Nominations are now open for the 2008 Outstanding Young Farmers’ program within the Ontario region.
Nominees may be an individual, couple, or managing partner or shareholder of a farm group. To qualify, the nominee must derive a minimum of two-thirds of gross revenue from farming and not have reached the age of 40 as of Jan. 1 in the year of competition.
Celebrating its 28th year, Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers’ program is an annual competition to recognize farmers that exemplify excellence in their profession and promote the contribution of agriculture, and rural Canada. Demonstrating leadership in the agricultural industry, nominees are judged according to the following criteria:
– progress made in their agriculture career;
– environmental and safety practices;
– crop and livestock production history;
– financial and management practices; and
– Contributions to the well-being of their community, province, nation
The award is sponsored by Pioneer Hi-Bred Limited, TD Canada Trust, Syngenta, Growmark, and The Western Fair Association, the Ontario regional event for Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers’ program.
The award will be hosted in conjunction with the Western Fair Farm Show on March 3 to 5. One farmer or farming couple will be selected to represent the Ontario region at the national awards program, to be held in Calgary in December, 2008.
To nominate someone, contact John and Eadie Steele, 1571 Centre Line, RR4 Norwood, Ontario K0L 2V0, or call 705-696-1491, or email john.steele@sympatico.ca.
Anyone can nominate a young farmer or farm couple for the award. People can even nominate themselves. The eligibility requirements are simply:
– nominations in by the deadline;
– a committee reviews them and contacts the top candidates. Its decision is based on such things as the nominee’s progress in an agricultural career; adoption of soil, water, and energy conservation practices; financial and management practices, and contributions to the well-being of the community, province, and nation;
– top candidates are asked to participate in an interview and presentation process in March in London. The winner will be announced at the final banquet; and the provincial winner will compete in the national.
