There’s always opportunity for farmers to share their story, say Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers (COYF) organizers, and their upcoming online conference will tackle just how to do that.
The virtual conference, which runs Dec. 1 to Dec. 3 begins with a virtual “tech check” discussion. On Dec. 2, Crystal Mackay will lead a forum titled “Let’s Level up our Communication Skills” with discussions on how to make points by video, in presentations and on social media.
Mackay was CEO of the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity and Farm & Food Care, is chair of the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef Communications Committee and serves on the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair board of directors. Mackay is also Founder and CEO of communications firm Loft32.
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Black Fox Distillery, a craft distillery near Saskatoon, Sask., will present on how to make a point when selling.
On Dec. 3., seven regional COYF farm couples will present highlights of their operations during a national recognition event.
Social media celebrity and farm YouTuber ‘Quick Dick McDick’ will cap off the event.
The registration deadline is Nov. 26. To register visit the COYF website.
Miami, Man., farmers Andre and Katie Steppler and other regional COYF winners will travel to Saskatoon, Sask., to make final presentations to a panel of judges.
The Stepplers were named Manitoba’s Outstanding Young Farmers in 2020. Alongside Andre’s parents and three brothers, they run an operation comprising 4,000 acres of grainland, 2,500 honey beehives, 600 purebred Charolais cattle and 100 Black Angus.
Andre and Katie manage the cattle division of the farm., market genetics, and travel across North America to promote the farm and advocate for agriculture through judging, showing cattle and speaking at conferences.
This year’s other regional honourees are:
- Raymond and Tracey Bredenhof of Abbotsford, B.C.
- Roelof and Mary Van Benthem of Spruce View, Alta.
- Michael and Jessica Lovich of Balgonie, Sask.
- Jenny Butcher and Wes Kuntz of Brantford, Ont.
- Genevieve Grossenbacher and James Thompson of Lochaber Partie Ouest, Que.
- Philip and Katie Keddy, Woodville, N.S.
– With files from Lee Hart
