stewart and Jessica have used several innovative approaches to finance and […]
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.
(Guelph ON- Aug 21, 2023) – Hog and cash crop producers, Stewart Skinner & Jessica Kelly, of Imani Farms Ltd at Listowel, ON, were named Ontario’s Outstanding Young Farmers for 2023 at the Ontario Region’s Recognition Event held Aug 17 at Thatcher Farms in Rockwood, ON. Stewart & Jessica met at the Ontario Pork Congress. […]
(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 […]
Ontario Regional Event
August 17, 2023
OYF National Event
Nov 23 - 27, 2022
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.
PLEASE NOTE that there are TWO Streef Memorial Scholarship Awards.