An Abbotsford farmer is once again a finalist for the BC and Yukon Outstanding Young Farmer Award.
Kerry Froese, an Abbotsford chicken grower, was a finalist for the 2013 award won by Lydia Ryall of Cropthorne Farm in Delta.
Now, Froese once again has a chance to be recognized for his contributions to agriculture.
Born and raised on a family farm, Froese is passionate about promoting the sustainability of Canadian agriculture to both government and the public. A second-generation farmer, Froese began managing his parents’ farm operations in 1995, applying an innovative, professional and resourceful attitude to not only his farm but all his endeavours.
Froese was instrumental in founding the BC Young Farmers, an organization to inform, educate and network young farmers. He is also the current president of the Canadian Young Farmers Forum, making him the voice of young agriculture at the Canadian Federation of Agriculture. After serving as vice-president and president of the BC Chicken Growers Association, Froese was elected to the BC Chicken Marketing Board in 2013. It is he and his wife Anita’s desire to see their four children continue in agriculture.
To be eligible for the Outstanding Young Farmer award, farmers must be between 19 and 39 years and derive at least two-thirds of their income from farming. Nominees are judged on conservation practices, production history, financial and management practices, and community contributions. Selecting the winner will be former TD Canada Trust agriculture manager Al Timms, 2008 BC and Canadian Outstanding Young Farmer Lisa Taylor and Chilliwack agricultural consultant Walter Goerzen.
Judging will take place in Abbotsford on Jan 15., with the winner announced that day. The winners will then be presented at the 13 annual BC Agriculture Industry Gala in Abbotsford, Jan 28.