Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers Program recognizes young farmers who exemplify excellence in agriculture. Each year, one farmer/farming couple is selected from each of the seven Regional Events (Alberta/Northwest Territories, British Columbia/Yukon, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic) to attend the National Recognition Event in November, where a distinguished panel of judges will choose two of the honourees as Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers.

Eligible nominees must be farm operators between the age of 18 - 39 who derive a minimum of two-thirds of their income from their farm operations. At the National Event, the seven honourees are judged on specific criteria:

• Progress made during their farming career
• Maximum use of soil, water and energy conservation practices
• Crop and livestock production history
• Financial and management practices
• Contributions to the well-being of the community, province and nation

The deadline for nominations at the regional level in Alberta is April 1st, 2026.

The Alberta Regional Awards are June 17th - 18th in Kirriemuir, AB! The winner will move on to the national event, November 25th - 29th in Vancouver.