February 15, 2007
(Guelph, ON – February 14, 2008) - The finalists for the 2008 Ontario’s Outstanding Young Farmers (OOYF) competition have just been announced. Selected from over 20 nominations, the top six farmers are:
• Gert and Peggy Brekveld, dairy farmers, Murillo
• Chris and Christy Hiemstra, apiary and honey operation, Aylmer
• Dave and Christine Johnston, dairy operation, Listowel
• Jeff and Eleanor Robinson, dairy operation, Osgoode
• Jason Ryder, horticulture, Delhi
• Len and Tracey Vis, dairy farmers, Jerseyville
These six finalists now head to the Provincial Convention being held in conjunction with the Western Fair Farm Show at the Four Points by Sheraton, in London from March 3-5th, where their interview and presentations skills will be evaluated by a panel of judges. The winner will be announced at the Awards Banquet on Tuesday March 4 and amongst other benefits, will receive a trip to the National Awards Program, to be held in Calgary, Alberta in November, 2008.
Banquet tickets are available for $45 each by contacting Karen Daynard, OOYF Coordinator, at 519-836-2583 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Ticket sales end February 22. All banquet attendees receive complimentary passes to the London Farm Show. 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 tremendous 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
• Contributions to the well-being of their community, province, nation
The 2008 event is sponsored by Pioneer Hi-Bred Limited, TD Canada Trust, Syngenta, UPI Energy LP, Growmark Inc., Organic Meadows and The Western Fair Association.
For more information contact:
Karen Daynard (Ontario Coordinator)
Phone: (519) 836-2583
Fax: (519) 836-1733
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.oyfcanada.com