Members of parliament Nater, Rae laud local sheep farmers

MAPLETON – Ryan and Romy Schill are receiving recognition from the provincial and federal governments for their excellence in farming. 

They were recently named Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers. 

Perth-Wellington MP John Nater and MPP Matthew Rae attended a Jan. 13 Mapleton council meeting to congratulate the Schills on their achievement, and offer them certificates from the provincial and federal governments.

Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmer program includes an annual award presented to farmers under 40 years old who exemplify excellence in their profession. 

Through the award application the Schills shared how they launched their farming careers just after getting married at 22 years old and how the farm has progressed since, including environmental impact, risk mitigation and financial components.

Township council and staff got to their feet while applauding for the farmers, and Ryan chuckled and said “we really didn’t need a standing ovation.” 

He said they’re honoured to receive the award and all the other couples they competed against were very deserving. 

“It is a wonderful testament to your dedication and hard work to be recognized as Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers,” Nater said. 

“What is most impressive is that you’re able to tell Canada’s agricultural story and what agriculture is in 2026.”

He added, “Agriculture is often not celebrated ... as much as it ought to be and your story, through the use of social media, helps to tell that story.

“You are inspiring a new generation of young people who can see a future in agriculture here in Mapleton, Ontario and in Canada.”

Romy said, “We’re just a little 100-acre farm in little Mapleton Township but we have a story to tell and it was really great to be able to do that.” 

Rae said “leadership in agriculture is not just about acreage or output – it’s measured in stewardship, courage and care. 

“And Ryan and Romy embodied all three traits here today.” 

He said it’s great to see a Mapleton farm receiving national, and arguably international, acclaim and encouraged the Schills to continue sharing their story. 

 “I don’t think people in the larger urban centres ... realize what we have in Wellington County,” Rae added.