No-till farmers Derek and Tannis Axten of Minton, Sask., were named the 2017 Outstanding Young Farmers (OYF) for the Saskatchewan Region at the annual awards event held in conjunction with Canada鈥檚 Farm Progress Show on June 22.
Derek and Tannis are third-generation owners of Axten Farms along with their children Kate and Brock. After becoming frustrated with their depleted soils, they sought out innovative ideas to improve their farm, specifically by investigating how soil functions and the biology of soil.
The Saskatchewan OYF region were pleased to have Lyle Stewart, Minister of Agriculture, bring greetings to the large number of attendees at the Thursday awards luncheon held at the new Mosaic Stadium.
鈥淭he Axtens along with Terry & Lichelle Aberhart of Langenburg were outstanding finalists this year,鈥� said Luanne Lynn, Canada OYF Chair. 鈥淭hey were both so passionate about their successful, farming operations. Derek and Tannis are an exceptional choice for Saskatchewan鈥檚 Outstanding Young Farmers and will represent Saskatchewan well at the national event this December.鈥�
After completing a diploma in farm and ranch management, Derek came home to take over the family farm and together, with Tannis鈥� background in Education, specifically biology, they began to research how they should or could farm differently. With a renewed passion, they began to focus on soil health and regenerating their farmland.
To improve their greatest resource, 鈥渢he soil鈥�, they have introduced intercrops, companion crops and cover crops as well as controlled traffic farming and grazing. These new techniques have reduced synthetic inputs, increased water retention, and built up organic matter.
Both Derek and Tannis are excited to continue researching and sharing their passion for new ways of improving soil health when they are not involved in the local 4-H club, swimming pool board or volunteer fire department.
Celebrating 37 years, Canada鈥檚 Outstanding Young Farmers鈥� 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.
Canada鈥檚 Outstanding Young Farmers for 2017 will be chosen at the National Event in Penticton, B.C., from Nov. 30-Dec. 3.
