Alberta producers named among Canada’s 2024 Outstanding Young Farmers

Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmer (OYF) Program has named two operations as its national winners. Congratulations to Lorin and Daniel Doerksen of Gemstone Cattle Company (Gem, Alberta), and Alison Blouin and Simon Plante of Polyculture Plante 1987 Inc (Saint-Pétronille, Quebec).

The OYF program, celebrating its 44th year, recognizes farmers aged 18-39 who exemplify excellence in their profession and foster urban-rural relations. This year’s winners were selected from seven regional finalists, including:

• Aubyn and Tristan Banwell, of Lilloeet, British Columbia
• Lorin and Daniel Doerksen, of Gem, Alberta
• Erika and Cyle Stewart, of Morse, Saskatchewan
• Paige and Marcus Dueck, of Kleefeld, Manitoba
• DJ Wassenaar and Matt Bergman, of Jarvis, Ontario
• Alison Blouin and Simon Plante, of Sainte-Pétronille, Quebec
• Geena Luckett, of Wallbrook, Nova Scotia

Gemstone Cattle Company

Daniel Doerksen’s journey began at 18 when he rented his first quarter section of irrigated land. With a Diploma in Animal Science, he joined his family’s fourth-generation grain and beef farm located at Gem, Alberta. In 2013, his brother Lorin transitioned from the oil and gas industry to the farm, marking the start of Gemstone Cattle Company’s commitment to regenerative agriculture. Their practices, including rotational grazing and poly-cropping, have significantly improved soil health and forage quality.

In 2018, the Doerksen brothers launched “Gemstone Grass Fed Beef,” marketing their premium beef online and at Calgary’s Farmers Market. Their younger brother Barry later joined the venture, and the trio was honoured in Avenues Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2023.

Polyculture Plante 1987 Inc

Simon Plante took the reins of his family’s horticulture business in Sainte-Pétronille, Quebec, in 2021. Under his leadership, Polyculture Plante 1987 Inc has thrived, producing a variety of fruits and vegetables sold directly at Marché Plante. Simon’s innovative approach includes recycling irrigation water and growing berries above ground, enhancing efficiency and product quality.

Simon’s wife, Alison Blouin, joined the farm as operational and HR manager, ensuring their 100+ foreign workers are treated like family. Her dedication includes living with the workers to better understand their cultures and needs.