The awards were presented during the national event in Winnipeg last weekend.
Craig and Jinel Ference operate Double F Farms near Kirriemuir, Alberta—in the east-central part of the province near the Saskatchewan border.
It is a mixed operation, cow-calf grain feedlot. There is a 4,000 cow herd, an 8,000 head feedlot, 13,800 acres of cropland and 41,000 acres of grazing.
The Ference’s focus is to ”work smarter and do more with less.” They have incorporated corn into their operation and also have hired employees through the foreign worker program.
The other Outstanding Young Farmer (OYF) Award went to Jordan and Alex McKay, who operate Willow Tree Farm in Port Perry, Ontario. The mixed farm, northeast of Toronto, is a mixed operation with fruits and vegetables, beef, lamb and maple syrup.
Jordan focuses on the ”big picture, which includes cash flow, profit, growth and staff. Alex handles the farming operation that has over 35 employees.
Saskatchewan was represented by Jordan and Jennifer Lindgren of Norquay.