British Columbia is first off the mark in the West to nominate its candidate for Canada’s outstanding young farmer for 2008.
Dairy farmers David and Lisa Taylor of Viewfield Farms in Courtney, B.C., were named the province’s representatives during the annual B.C. Agriculture Gala Feb. 15. They will attend the national contest in Calgary this fall.
The Taylors operate a 300-head Holstein herd with David’s family. In 2007 they won the award for the highest quality milk on Vancouver Island.
They also use embryo transfer technology to upgrade their herd and breed top animals for other dairy producers.
Also recognized
Runners-up for the B.C. nomination were egg producers Ian and Jennifer Woike of Duncan.
To be eligible for the award, farmers must be 19 to 39 years old, derive two-thirds of their annual income from farming and show progress in their farming career.
Since the award program began in 1980, the B.C.-Yukon region has had seven national winners. Alberta has won 10 national titles, Saskatchewan eight, Manitoba five, Ontario 16, Quebec 12 and the Atlantic region 13. Some years had ties.
