January is shaping up to be a meaningful month for us. On January 21 and 22, 2026, we will be heading to Abbotsford to take part in the British Columbia and Yukon Outstanding Young Farmer regional event.
The event will be held in Abbotsford and brings together farmers from across the BC and Yukon region who have been nominated for their leadership, innovation, and commitment to agriculture. Being included in this group is an honour, and we are grateful for the chance to share our farm story in this setting.
Over two days, nominees participate in practice presentations, private judging sessions, and a public presentation at the Pacific Agriculture Show. It is an opportunity to step back from daily farm work, reflect on why we farm the way we do, and connect with others who are also building thoughtful, resilient operations across the province and beyond.
For us, this event is about more than a title. It is about representing regenerative, certified organic farming in the North Okanagan. It is about talking openly about land use, food systems, and the realities of running a small family farm that sells directly to customers throughout the Okanagan, Shuswap, Thompson, and Kootenay regions. It is also about learning from fellow farmers and hearing how they are navigating similar challenges in their own regions.
We are especially looking forward to the conversations. The Outstanding Young Farmer program has a long history in Canada, and many past participants describe it as a turning point. It creates space for collaboration, mentorship, and honest discussion about the future of agriculture.
As January approaches, we are busy preparing our presentation, reflecting on the growth of Fresh Valley Farms, and thinking about what we want to carry forward into the next chapter of our work. We feel proud to represent our farm, our community, and everyone who supports local food.
We will share updates after the event. Thank you for cheering us on as we head into this exciting moment.
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