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2017 W.R. Motherwell Award presented by Canada’s OYF program

Dairy Farmers and Outstanding Young Farmer (OYF) alumni from Ontario, Doug & Joan Cranston were recently honoured as recipients of the 2017 W.R. Motherwell Award by Canada's OYF program. 

Doug and Joan’s involvement in OYF began in 1995 when they were selected as honourees for the Ontario region, and have since held virtually every executive position in the program both provincially and nationally. Joan was the program manager for Canada’s OYF program for thirteen years and Doug served on the national board for eight years. They have served on numerous Ontario hosting committees and were instrumental in attaining AAFC sponsorship of the program. Doug and Joan think of the OYF as their second family and treasure the many friendships gained over the last 22 years.

Besides operating a dairy farm, they also sell sweet corn at a roadside market and have a six horse hitch they have shown across North America. They have sold cattle and embryos to many countries around the world. Doug has judged many horse shows and they have hosted over 10,000 visitors since building their compost pack barn.

They are now happy to have their son working with them on the farm so they can enjoy some much deserved time away from the farm and their many volunteer activities such as their local fair board, Holstein, Milk, and Clydesdale committees.

Ontario alumni members nominated Doug and Joan because they feel the program has benefitted greatly from their dedication, hard work and enthusiasm. They go on to say Doug and Joan’s generous donation of time and leadership has provided a positive platform to celebrate and recognize progress and excellence in agriculture.

Dr. Motherwell, the namesake of the W.R. Motherwell Award, was born near Perth, Ontario in 1860. His leadership in Canadian agriculture spanned more than 50 years and he is regarded by many as the "grand old man of Canadian agriculture." His career highlights include minister of agriculture in Saskatchewan's first provincial government, and minister of agriculture for Canada in the 1920s. Having attended agricultural college in Guelph, Ontario, his move to Saskatchewan resulted in his instrumental role in establishing the agriculture facility at the University of Saskatchewan. Dr. Motherwell died in 1943 at the age of 83.

On the 25th anniversary of the OYF program, the W.R. Motherwell Award was established. The award is presented annually, on behalf of OYF alumni across Canada, to an individual or couple who has demonstrated excellence in leadership and dedication to both the OYF program and Canadian agriculture.

More information about the OYF W.R. Motherwell Award is available at www.oyfcanada.com under Nominations. The deadline for nominations for the 2018 award is March 31, 2018.

December 11, 2017  By Press release - Canada's Outstanding Young Farmer Program