Looking for outstanding farmers

By Gary Sliworskly
Ag. Rep.

We’re searching for outstanding young farmers in Ontario and want your help. We’re sure you know some successful farmers - people who contribute to the community, who seek new opportunities, and who generally are assets to Ontario’s agri-food industry.
Please tell us about them by completing a nomination form. We want you to nominate them for the title of the 2008 Ontario Outstanding Young Farmer (OYF). This award will be presented at the Regional Conference to be held next March in London, Ontario.
Anyone can nominate a young farmer/farm couple for the award. You can even nominate yourself. The eligibility requirements are simply:
Must be between the ages of 18 and 39
Must operate a farm
Must derive a minimum of 2/3 of their income from farming
The process is simple.
1. Nominations are submitted to the Ontario OYF nomination committee (contact info below) by December 31, 2007.
2. The committee reviews the nominations and contacts the top candidates. Their decision is based upon items such as the nominees progress in their agricultural career; adoption of soil, water, and energy conservation practices; financial and management practices and contribution to the well-being of the community, province, and nation.
3. The top candidates will be asked to participate in an interview and presentation process at the regional event to be held in March 2008 in London. The winner will be announced at the final banquet.
4. The provincial winner will then compete in the National competition which is designed to recognize young farmers that exemplify excellence in their profession. The National competition for 2008 will be held in Calgary in December 2008.
If you know an outstanding young farmer, please nominate them! It is time to recognize their outstanding contribution to the agricultural industry. Simply fill in a nomination form and send by email, fax or regular mail to:
Karen Daynard, OOYF Coordinator
6904 Paisley Road West, R.R. #7, Guelph, ON, N1H 6J4
Phone: (519) 836-2583
Fax: (519) 836-1733
Email: kdaynard@sympatico.ca
If you have questions about the nomination process, contact John and Eadie Steele at john.steele@sympatico.ca or (705) 696-1491. More information about OYF and the nomination form can be found on the website http://www.oyfcanada.com

Dates to Remember

Dec.8 – Wreath making & Christmas card workshop, Clover Valley Farmers Market. Call 276-0458 to register.
Dec.10 – RR Soil & Crop Annual Meeting, 7:00 p.m., Emo Legion