Sask. couple set to share farming story at Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers event

Nov 14, 2022

A Saskatchewan couple will soon represent the province in the upcoming Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers’ (COYF) National event.

Cody Straza and Allison Squires, organic growers from Wood Mountain, are one of seven honourees being recognized after being named as the province’s most outstanding young farmers back in June.

The event is being held in Saskatoon from Nov. 23 – 27.

“We will bring the regional winners to Saskatchewan and in OYF tradition they will start to build relationships and forge new friendships,” said Steve Cooper, COYF President.

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Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.