| Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers for 2006 will officially open this year’s Ottawa Valley Farm Show March 13-15 at Ottawa’s Lansdowne Park. Don and Joanne Russell, who operate a dairy farm at Cobden, Renfrew County, will do the honours March 13 at 12 noon on the Concourse level of the Civic Centre. Also featured will be a brief presentation by organizers of the 2007 International Plowing Match at Crosby.
Those attending are invited to stay for coffee and cake home-baked by Linda Vogel, a director of the Ottawa Valley Seed Growers Association which sponsors the show and which this year celebrates its 80th anniversary. The farm show will feature 320 exhibitors displaying the latest merchandise and services for farmers and other rural residents. “We’re delighted to have Don and Joanne on hand for the opening,” said OVFS general manager Tom Van Dusen. “They represent all that’s positive in Ontario and Canadian agriculture.” Recognizing the achievements of farmers 18-39, the Outstanding Young Farmers organization is holding its annual banquet at the Travelodge in west-end Ottawa March 13 as part of its Ontario regional event March 12-14. The banquet will honour six couples nominated for this year’s OYF award and will name the winners. “We timed it so attendees will be able to take advantage of the farm show,” Don said, adding that OYF often partners with major agricultural gatherings across Canada. The Russells were first selected as Ontario’s Outstanding Young Farmers before going on to win the national title. Like many others in the OYF system, their story is one of hard work, passion and dedication. Starting with little more than a desire to be farmers, the couple financed the goal through city jobs which eventually paid off with 150-acre, 25-milker DoJo Holsteins Inc. “That kind of determination underlines the founding principle of the farm show,” Van Dusen observed. FURTHER DETAILS: Tom Van Dusen, 613-445-3407; Don Russell, 613-646-2963. www.ottawafarmshow.com www.oyfcanada.com |
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| February 20, 2007 |
| OUTSTANDING YOUNG FARMERS OPEN 2007 FARM SHOW |
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