Fourth-generation farmers recognized as Saskatchewan’s OYF for 2018
By Kate Ayers
Staff Writer
Farms.com
Jordan and Jennifer Lindgren are Saskatchewan’s Outstanding Young Farmers (OYF) for 2018.
The couple was recognized last week at the Saskatchewan regional event held alongside Canada’s Farm Progress show, an OYF release said yesterday.
“We were certainly surprised and honoured to be nominated,” Jordan Lindgren said to Farms.com today.
“It puts value on the direction that we are moving the farm in and the progressions that we’ve had. It lets you know that you’re moving in the right direction and hopefully building for the future in a positive way.”
The Lindgrens are fourth-generation grain and oilseed farmers who are heavily involved in the agricultural industry.
They conduct field size trials on their Norquay, Sask.-farm to maximize yields and minimize costs. The couple also hosts an annual “Field of Dreams” tour on their farm, which features new genetics, applications and fertilizer rates, the release said.
“At the end of July, we have a field tour day,” Lindgren said.
"A bunch of people in the ag business, local farmers and speakers come to the farm. We go over what we are seeing, what we’re learning and share that information with our friends, neighbours and like-minded farmers, to let them know what we are finding.”
The Lindgrens are also proud agvocates. They developed an interactive “Food Farm” day for students in grades three and four. The couple aims to help kids understand how food is produced.
“We have about 150 kids out to the farm,” Lindgren said.
“We have a bunch of stations set up and teach them about farm safety, where their food comes from, how food grows and why we use the products that we use, to educate the next generation.”
The Lindgrens has four children and look to continue their century-old farm and family values, the release said.
“Taking on a leadership role is a big step and our goal is to do the best we can while helping others achieve their goals as well,” Lindgren said.
“It is very satisfying.”
Lyle Stewart, Saskatchewan’s minister of ag, MP Randy Hoback, and Carl Marquis, Canada’s OYF program president, attended the event recognizing the award winners.
“The Outstanding Young Farmers program itself is such a wonderful experience, even if we hadn’t received the award,” Lindgren said.
“Just being involved with that group of people, and the experience that we had with it, is second to none. … It was such an amazing experience.”
The other couples recognized were Michael and Jessica Lovich of Balgonie, and Lee and Shannon Sluser of Glenavon.
“All of the Saskatchewan nominees were outstanding, just in different ways,” Luanne Lynn, Canada’s OYF program past president, said in the release.
“Saskatchewan agriculture is in good hands as is evidenced by the three nominees’ drive, determination and passion for their careers.”
Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers for this year will be selected in Winnipeg, Man. at the national event running from Nov. 29 to Dec. 3.
UPDATED June 28, 2018
Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmer program photo