The regional awards event in St. Jacobs will determine Ontario’s Outstanding Young Farmer to represent at the Canadian Outstanding Young Farmer competition in British Columbia for 2026.
2026 Ontario Outstanding Young Farmer Awards Banquet Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | Cellar 52, St. Jacobs, Ontario Cocktails: 4:30 p.m. | Banquet: 5:30 p.m. | Presentations & Awards to follow
ST. JACOBS, ON — The Ontario Outstanding Young Farmer (OOYF) Program will name Ontario’s Outstanding Young Farmer at the 2026 Awards Banquet on Wednesday, April 8, at Cellar 52 in St. Jacobs, Ontario.
Two farm couples from across the province have been nominated and will compete to represent Ontario at the national level this November in British Columbia. Each couple has completed a comprehensive nomination process and will appear before a distinguished panel of judges before the winner is announced.
“The OYF program is unique because it’s not just about the numbers or the size of the farm. It’s about the soul of the operation. It’s about how these young farmers are connecting with their communities and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in Ontario ag.” — Ontario OYF Committee Member, 2023 Regional Event
MEET THE 2026 ONTARIO NOMINEES
Tyler & Allison McBlain McBlain Farms Ltd. · Caledonia, ON · Fifth Generation
Tyler and Allison McBlain operate a 4,000-acre cash crop operation in Brant County, producing corn, soybeans, wheat, and oats using strip-till and no-till practices guided by precision agriculture technology and a strong commitment to regenerative soil health. A fifth-generation farmer, Tyler rebuilt the operation from the ground up in 2013 after a family farm division, forming a new corporation with his parents and focusing on data-driven, regenerative cropping practices.
Beyond the farm, Tyler serves as Deputy District Chief with the County of Brant’s volunteer fire department, balancing emergency response with the demands of a busy planting and harvest season. Allison, a trained elementary school teacher with over a decade of classroom experience, brings her passion for education to the farm and community, volunteering with the Bite of Brant agricultural education program and her children’s school. Tyler and Allison have three children: John (8), Ellie (7), and Ben (5).
Drew & Heather Spoelstra Roy-A-Lea Seeds Ltd. · Binbrook, ON · Diversified Operation
Drew and Heather Spoelstra operate a diversified farming business spanning dairy, grain, beef, and Clydesdale horses near Binbrook, Ontario. Drew holds a one-third partnership in Roy-A-Lea Farms Ltd., a 2,000-acre dairy and grain operation with his parents, Randall and Michelle, which began milking in a new state-of-the-art robotic dairy facility in March 2024. Drew also owns and operates Roy-A-Lea Seeds Ltd., farming 265 acres and serving local growers as a Pride Seeds and C&M Seeds dealer.
Heather manages a herd of 50 Clydesdale horses, with Roy-A-Lea Clydesdales serving mounted police units across Canada. On New Year’s Day 2026, their gelding Roy-A-Lea Major Laredo led the Budweiser Clydesdales in the Rose Parade. Drew currently serves as President of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, representing 38,000 farmer members, and is a Director of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture. The Spoelstras will host Breakfast on the Farm with Farm & Food Care Ontario in June 2026. Drew and Heather have three daughters: Hadlea (8), Harper (5), and Kasey (4).
ABOUT THE EVENT
Wednesday evening is part celebration, part inspiration. Each nominee will present the story of their operation, the innovation, the challenges, and the community involvement that defines their farming journey. A distinguished panel of judges will evaluate the presentations and interviews before announcing the winner live at the banquet. Guests will enjoy cocktails, a full dinner at Cellar 52, one of St. Jacobs’ most celebrated dining venues, and an evening that showcases the best of Ontario’s next generation of agricultural leaders.
On Thursday, April 9, ticket holders who purchase the Full Experience package will enjoy a guided farm tour featuring Circle R Livestock, home of 2025 National Outstanding Young Farmer winners Ryan and Romy Schill, followed by lunch at Stockyard Brewing. Both the Wednesday and Thursday lunches are generously sponsored by Charter Sponsor 33seven. The day also includes time at the Ontario Livestock Exchange and St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market, with shuttle transportation included throughout.
TICKETS
Wednesday, April 8 + Thursday, April 9 – The Full Experience (Awards Banquet + Farm Tour) — $150.00 (plus fees & taxes) Includes networking cocktail hour, nominee presentations, Awards Banquet dinner, Thursday farm tour, shuttle transportation, lunch at Stockyard Brewing, and time at St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market and OLEX.
Wednesday, April 8 – Awards Banquet Only — $125.00 (plus fees & taxes) Includes cocktail hour, nominee presentations, and the full Awards Banquet dinner.
Purchase tickets at: https://ontariooyf2026.
Accommodations: A block of rooms is available at the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton — Waterloo/St. Jacobs at a group rate. Booking details are available on the Eventbrite page.
Judging will take place at the Hampton Inn & Suites, where nominees will deliver presentations and participate in interviews. The regional winner will go on to represent Ontario at the national Outstanding Young Farmer competition in November 2026.
MEDIA INFORMATION
Members of the media are welcome to attend the Awards Banquet. For ticket information or to arrange pre-event interviews with the nominees, please contact the Ontario regional administrator below. High-resolution nominee photos are available upon request.
Celebrating 46 years of identifying great agricultural successes, Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers’ program is an annual competition to recognize farmers that exemplify excellence in their profession and promote the tremendous contribution of agriculture. Open to participants 18 to 39 years of age, making the majority of income from on-farm sources, participants are selected from seven regions across Canada, with two national winners chosen each year.
The program is sponsored nationally by John Deere, Bayer, Sollio Agriculture, CN; Partner Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada; Media partners — WS & Glacier Farmmedia; Video Media Sponsor — Bamboo Shoots and supported nationally by BDO.
The 2026 Ontario Regional Event is supported by regional sponsors including 33seven Inc., Agritourism Ontario, Dubois Agrinovation, Excalibur Insurance Group, Farm Credit Canada, HOPA Ports, Masterfeeds, Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Ontario Sheep Farmers, RBC Royal Bank, Reliable Mechanical Services, Revolution Wool Company, Ritchie Bros., SeCan, TD Agriculture Services, Wards Lawyers, and Wellington Produce Packaging, with additional sponsors being confirmed.
Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers for 2026 will be chosen at the National Event in November 2026.
Follow Ontario OYF:
Instagram: instagram.com/
Facebook: facebook.com/
Website: oyfcanada.com/ontario
For More Information:
Ontario Contact: Crystal Rieck, Regional Administrator Ontario Outstanding Young Farmers Program 905-236-0055 · [email protected]
National Contact: Program Manager, Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers’ Program · [email protected] · www.