The winner will be named on Thursday during a special luncheon at Canada’s Farm Show in Regina.

The Outstanding Young Farmers (OYF) Program has been held in conjunction with the agricultural show for many years and decided to continue its association when the decision was made to move the event from the third week of June to the third week of March.

OYF Chairperson Jennifer Lindgren says the time change is more convenient for the nominees and alumni attending the event because June is a busy spraying time.

These are the three nominees in alphabetical order:

BRADY AND LINDSAY FUNK  (WYMARK,SK)

Brady was raised on a mixed grain and cattle farm near Consul. He worked at John Deere in Swift Current and received his John Deere Agriculture Technician trade certificate at Sask Polytechnic in Saskatoon.

After marrying Lindsay, the couple moved to Wymark, SK where he transitioned into the Hildebrand family farm to join Lindsay’s father and brother.

The couple started a solo venture in 2021 called Braylin Acres, while continuing to farm with family.

Driven by years of drought, Brad purchased land near Lucky Lake and implemented irrigation strategies. He worked with Southern Irrigation to develop 923 dryland acres into a fully-integrated sub-surface drip irrigation project, which sources water from the South Saskatchewan River. It was a massive undertaking, but has proven successful in growing high-yielding crops.

Brady and Lindsay live on an acreage at Wymark, where they raise their three children. Lindsay is a Registered Nurse in Inpatient Mental Health and also runs a flower-farming business with her sister-in-law.

The Funks love travelling with their family, coaching their children’s hockey, and are passionate about using their platform to help and encourage others.

STEVEN AND DANIELLE MALO  (WOLSELY, SK)

Steve is the fourth generation on the family farm and along with his father, co-owns and operates 4,000 acres of cropland.

Steve and his wife Danielle own Wolf Creek Bison Co. where they raise 50 cow-calf pair, as well as finishing their own animals for farmgate meat.

Prior to returning to the farm, Steve earned his Diploma in Agribusiness at the University of Saskatchewan. Danielle also completed her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Saskatchewan, majoring in Animal Science.

Danielle and Steve are the sole decision makers on the bison operation while Steve handles day-to-day operations and management decisions on the grain farm.

Steve also runs a seed cleaning business on-farm, where they clean seed for the community and surrounding area.

Danielle and Steve have two daughters and the family is deeply rooted in the agricultural way of life.

MARC AND CHERYL NORLEEN  (RAYMORE, SK)

Marc and Cheryl farm 5,000 acres, growing both conventional and organic crops on their farm south of Raymore. The farm also includes a 45 cow/calf pair operation to maximize profits on marginal land.

The Norleens also run an 8,000 hen organic poultry operations, producing eggs for consumers who value high-quality, sustainably raised products.

The couple have five children, who are actively involved in the farm’s daily operations. The family’s commitment to farming and their community runs deep, and they take great prices in raising their children in a hands-on agricultural environment.

You can here the interview with OYF Chairperson Jennifer Lindgren below: