FOCUS - MARCH 2019 3 For the historic first time, a pair of brothers won the prestigious custom made belt buckles as part of their award for the annual Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmer Program – and they were none other than Scugog’s own Jordan andAlex McKay of Willowtree Farm. Jordan said that all of the alumni of the OYF program receive these belt buckles, and wear them proudly at upcoming conventions. “What we really won was prestige in the industry,” he enthused. “We are part of the big OYF family now!” Alumni and seven regional nomi- nees were invited to the 38th annual convention in Winnipeg, Manitoba in December 2018. Jordan explained that interviews and a power point presentation were all part of the se- lection process. When the winners were announced at the banquet, Jordan described it as “a huge honour. It was a very special and very power- ful moment.” “The focus is not on who wins,” he added. “It was a very inspiring week. Everyone had excellent farm opera- tions and they were all great people. The 2018 alumni year developed strong relationships for the future.” The McKays are looking forward to the 2019 OYF event in Fredericton, NB. Willowtree Farms was selected as one of two National Winners, along with Craig and Jinel Ference of Double F Farms. Jordan pointed out that the two farms couldn’t be more different. Double F is a huge operation with a 4,000-cow herd, 8,000 head feedlot, 13,800 acres of crops and 41,000 acres of grazing. Comparatively, Willow- tree Farm is a smaller diversified agri-business. “What did I take away from the convention?” Jordan answered, “It doesn’t matter how big or small the farms are, we all try to produce safe, healthy food. We all try to do it right.” Getting to know other successful farm operators nationwide gave Jordan “even more passion for agriculture.” “And whatever question someone had, someone there had the answer,” so it was a really valuable learning and networking experience for the McKays. A nice surprise was meeting a local lady, Maggie Van Camp of Blackstock, representing BDO, one of the spon- sors. When she spoke at the banquet, she reminisced about her husband picking berries at Willowtree farm when he was young. Jordan, his brother Alex, and their wives Alyson and Kelty, all attended the awards ceremony, which brings annual recognition to outstanding Canadian farmers aged 18 to 39, “who have exemplified excellence in their profession while fostering better urban-rural relations.” The McKay brothers and their wives all lend important, individual skills and talents to the operation of their family business. Alex is in charge of farm products, Jordan and Alex McKay with their wives Alyson and Kelty at the OYF held last year in Woodstock, Ontario. ...................... Please turn to page 4 AWARD WINNING WILLOWTREE FARM