A rewarding night for all at OYF Awards Banquet

 

Last night, listening to presentations from the six Outstanding Young Farmer finalists was truly an enlightening night for me and my husband who had the privilege of attending the annual Ontario Awards banquet at the Delta Hotel in Guelph.

Compelling stories of honest determination, true grit, community outreach, sorrow and loss were all revealed but what stood out most was the tremendous passion for agriculture as their livelihood and overall lifestyle.

 

Winner’s Dana and Adam Thatcher of Thatcher Farms in Rockwood took home the provincial trophy with Mark and Sandi Brock of Shepherd Creek Farms (crops and poultry) from Staffa took second place.

 

The Thatcher’s farm operation specializes in livestock and a butcher and bakery shop. The couple started out their farming venture in the pig industry but later transitioned to become a sheep farm in 2007. A year later they built a country store that features their own naturally raised meats, including lamb, beef, pork and chicken as well as summer sausage and Omega 3 eggs. They also harvest their own honey, feature local maple syrup and Dana’s home baked meat pies and fruit jams that keep customers coming back for more. 

 

Other nominees recognized last night were:

• Curtis and Heidi Fielding- Fielding Estates Winery in Beamsville
• Ian and Deb McGregor-McGregor’s Produce (farm market) in Braeside
• Collin and Tanya Walker-Walkhavern Farms (dairy and crops) in Stayner
• Chris and Brianne Brown-Beslea Farms (dairy) in Yarker

 

OYF couples (From L-R): Collin and Tanya Walker, Ian and Deb McGregor, Curtis and Heidi Fielding, Adam and Dana Thatcher (finalists), Mark and Sandi Brock (runners up) and Chris and Brianna Brown with sponsors representatives from Pioneer DuPont and Janice Johnson of GROWMARK, Inc.

To read more about the Outstanding Young Farmers program, you can visit the OYF website.