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Outstanding Young Farmers named in Quebec

Sept. 8, 2015, Quebec City - The 34th edition of the Gala announcing the winners of the Canadian Outstanding Young Farmers for the Quebec region was held on September 2nd at the Best Western Plus Hotel Universel in Drummondville. The winners will represent the Quebec region at the Outstanding Young Farmers national event that will take place from November 17th to November 22nd in Edmonton, Alberta. On Friday November 20th, the winners of the national event will be announced.

The main purpose of the Gala is to honour farmers for their exceptional accomplishments and performance. Through their management practices, these young agricultural producers (less than 40 years old) ensured that their farming operations had a strong start as well as steady and progressive growth. Their operations are based on solid ground and ensure a good income as well as financial stability.

In addition, the event aims at showcasing the Outstanding Young Farmers and at promoting better urban-rural relationships through the understanding of the situations faced by farmers and the recognition of their achievements.

To become finalists, the candidates had to go through several qualifying stages. The selection committee awards points according to each of the following criteria: progress made during the farming career; utilization of soil, water and energy conservation practices; production history; contribution to the community; maintaining financial records as well as oral interviews.

The winners are:
Christian Bilodeau and Annie Sirois
Ferme Coqueron Inc.
St-Odilon-de-Cranbourne
Dairy production

The finalists were:
Christian Jutras and Natacha Rosse
Ferme Valnico
Sainte-Brigitte-des-Saults
Dairy production

Aurèle Lapointe and Nathalie Poulin
Ferme Donald Lapointe et fils
Lambton
Dairy production

Pascal Rioux and Mireille Lapierre
Les Porcs Chic-Chocs and Ferme Avibest
St-Tharcisius
Pork and poultry production

Celebrating 35 years, Canada's Outstanding Young Farmers' program is an annual competition to recognize farmers that exemplify excellence in their profession and promote the tremendous contribution of agriculture. Open to participants 18 to 39 years of age, making the majority of income from on-farm sources, participants are selected from seven regions across Canada, with two national winners chosen each year. The program is sponsored nationally by CIBC, John Deere, Bayer CropScience, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through Growing Forward 2, a federal, provincial, territorial initiative. The national media sponsor is Annex Business Media, and the program is supported nationally by AdFarm, BDO and FarmManagement Canada.

Canada's Outstanding Young Farmers for 2015 will be chosen at the National Event in Edmonton, Alberta from November 17-22, 2015.

September 10, 2015  By News release