Notable young farmers sought

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

by SUSAN MANN

Young farmers or farming couples can now be nominated for the province’s Outstanding Young Farmers’ program.

Nominations are due by Dec. 1 and forms are available at the program’s website.

The competition recognizes farmers who exemplify excellence in their profession and promote the contribution agriculture and rural Canada makes to society.

Nominees are judged on criteria, such as:

•    the progress made in their agricultural career;
•    environmental and safety practices;
•    crop and livestock production history;
•    financial and management practices; and
•    contributions to the well being of their community, province and nation.

Eligible nominees could be individuals, partners or couples who derive a minimum of two-thirds of their gross revenue from farming and are under 40 years old as of January 1 in the year of the competition.

The 2012 winner will be selected at the Ontario regional event in Niagara Falls from March 26 to 28, 2012. The winner will represent Ontario at the annual national awards program to be held this year in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island next November. BF