Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers Program (COYF) is a unique program designed to recognize farmers and farm couples who exemplify excellence in their profession and promote the tremendous contribution to agriculture. The program is open to farmers or couples who derive at least two-thirds of their income from farming operations.
Ontario is one of seven regions. Each region holds an event where local nominees are judged on specific criteria. All regional winners represent their areas at an annual national event where they compete to be named Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers.
To read how this years’ Ontario award winners exemplify the ideals of our program click below.
Allison and Tyler McBlain are fifth-generation farmers with deep roots in agriculture, family, and community. Tyler was raised on a multi-generational farm alongside his father and grandfather where he developed a strong appreciation for the land, hard work, and environmental stewardship. He pursued his passion for agriculture at the University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus and […]
Drew and Heather Spoelstra farm in Binbrook Ontario and are passionate advocates for the agriculture sector. They grow grains and hay, milk cows and raise beef cattle as partners in Roy-A-Lea Farms Ltd. and they breed registered Clydesdale horses with their daughters Hadlea, Harper and Kasey. The Spoelstras were born and raised on farms near […]
Romy and Ryan Schill are co-owners of Circle R Livestock Ltd. / Revolution Wool Company, a livestock farm located in Wallenstein, Ontario. They are known for their breeding stock and wool production. Romy grew up on a dairy farm then completed a degree in Agricultural Science at the University of Guelph. Ryan grew up on […]
Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers Program is designed to recognize young farmers that exemplify excellence in their profession. Eligible nominees must be farm operators between the ages of 18 and 39 who derive a minimum of two-thirds of their income from their farm operations. Each year one farming couple is selected from each of the program’s seven Regional Recognition Events to represent their respective region at the National Recognition Event.
Goal: $60,000 to support the next generation of farmers.(April 10, 2026 – St. Jacobs, ON) – Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers (COYF) Program is pleased to announce Drew and Heather Spoelstra of Binbrook, ON, as the Ontario regional winners for 2026. The announcement followed the regional competition held April 7–9 in St. Jacobs, Ontario. Drew and Heather will move on to represent Ontario at […]
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 […]
Ontario Regional Event
April 7-9, 2026
OYF National Event
Nov 25-29, 2026
Click here for information on national and regional sponsorship opportunities with Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers.
The OYF Memorial Scholarships were established in memory of the late Martin Streef, president of Streef Produce Ltd., a family-run fresh fruit and vegetable business in Woodstock Ontario, to help future generations of Canadians pursue their passion for agriculture.
In 1996, Streef was recognized as both Ontario’s and Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmer. He died in April 2008.
PLEASE NOTE that there are TWO Streef Memorial Scholarship Awards.