Later this summer, all four westerners vying for this year’s Outstanding Young Farmers contest will be named.
The program selects winners from seven regional contests who compete each fall to determine two national winners. The judging is based on farm financial and production history, environmental concern and contributions to community, province and country.
To qualify, a farmer or farm couple must be between ages 18 and 39 and get at least two-thirds of their income from the farm.
Manitoba chose its nominee April 2. Todd and Julie Racher of Elgin, Man., began farming in 1996 with 640 acres of land.
Read Also
Communication key to bridging generation gap
Each generation is shaped by the predominant forces at play during their formative years. Acknowledging these influences can improve communication among the generations.
Today, they own 1,700 acres, and together with Todd’s parents operate a 3,000-acre grain farm. To add income to the farm business, Julie runs a greenhouse producing tomatoes and cucumbers for local markets.
Saskatchewan will select its candidate June 18 at the Farm Progress Show in Regina.
The Alberta-Northwest Territories representative will be chosen from the nominees July 17, while the British Columbia-Yukon candidate will be selected July 31 at Agrifair in Abbotsford, B.C.
The four western candidates will compete at the national event in Winnipeg Nov. 18-21.
