Bringing home the ‘bison’

Mar 08, 2018

Manitoba’s Outstanding Young Farmers announced for 2018

By Kate Ayers
Staff Writer
Farms.com

Brooks and Jen White of Pierson, Man. were recently recognized as Manitoba’s 2018 Outstanding Young Farmers.

The couple took over the family grain farm and bison ranch in 2012, according to a release yesterday from Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers.

Borderland Agriculture, the farm name, represents the boundaries of the couple’s farm property. The southern edge of the operation sits on the border of the United States and the western border creeps into Saskatchewan.

Brooks and Jen practice what they call “regenerative” agriculture.

Since 1999, the couple has increasingly integrated their livestock operation with their cash crop one. They have their sights set on grazing bison throughout the entire year, rotating them to fields across the farm. This approach improves soil health, as well as enables the couple to grow better crops and raise healthier and more productive bison, according to the farm’s website.

The couple regenerates their business by developing business plans and continuing their education. They also give back to both their ag and local communities, the release says.

The Whites’ goal is to grow their integration of bison and crops, as opposed to expand their operation’s size. They believe they can achieve a higher value from multiple profit centres on the same amount of acreage, according to the release.

Amy and Jamie Bell of Birtle, Man. were also recognized for their outstanding agricultural efforts at the regional Outstanding Young Farmers event.

Ralph Eichler, minister of agriculture, and Dori Gingera, deputy minister, attended the event and honoured the two couples on March 3 in Winnipeg.

Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers for 2018 will be selected at the national event in Winnipeg which will be held between Nov. 29 and Dec. 3.

Photo credit: mysticenergy/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Video: Why Port Infrastructure is Key to Growing Canada's Farms and Economy

Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) knows that strong, modern port infrastructure is vital to the success of Canada’s agriculture. When our ports grow, Ontario grain farmers and Canadian farms grow too—and when we grow, Canada grows.

In this video, we highlight the importance of investing in port infrastructure and how these investments are key to growing Ontario agriculture and supporting global trade. The footage showcases the strength of both Ontario’s farming landscapes and vital port operations, including some key visuals from HOPA Ports, which we are grateful to use in this project.

Ontario’s grain farmers rely on efficient, sustainable ports and seaway systems to move grain to markets around the world. Port investments are crucial to increasing market access, driving economic growth, and ensuring food security for all Canadians.

Why Port Infrastructure Matters:

Investing in Ports = Investing in Farms: Modernized ports support the export of Canadian grain, driving growth in agriculture.

Sustainable Growth: Learn how stronger ports reduce environmental impact while boosting economic stability.

Global Trade Opportunities: Improved port and seaway systems help farmers access new global markets for their grain.

Stronger Communities: Investment in ports means more stable jobs and economic growth for rural communities across Ontario and Canada.

We are proud to support the ongoing investment in port infrastructure and to shine a light on its vital role in feeding the world and securing a prosperous future for Canadian agriculture.

Special thanks to HOPA Ports for providing some of the stunning port footage featured in this video.