(June 21, 2026 — Kirriemuir, AB) — Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers (COYF) is proud to announce Alison and Michael Davie of North Paddock Farms Ltd. as the 2026 Alberta Regional honourees. 

Alison and Michael Davie are the co-owners of North Paddock Farms Ltd. in Taber, Alberta. The couple met while studying Agriculture and Commerce at Lincoln University in New Zealand before returning to Alberta in 2013 to take over the reins of Alison’s family farm.

Their diverse, irrigated operation produces a wide range of crops, including potatoes, cereals, seed canola, pulses, flax, timothy hay, and garlic. Since assuming leadership of the farm, the Davies have dedicated themselves to advancing modern agriculture by implementing innovative crop production practices, expanding their acreage, and maximizing operational efficiencies. Outside of their professional commitments, Alison and Michael are proud parents to two children, ages 7 and 10.

The regional event, held June 17–18, was very well attended by regional alumni, local residents and sponsors.  Along with networking and the four nominee presentations, the regional event offered a comprehensive look at the local industry through hosted tours.  Programming included tours of the 2018 Alumni Double F Farms feedlot, Altario School Agriculture Academy and 2019 Alumni Conquest Agro & Dryland Agro. 

In attendance was former Member of Parliament Damien Kurek, who brought greetings on behalf of Alberta Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Tara Sawyer. Further recognition included official greetings from Member of Parliament John Barlow, and all nominees were presented with congratulatory letters from the Leader of the Official Opposition, Pierre Poilievre.

“Alison and Michael demonstrate the values our program stands for: excellence, innovation, and passion,” said Amy Cronin, President of COYF who was also in attendance. “They constantly look for new ways to make their farm better, are dedicated advocates for the industry, consistently finding ways to push agriculture forward through leadership and collaborative models. Alberta’s Outstanding Young Farmer program put on a fabulous event attracting sponsors, alumni, and industry from across the province to the beautiful small town of Kirriemuir.”

The national winner of Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers 2026 will be selected during the national competition in Vancouver, BC, held from November 25–29, 2026.

Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers (COYF) is an annual program dedicated to recognizing farmers under the age of 40 who exemplify professional excellence in the agricultural industry. Now celebrating over 46 years of honoring agricultural success, the program is proudly sponsored nationally by Agriculture Canada, CIBC, John Deere, Bayer, Sollio Agriculture, Meridian Manufacturing, and CN, with additional support from media sponsors Glacier FarmMedia and Nucleus Consulting, video sponsor Bamboo Shoots, and national supporter BDO. 

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For information contact:

Katrina Finke, National Program Manager

Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers

306-281-4650 – [email protected]  – www.oyfcanada.com