It’s time to recognize Ontario’s Outstanding Young Farmers.
Nominations are now open for the 2009 Young Farmer Program and Chair Lou Ann Lynn says nominees may be a individual, couple or managing partner or shareholder of a farm group.
She says to qualify, the person must derive a minimum of two thirds of their gross revenue from farming and be under the age of 40.
Lynn who along with her husband shared the award back in 2005 says the program is now in its 29th year and is a very positive way to promote excellence in agriculture.
She says the nominees must show leadership in the agriculture industry and have made progress in their agriculture career.
Lynn says other criteria the judges look at are environmental and safety practices, crop and livestock production history and management practices.
In addition the judges will look at the contributions made the local community.
The deadline for nominating an outstanding young farmer is December 1st and one farmer or farming couple will be selected to represent Ontario at provincial awards program March 10th.
The winner then will move on to represent Ontario at the national program in Ottawa next fall.
