Manitoba’s Outstanding Young Farmers for 2020 say ag leaders should encourage young, progressive farmers to highlight their operations through the Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmer (COYF) competition.
Andre and Katie Steppler represented Manitoba while competing for the title of Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers of 2021 at an event held in Saskatoon, Sask., and online, from Dec. 1 to 3.
Andre Steppler told the Co-operator that making connections with the other nominated couples, who represented regions across Canada, was a rich experience.
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“We are so thankful that we are part of this alumni group, that we have this ability to do this every year,” he said.
The Stepplers raise purebred Charolais cattle near Miami, where they head the cattle branch of their family’s farm.
Despite presenting two speeches and being interviewed by the judges three times, Steppler said the small group size (25 people due to COVID-19 protocols) made it feel like a holiday with the other couples.
Steppler said they were able to learn a lot from the others despite their diverse farm backgrounds.
To pass on their farm to the next generation, “you always have to be able to adapt to change to the environment,” Steppler said.
They’ll be examining their business to see where they can improve and get more value from the farm, he said.
As alumni, they’ll have access to 40 years’ worth of previous COYF members who represent a tremendous amount of expertise, Steppler added, saying he didn’t think there was any other such pool of knowledge available in Canada.
Jenny Butcher and Wes Kuntz, dairy farmers from Ontario; and Raymond and Tracey Bredenhof, poultry and hops growers from B.C. took the titles at the national Outstanding Young Farmers.
Butcher and Kuntz began farming in 2008 with a rented quota and farm site, and 20 cows. “Little Brown Cow Dairy” relocated in 2011, when they were able to buy property near Brantford, Ont., the COYF news release says.
In presentations at the Dec. 3 event, Butcher and Kuntz said they wanted to help change the food system by shortening the chain between farm and table. They do this by processing all of their own milk, including pasteurization and cheese making in a converted abattoir on their property.
They told their audience they’ve found a niche in selling milk “on tap” at their farm — allowing people to bring their own containers and buy milk bulk. This has been particularly popular with newcomers to Canada who are relieved to find the milk they’re used to, they said.
Because there’s no packaging involved, they’re able to sell milk cheaper than Walmart, the couple said.
An additional land purchase allowed Little Brown Cow to host a local food emporium to sell its 13 cheese varieties, meats, milk, prepared foods, etc.
Raymond and Tracey Bredenhof farm near Abbotsford, B.C. They run a 40,000-broiler operation.
In 2015, they planted six acres of hops.
Hops have a resurgence in B.C. in the last few years after the industry collapsed in the 1990s, according to the British Columbian Hop Growers Association (of which the Bredenhofs are founding members).
Due to lack of available equipment, the couple had to source and build custom equipment. They also helped develop regional protocols and best management practices for the crop. They also have an experimental field for agronomy and quality trials.
Today Bredenhof Hops Farm has 23 acres of its own hop production, plus custom acres, the couple said. They export hops and also import them to be a “one-stop hop shop” for brewers, according to their website.
They’re the largest Canadian supplier of hops for Molson-Coors, the couple said.
Recent devastating floods in B.C. spared their farm, but many nearby farms were hit. The Bredenhofs said they and their sons have helped farmers move animals, haul water to farms and sandbag.
