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.
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 […]
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 […]
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.
(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 […]
Saskatoon (Dec 5, 2021) Raymond & Tracey Bredenhof, R&T Poultry & Bredenhof Hops, of Abbotsford, BC and Jenny Butcher & Wes Kuntz, Little Brown Cow Dairy, of Brantford, ON were chosen as National Winners from seven regional farmers at Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmer (OYF) Program’s national event held virtually and in Saskatoon, SK December 1-3, […]
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.