Elkhorn Resort, MB (March 5,2019) – At the Elkhorn Resort over eighty people gathered to celebrate Will & Jen Bergmann of Bergmann Bros located near Glenlea, MB as Manitoba’s Outstanding Young Farmers for 2019. The winners were announced at the Manitoba regional event held on March 2-3.
Will Bergmann grew up on his family’s farm just south of Winnipeg, Manitoba. His passion for farming grew over time, but was shared with his love for basketball, music and photography.
It has been almost seven years since Will and Jen renovated a home on the family’s farm and moved back, returning to his roots and starting a family. The Bergmann Bros (est. 1925) farm canola, corn, wheat, soybeans, oats and pigs, but that’s not where it ends. Six years ago, Will and Jen started a CSA garden that provides organic fruit and vegetables for subscribing families and local restaurants. They grow micro-greens and edible flowers in a greenhouse to garnish food and drinks for some of Winnipeg’s top spots. They also own a restaurant, Oxbow, near downtown Winnipeg that they grow and provide vegetables and livestock for.
Will’s presence on social media has educated thousands about what #farmlife looks like, where food comes from, and who the modern day farmer is. His ability to share information and ideas through writing and photography has a level of authenticity that makes you feel like you’re right there, living in that moment. Will’s passion for sharing his knowledge and experience not only informs, but inspires others to do the same.
The Manitoba’s Region of Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers Program were pleased to honour two couples at their 2019 Regional Event. The finalists recognized were:
- Will & Jen Bergmann – Bergmann Bros., Glenlea
- Matt & Josh Verhoog – Moon Shadow Holsteins, Woodridge
The Manitoba region was also pleased to have the following dignitaries attend: Minister of Agriculture- Ralph Eichler, Deputy Assistant, Dori Gingera-Beauchemin, and MLA’s- Greg Nesbitt and Brad Michaleski.
Alumni from around Manitoba attended the event and welcomed the finalists to their regional alumni program Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmer Program 2nd VP, Steve Cooper was in attendance and commented “Friends, Family and Fun. Manitoba OYF are experts at bringing these elements together to create a successful event”.
Celebrating 39 years, Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers’ program is an annual competition to recognize farmers that exemplify excellence in their profession and promote the tremendous contribution of agriculture. Open to participants 18 to 39 years of age, making the majority of income from on-farm sources, participants are selected from seven regions across Canada, with two national winners chosen each year. The program is sponsored nationally by CIBC, John Deere, Bayer, La Coop fédérée and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and supported nationally by BDO and Farm Management Canada.
Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers for 2019 will be chosen at the National Event in Fredericton, NB from December 3-8, 2019.
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For more information or a photo of Will & Jen, contact:
Carla Kaeding, Program Manager, Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers
306.896.7833 ·kaedingc@hotmail.com · www.oyfcanada.com