Canada's Outstanding Young Farmers 2007

Participating couples, each representing 1 of 7 regions across Canada, competed for the title of Canada's Outstanding Young Farmer at the national event held December 3-7, 2007, in Saint Hyacinthe, Quebec.

At the event, the honourees were recognized for their achievements and judged using the following criteria:

Progress made during their farming career
Maximum utilization of soil, water and energy conservation practices
Crop and livestock production history
Financial and management practices
Contributions to the well-being of the community, province and nation

Leony and Harry Koelen, who run a hog operation in Paisley, Ontario, along with Laura and Norman Shoemaker, who run a crop operation in Mossbank, Saskatchewan, were named Canada's Outstanding Young Farmers for 2007. CIBC congratulates both couples on winning this award and wishes them continued success in the future.

Other honorees:

PEI: Dairy producers John and Clair Green from Springfield.
Quebec: Marco Richard and Chantal Pitt from Ste.-Brigette-des-Saults, who run a milk-fed calf operation.
Manitoba: Rod and Kristi Guilford from Clearwater, who run a Purebred Hereford operation.
Alberta/NWT: Grain producers Russell and Suzi Friesen from La Crete.
British Columbia: Sod producers Bet and Debbie Bos from Abbotsford.

Harry and Leony Koelen - Paisley, Ontario

After completing a degree in pigs and poultry in Holland, Harry Koelen answered an ad to work on a Canadian hog operation in 1991 - and he's never looked back.

With the help of their 16 employees, the Koelens operate their farm on two locations in barns that were designed for minimal movement of sows and piglets shipped at 17 days of age. Through the Environmental Farm Plan and Nutrient Management Plan, they have made improvements to their farm including: water computers and meters, decommissioning wells and containing compost area runoff.

The Koelens have received many production awards, and maintain overall efficiency with daily and weekly schedules for feeding, breeding, heat checking and building maintenance.

True to their roots, the Koelens have hosted more than 35 exchange students since they began farming in Canada; and their five children (aged 3 to 12) are picking up their parents' work ethic by helping out in the barn.

Norman and Laura Shoemaker - Mossbank, Saskatchewan

Effective succession planning helped Norman and Laura Shoemaker get their start in agriculture. Norman and Laura farmed in partnership with his family for six years, and then incorporated the operation to facilitate the generational transition to Norman and Laura.

Their goal was to create a profitable business from very limited capital - and their plan has clearly worked - due in large part to their decision to separate land ownership from their business and to rent much of the land they farm.

Today, they work as a team to operate their grain and pedigreed seed operation. Their diversified operation includes barley, chickpeas, lentils, wheat and canola.

Energy consumption on the farm has been reduced with direct seeding, and Environmental Farm Plan improvements include GSP auto-steer on their air seeder and a sharp shooter spraying system.

Norman and Laura know that the flexibility of their operation gives them time to focus on raising their two children (aged 9 and 11) and to pass on their love of farming to the next generation. They are also both active in their community, especially with the Kinsmen and Kinette Clubs.

For more information on Canada's Outstanding Young Farmers Program, visit oyfcanada.com.