Listowel dairy farmers Dave and Christine Johnston are among the finalists for the 2008 Ontario’s Outstanding Young Farmers’ competition.
Selected from over 20 nominations, the other top six farmers are:
– Gert and Peggy Brekveld, dairy farmers, of Murillo;
– Chris and Christy Hiemstra, apiary and honey operation, of Aylmer;
– Jeff and Eleanor Robinson, dairy operation, of Osgoode;
– Jason Ryder, horticulture, of Delhi; and
– Len and Tracey Vis, dairy farmers, of Jerseyville.
The six finalists will head to the provincial convention, being held in conjunction with the Western Fair Farm Show in London from March 3 to 5.
Their interview and presentations skills will be evaluated by a panel of judges. The winner will be announced at the awards banquet on March 4 and will, amongst other benefits, receive a trip to the national awards program in Calgary in November.
Celebrating its 28th year, Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers’ program is an annual competition to recognize farmers who 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; and
– contributions to the well-being of their community, province, and/or nation.
