ABBOTSFORD COUPLE TURFS OYF COMPETITION

 

Langley – February 20, 2007 – Abbotsford turf growers Bert and Debbie Bos of Bos Sod Farm have been named the 2007 BC Outstanding Young Farmers. BC Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations John van Dongen presented the Bos's with the prestigious award in front of about 600 guests at the fifth annual Agricultural Industry Gala, Feb 16 at the Langley Banquet Centre in Aldergrove. 

To be eligible for the Outstanding Young Farmer award, farmers must be between 19 and 39 years of age, derive at least two thirds of their annual income from farming and demonstrate progress in their agriculture careers. Nominees are judged on conservation practices, production history, financial and management practices, and community contributions.

The 2007 judging panel included Glen Lathrop, owner-operator of Arc Appraisals, 1984 BC OYF winner and BC Milk Marketing Board director Louis Schurmann and KPMG Fraser Valley agribusiness enterprise leader Hank Kroeker. 

"The three of us had quite a time selecting a winner," Lathrop said, "this has been one of the toughest competitions I’ve had to judge."

Schurmann noted the judges were particularly impressed with the Bos's progress and innovation and their willingness and ability to shift their production focus into specialty markets when their residential market faltered.

For more info see: www.oyfbc.com/spirit_of_agriculture.htm