Canadian Young Farmers’ ForumBox 24, Middle Lake, Saskatchewan S0K 2X0

Toll Free: 1-888-416-2965 Phone: 1-306-367-4628

Facsimile: 1-306-367-2403 Email: info@cyff.ca www.cyff.ca

inside…Meet the 2013/14 CYFF Team .......1

Message from the General Manager ..........................3

2013 Inspiring Innovation Conference & AGM .......................4

New Brunswick Young Farmers’ Forum .............................7

Saskatchewan Young Ag-Entrepreneurs ..........................7

Manitoba Young Farmers Committee ....................................7

PEI Young Farmers .........................8

FRAQ .............................................8

Meet the 2013/14 CYFF Team!News

CYFFSpring 2013

1

Kerry FroeSe

Chair

Hello, my name is Kerry

Froese. Born and raised

in Abbotsford BC, I’ve

had exposure to a diverse amount of farm-

ing.

My family has been involved in farming

raspberries, strawberries, corn, beef cattle,

broiler breeder chickens and we now farm

broiler chickens. I believe that the best way

to manage a farm business is to be involved

at all levels. In March 2013 I was elected

to the BC Chicken Marketing Board where I

am the BC alternate to the Chicken Farmers

of Canada. I also helped start the BC Young

Farmers where I am currently a board mem-

ber and as Chair of CYFF, I am the Young

Farmer representative to the Canadian Fed-

eration of Agriculture. In my rare spare time I

enjoy hunting, camping, ATV’ing and spend-

ing time with my wife and 4 young kids, the

next Canadian Young Farmers.

Danielle lee

Vice-Chair

My name is Danielle Lee,

and I am looking forward

to the year ahead being

the representative for Alberta, British Colum-

bia and the Yukon on the CYFF Board. I farm

with my family on our operation just west of

Calgary, in Springbank. On our century farm,

Rockyview Farm we raise a small herd of

beef cattle with Angus influence, which are

calved out in late spring. We have a small

flock of sheep; with most of our lambs be-

ing sold directly to local customers. We also

put up hay in small square and round bales

which is sold locally to the equine market.

Our family believes strongly in educating

the public about where their food comes

from and often take many of our animals

to events in and around Calgary to teach

people about farming. I am proud to be a

Calgary Stampede volunteer and help with

a few of their agriculture programs; such

as agriculture education events for school

kids and during the ten-day Stampede. I am

passionate about agriculture, and especially

about educating everyone about where their

food comes from and how hard farmers

work to produce that food. I’ve enjoyed my

time on the CYFF Board and look forward

to working hard this year for the benefit of

Canadian young farmers.

nathan Greeno

Newfoundland &

Labrador and Nova

Scotia Regional

Representative

Hello to all my fellow young farmers and

young farmer enthusiasts! I hope planting

and grazing are going as scheduled as well

as all other spring jobs that go with your

type of farm. My name is Nathan Greeno

and I am a 5th generation beef farmer from

the north shore of Nova Scotia. As a family

we run a cow/calf operation that consists of

170 cows. We strive to produce top quality

seed stock for commercial breeders in the

Maritimes. Our herd has changed to consist

of mainly black Angus cows, but we still run

a large group of shorthorn cattle as well.

Our farm has diversified over the last few

years and we have a small flock of sheep

and we have started a small herd of Boer

… continued

goats! These “small animals” have added a lot of challenges to

the farm but have allowed us to reach into different markets. The

biggest change though has been the addition of strawberries to

the farm. We live in cottage country so the addition of a straw-

berry U-pick has been a huge boost to the farm, although it has a

lot of manual labor requirements, which can make a busy summer

season even more hectic. This is my second year being part of the

CYFF board and i am very excited to be part of such a hardwork-

ing group. If anyone has anything they would like to see brought

forward to the board please feel free to contact me. I look forward

to serving you for the remainder the year.

Corey MCQuarrie

Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick Re-

gional Representative

Hello all, my name is Corey MacQuarrie, I am

the CYFF rep for New Brunswick and Prince

Edward Island. I along with a cousin and grandfather operate a

4th generation custom feedlot and custom cropping operation in

Cookville, New Brunswick. I am a firm believer in management and

knowing your numbers, I have been involved with CYFF for 5 years

now, and have changed the way we manage our business dramati-

cally from lessons learned through this organization. I have been

chair of the New Brunswick young farmer’s forum, and am currently

member at large on that board. I very much look forward to the

opportunity to represent my region on this board and continue to

move this organization forward. Kind regards.

Paul Glenn

Quebec and Ontario Regional Representative

Hello, my name is Paul Glenn. Born and raised

in Keene Ontario. I’m a third generation farmer.

Our operation consists of 1500 acres of wheat,

barley, soybeans and hay. We supply wood shavings and straw for

livestock bedding and raise pure bred Black Angus breeding stock.

We also supply hay and straw to Quebec and USA markets. I am a

licensed truck and coach technician with a passion for agriculture.

It has never been a better time for young enthusiastic people to en-

ter or carry on the family farm. With the average age of a Canadian

farmer being 54 we need to educate, energize and empower young

farmers to grow. I am the President of the local Peterborough Coun-

ty Junior Farmers’. I am also a director on the local Peterborough

County Federation of Agriculture. The Ontario Young Farmer forum

inspired me to go to CYFF. The CYFF has empowered not only my-

self, but my family business to grow. It has helped me connect with

people with similar challenges and ways to overcome them. I am

excited and proud to represent Ontario and Quebec for CYFF.

larry SPratt

Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Northwest Terri-

tories Regional Representative

I graduated from the University of Saskatche-

wan with major in Mechanized Agriculture and

a minor in Agribusiness. Have been farming with my cousin Michael

for over 10 years. Currently are operation consists of 5000 acres of

wheat, barley, oats and canola: 3500 acres of hay, silage, pasture,

alfalfa, and swath grazing. Have 150 purebred Maine -Anjou and

50 Angus cows and a 300 backrounding feedlot. We sell replace-

ment heifers and yearling bulls for breeding and retail a small per-

centage of finished beef directly to consumers. The top animals in

our herd are showcased at livestock events across western Canada.

Currently we are looking to expand our cow numbers to include a

commercial herd and to start a breeding program that will focus on

“show steers” for prospect sales.

Carey WooD

Member at Large

Carey Wood grew up in Mid-western Ontario

loving every moment she got to spend on her

grandparents farm. Years later she headed off

to Conestoga College for Business Management, focusing on HR,

and accounting, thinking she would spend her days in a business

suit. After graduating Carey became an administrative assistant at

J-Tech Design, and then also did bookkeeping for other small busi-

nesses on evenings and weekends.

A few years later Carey fell in love with small scale farming once

we purchased a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) share for

her family. It was a working share where they had a reduced price

in exchange for labour.

Before Carey got started in agriculture her and her husband Jeff

made the decision to move to PEI after a visit to the Island in 2000

and falling in love with it. It had become a dream to farm, and the

Wood family wanted to live it out. The move was made in 2010.

Carey’s husband Jeff, and daughter Olivia have a small 15 acre

farm, Olde MacKenzie Farm where they grow a large variety of

fresh produce year round in unheated greenhouses, and also small

scale pork production. On PEI they are known to be progressive in

small-scale farming.

Since the move to PEI Carey has been actively involved in the PEI

Young Farmers Organization as the VP of Finance, and also sits on

the Agriculture Sector Council Board as a member at large. Carey

has also volunteered time to Canadian Agriculture Literacy Week.

www.cyff.ca

2

www.cyff.ca

3Message from the General Manager

Reflecting on the 2012/13 YearThis year, we celebrate our 15th year; as we reflect, we see an or-

ganization that has grown immensely into a powerful, effective na-

tional group that has impacted so many young farmers from coast

to coast. We are proud of how we have contributed to building the

next generation of producers and leaders. It is our intention to con-

tinue to grow and evolve the organization. Building and developing

on our programs that continue to support and strengthen the next

generation of producers.

Once again, it has been a great pleasure to work with such a de-

voted and enthusiastic board of directors in 2012/13 year; every

director brought forth unique and valuable contributions to the

organization. A sincere thank you to the directors who served this

term; your dedication and commitment is greatly appreciated.

Throughout the year, the board of directors were busy with regu-

lar CYFF teleconferences and two face-to-face board of directors

meetings. In addition, they attended several industry meetings and

events; providing a voice for young farmers at many board tables.

In brief, highlights of the activities of the CYFF for the 2012/13 year

include….

… revising the sponsorship opportunity package.

… building a new simplified website in both official languages.

… creating a national calendar of events on-line.

… reviewing CYF F’s policy and strategic plan.

… preparing for GF2, including communications with our govern-

ment representatives.

… attending several partner and industry meetings and events.

… administering provincial funding.

… delivering the BMP program to young farmers in the Maritimes

and Manitoba.

… attending the First Ministers Meeting in Whitehorse September,

2012 where all the provincial agriculture ministers gathered to

discuss GF2 (Chairman, Kerry Froese)

…updating/refreshing the CYFF logo.

…increasing sponsorships relationships.

…attaining an exclusive media sponsor.

… the creation of part 1 of the CYFF promo-

tional commercial video.

… increasing communications methods with

the provincial young farmer organizations

through regular communication/networking teleconferences

and the creation of the CYFF network communications Face-

book page exclusively for the leaders of the provincial organi-

zations

… Increasing awareness and communciation using twitter and

facebook through our social media strategy

… Twitter – CYFF profile grew to 673 followers in 4 months!

… creation of a Facebook Page which has grown to 204 likes!

… growing our Facebook group page to 373!

Overall, as a team, we have had a busy year of many accomplish-

ments. Throughout the year the CYFF addressed an abundance of

tasks and explored potential options for progressive change for the

Canadian Young Farmers’ Forum organization.

Perhaps the most important issue the team has faced this year is

preparing to apply for GF2 funding. At this time of renewal, the

board has the opportunity to explore possible changes that will

benefit Canadian young farmers and evolve the CYFF and its pro-

grams. Ultimately the goal, as always, remains focused on insuring

our programs are effective and our funding is benefiting as many

young farmers as possible.

As always, I welcome and value your input. I look forward to con-

tinued communication with our provincial organization leaders and

the young farmers of Canada.

In closing, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation and

thanks to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, our sponsors, the pro-

vincial young farmer organizations and our industry partners for

being a part of the Canadian Young Farmers’ Forum. Thank you to

the young farmers of Canada, our future food producers, for sharing

your determination, enthusiasm and passion for agriculture! I wish

each and every one of you great success in 2013.

Guenette Bautz, General Manager

The 2013 Inspiring Innovation Conference and Annual General

Meeting was held in Ottawa, Ontario from March 1st through to

the 5th. The event, once again, was a huge success with over 100

participants in attendance.

Prior to the start of the conference, Chairman Kerry Froese, General

Manager, Guenette Bautz and either Janet Krayden or Richard Phil-

ips from Grain Growers of Canada attended several meetings with

various MP’s from across Canada to bring attention to the impor-

tance of the programs the CYFF and our provincial organizations

offer to young farmers across Canada. In addition, we had the op-

portunity to meet with the Honourable Minister Gerry Ritz, Minister

of Agriculture which was beneficial and enjoyable.

Friday kicked off the weekend with registration and the opportunity

to socialize. Participants gathered to meet new people and catch up

with those who they were already acquainted with.

Saturdays schedule included, morning welcome messages from

Kerry Froese, Chairman and Guenette Bautz, General Manager

followed by Social Media Training, where participants learnt from

Megan Madden of Southpaw Communications, the power social

media has when used as a communication tool.

In the afternoon, the powerful Dick Wittman of Wittman Consult-

ing discussed farm management practises and provided tools to

www.cyff.ca

4

assist the new entrants and established young farmers with their

operations.

Tom Hoogendoorn from Dairy Farmers of Canada presented on

Sustainability and Innovation and Doug Anderson of Benchmark

Performance Inc. provided training on board governance.

The evening out on the town was spent in a relaxed atmosphere

where young farmers networked and enjoyed good times together.

Sunday’s agenda offered several topics of interest to young farm-

ers including presentations from Scott Ross, CFA director of Busi-

ness Risk Management and Farm Policy, Janet Krayden from Grain

2013 Inspiring Innovation Conference & AGM

FCC team members present at the AGM

Participants of the 2013 Inspiring Innovation Conference and AGM

www.cyff.ca

5

Growers of Canada, and Dick Wittman. In the afternoon, partici-

pants from each province shared a presentation on their farm which

included pictures, history and management procedures with fellow

producers. The virtual farm tours provided much education, inspired

innovation and provided a relaxed networking environment. Thank

you to the producers who took the take to prepare their presenta-

tion and for sharing such interesting information about how their

operation functions!

In the evening, participants contributed to the “Ag More Than Ever”

cause by taking part in photos and videos, down to earth, good ol’

country boy, Jason McCoy entertained the crowd with his acoustic

performance. Jason sang many of his hits and even the hits of other

artists. Jason’s great personality made the evening an event that

was enjoyed by all. A little two stepping took place and “back up”

singers accompanied Jason as he sang popular songs like “John

Deere Green”, “Sweet Caroline” and many more.

On Monday, Faith Matchett from Farm Credit Canada (Ag More

Than Ever), Portia Dewhirst from the Canadian Agriculture Human

Resource Council and Tom Button from Country Guide gave pre-

sentations on various interesting topics. The afternoon was spent at

the Parliament building, taking a tour to get a closer look and sit-

ting in on Question Period where the topic of young farmers arose

which sent young farmers grabbing for their ear piece volumes to

pay closer attention to the comments ☺

Break out groups / round table sessions posed the opportunity to

network and discuss topics such as the CYFF and Provincial Part-

ners relationship, as well as, to attain information on IICA Canada.

In the evening a wonderful formal meal was enjoyed by everyone

as we celebrated the CYFF’s 15th year. Mark Richards, one of the

founders of the CYFF shared the history of the Canadian Young

2012/13 CYFF board members (missing Justin Beck) 2012/13 board of directors with Minister Gail Shea

Chris Ruschkowski, AAFC

Nathan Greeno with Pierre Lemiueux (ON)

www.cyff.ca

6

Farmers’ Forum followed by today’s Chairman’s presentation on

where the organization is today.

The evening ended on an inspirational note from Darci Lang who

provided a simple, yet powerful suggestion for a tool for life … “Fo-

cus on the 90%”. Thank you to Farm Credit Canada for sponsoring

our guest motivational speaker.

Tuesday the conference ended with the Annual General Meeting

and Farewells.

Based on the feedback forms received, it was evident the confer-

ence was very much enjoyed, participants were inspiration and mo-

tivation and gained valuable knowledge and tools that will impact

their operation in several positive ways.

On behalf of the board and staff of the CYFF, thank you to those

who joined us at the 2013 Inspiring Innovation Conference and

AGM. It was a pleasure to meet new people and to see our return-

ing participants!

We are looking forward to the 2014 Conference and look forward

to having you join us once again. We encourage everyone to share

the story of their experience of attending a CYFF conference and

recommend to your friends and family that they attend! See you at

the 2014 CYFF AGM!

Saskatchewan Participants with Guest Speaker – Darci Lang (Focus on the 90%)

The 2013/14 Elected Board of Directors

Richard Philips (ED, GGC), Minister Ritz, Guenette Bautz (GM, CYFF) and Kerry Froese (Chair, CYFF)

Manitoba participants

Saskatchewan Young Ag-EntrepreneursGwenda Voldeng, GM

The SYA is pleased to report a very busy, and

very successful start to 2013!

January 31-February 1, 2013 the SYA held our 7th annual confer-

ence and AGM, “Yes! To Agriculture” in Saskatoon. This turned out

www.cyff.ca

7The New Brunswick Young Farmers’ Forum The New Brunswick Young Farmers’ Forum capped off its year with

a jam-packed annual meeting this winter.

The meeting was highlighted by farm management specialist Dick

Wittman of Wittman Consulting Services. He worked through sce-

narios with the young farmers to model how family farm business-

es can define goals and put management and transition processes

in place.

A meeting also provided a unique opportunity for an interactive

roundtable discussion on the challenges and opportunities fac-

ing Maritime young farmers. The lively discussion was led by Faith

Matchett, VP operations for Farm Credit Canada.

Over the winter, NBYFF members participated in a workshop pre-

sented by social media guru Andrew Campbell of Fresh Air Media.

Campbell focused on how young farmers could harness the power

of social media to create opportunities for their farm businesses.

Members from the NBYFF executive were invited to participate in a

forum with the Deputy Minister of Agriculture. Discussions centred

on the future of the agriculture industry, and how the Growing For-

ward II suite of programs could be shaped. NBYFF representatives

used the opportunity to present some business-minded thinking,

as well as the results of their own study of the greatest challenges

facing young farmers today.

NBYFF also sent a delegation of members on to the CYFF annual

meeting in Ottawa. The meeting topics and presenters provided

great fodder for discussion and debate on the group’s long drive

home.

For more information on upcoming events, check out our website at

www.nbyff.ca, or follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@nbyff).

to be the largest SYA function to date! The list of speakers included

Elaine Froese, Kevin Hursh, and the Honourable Lyle Stewart plus

many more, with an evening presentation by Tornado Hunter, Greg

Johnson. What a fantastic event!

The SYA partnered with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture

to offer both a beginner, and an advanced workshop on Commod-

ity Risk Management instructed by Dr. Larry Martin this spring.

Through the partnership we were able to offer participants a great-

ly reduced enrollment fee for the 3 day events. The workshops were

well attended, and there is significant interest for a repeat round

next winter.

We were very pleased to have six Saskatchewan delegates attend

the CYFF AGM in Ottawa in March. Three of our delegates were

first time attendees, and all had a great experience taking in the

speakers and interacting with their peers from across the country.

We are very excited to have just launched our new website! Please

bookmark www.saskyoungag.ca to stay on top of all things SYA –

and connect in the social world by clicking the Facebook and Twit-

ter icons on the home page.

Manitoba Young Farmers CommitteeThe Manitoba Young Farmers Committee has seen a flurry of activ-

ity over the course of the winter!

We kicked off a busy January with a Young Farmer Luncheon at

Manitoba Ag Days on January 15. Approximately 190 young

farmers and agricultural students were present to hear Hon. Ron

Kostyshyn, Minister of Agriculture, Food & Rural Initiatives bring

updates on behalf of the province. The MYFC also worked with the

Manitoba Canola Growers Association and the Ag Days Committee

to promote the slate of speakers that were of special interest.

On January 23, in conjunction with the Keystone Agricultural Pro-

ducers Annual General Meeting, MYFC hosted a morning speaker

session which included an overview of CFYY by Larry Spratt. Later

that day MYFC hosted a very successful Bear Pit Session where

the Minister of MAFRI was present along with several senior staff

members, representatives from FCC and MASC. Approximately 100

young farmers and agricultural students attended these two ven-

ues and participated in the KAP AGM.

Six members of MYFC attended the CYFF Annual Meeting in Ot-

tawa in early March. Thanks to CYFF for their on-going support in

www.cyff.ca

8assisting members to attend as well as to MCGA who supported

one member.

MYFC was a co-host of the 2013 Young & Beginning Farmers Con-

ference held in Brandon on March 13 & 14. The 75 young farmers

in attendance participated in an intensive two day session which

focused on: business and financial management, legal strategies,

communications through social media, farm safety and human re-

source development. The evening banquet featured Troy and Stacy

Hadrick of Advocates for Agriculture along with greetings from the

Minister of MAFRI and KAP. Everyone left the event with their “30

Second Agriculture” speech in place and took to twitter.

MYFC coordinated two BMP workshop series, one focused on new

entrants and one for individuals with previous involvement who

wanted to take the series to the next level. A total of six workshops

(three per group) were held from January thru March with Cedric

MacLeod of MacLeod Agronomics facilitating the workshops along

with featured guest speakers.

MYFC was involved in an early April series of four Agricultural

Recruitment and Retention workshops across the province which

was coordinated by KAP and the Canadian Agricultural Human Re-

source Council.

Plans are underway for summer events – so stay tuned.

PEI Young FarmersThe PEI Young Farmers held their annual Curling Bonspiel on March

23.

This years winners were Cody Corbett, Ryan Corbett and Trevor

Whealon. It was a three-way tie coming down to a draw. We had

great attendance and a lot of fun.

Bob Rae met with Young Farmers Jeff and Carey Wood on March

23th. During Rae’s visit to the Island he wanted to address the

Young Farmers at the Curling Bonspiel but due to time constraints

and scheduling he was just able to meet at the Woods farm. The

Woods are first generation farmers, growing produce year round

in unheated greenhouses. Other local MP’s at attended the tour

include MP Wayne Easter and MP Sean Casey.

The Province is currently reviewing the Land Protections Act (LPA).

The intent of the LPA is to regulate the amount of land that can

be held by an individual or corporation. The currently limits are

1000 acres per individual, or 3000 per Corporation with 3 equal

share holders. Limits and restrictions are being reviewed. There

have been public meetings held across the province to allow farm-

ers and the public voice their opinions and be heard. The original

legislation was passed in 1982. Horace Carver was appointed as

the Lands Protection Act Commissioner by the Province. Carver

attended the February Monthly meeting to hear concerns from the

young farmers.

More information can be found at http://www.gov.pe.ca/lpa/

In the 1970’s PEI had a Land Development Corporation (LDC)

where farmers could purchase land from retiring farmers. Bringing

back the LDC was part of the Election promises made by the Liberal

government. They are currently in the process redesigning the pro-

gram to help new farmers purchase land, to help with succession

and to make it easier for the young farmers to farm. The land would

be purchased by the Province and leased back to farmers. This will

help to make it easier for the retiring farmers to exit farming. Dur-

ing the 70’s a lot of the successful farmers used this program to

get started. The PEI YF Executive have met with the government to

learn more about the program.

The provincial budget had cut approximately 2.5 million from the

agriculture budget. Some of the cuts include all funding to the

Atlantic Vet College, Agri-flex programs cut a year early, 165K a

year to Grain elevators, all core funding to Organic board and Agri

Alliance and the Beef development and Beef initiative fund cut

completely just to name a few.

FRAQAn Amazing 31st FRAQ Congress!

From March 7 to 9, 150 young farmers from all over the Quebec

province participated to a 3 days get-together in Shawinigan: the

annual FRAQ congress. Despite a busy schedule, the atmosphere

was festive, with many activities, meetings and reunions.

The Farmers Style team: the DefiFRAQ great winners!

www.cyff.ca

9

It began with the 3rd final of DefiFRAQ, a contest where around

100 players and their fans enjoyed manual tests and an interactive

quiz. As you can imagine, this competition is a funny way to develop

farming abilities and team spirit!

Then, the AGM and its delegates assessed the activities and issues

led by the FRAQ organisation in 2012. They also decided about the

work to get done during the coming year. A priority for the organi-

zation in 2013 is the project FRAQ 2.0. This project reaches for more

efficiency and human resources at the regional level. A new execu-

tive board was also elected, presided by the FRAQ president Alain

Audet: Emmanuelle Vincent is now the first VP; Pierre-Luc Lacoste

the second VP and Pascal Hudon is a new executive member.

The congress was also a great opportunity to celebrate during a

banquet where some FRAQ leaders received awards of excellence.

Finally, on the third day, the participants attended the conference

of a successful entrepreneur, Mrs Cora Tsouflidou, founder of Cora

Breakfast Restaurants.

Sneak peek of the action during the DefiFRAQ PICTuRE CREDITS : JEAN-SéBASTIEN DuBé

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30 www.cyff.ca FOLLOW US ON

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CONFERENCE NOTES

YOUNG FARMERS: AGRICULTURE’S FUTURE.

EMPOWERPPOOOWWWEERRRPPPOOOWWWEEERRROOOWWWEEERRRENERGIZE

EDUCATE

WELCOME YOUNG FARMERS TO THE 2013

CONFERENCE & AGM

TOPICS INCLUDE: succession, innovative producer presentations, BMP workshops, social media,

board governance training and more

INSPIRING INNOVATION

CYFF Board of Directors 4

Conference Agenda 5

Conference Speakers & Bios 7

Memorandum to Delegates 10• The Mandate of the CYFF

• What to Expect at the Annual Forum

• Delegate Expectations

• Defi ning the Election Process Roles and Responsibilities of the Executive Committee Election Procedures

• Annual General Meeting Agenda

2012 CYFF Annual General Meeting Minutes 18

CYFF BY-LAWS 21

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(b) if the director is found to be a mentally incompetent person or becomes of unsound mind;(c) if the director by notice in writing to the Corporation resigns offi ce which resignation shall be eff ective at the time

it is received by the Secretary of the Corporation or at the time specifi ed in the notice, whichever is later;(d) if at a special meeting of members, a resolution is passed by at least two thirds (2/3) of the votes cast by the mem-

bers at the special meeting removing the director before expiration of the director’s term of offi ce; or(e) if the director dies.

8. Filling Vacancies. A vacancy occurring in the board of directors shall be fi lled as follows:(a) if the vacancy occurs as a result of the removal of any director by the members in accordance with paragraph 7(d)

above, it may be fi lled upon the vote of a majority of the members and any director elected to fi ll a removed direc-tor’s place shall hold offi ce for the remainder of the removed director’s term;

(b) any other vacancy on the board of directors may be fi lled for the remainder of the term by the directors then in offi ce, provided there is a quorum. If there is not a quorum of directors, the remaining directors shall forthwith call a meeting of the members to fi ll the vacancy, and, in default or if there are no directors then in offi ce, the meeting may be called by any member;

(c) otherwise such vacancy shall be fi lled at the next annual meeting of the members at which the directors for the ensuing year are elected. If the number of directors is increased between the terms, a vacancy or vacancies, to the number of the authorized increase, shall thereby be deemed to have occurred, which may be fi lled in the manner above provided.

9. Remuneration of Directors. Th e directors shall serve as such without remuneration and no director shall directly or indirectly receive any profi t from occupying the position of director; provided that a director may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred by the director in the performance of the director’s duties and may receive a per diem to show appreciation of their contribution but not intended to compensate for the value of their time.

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22 www.cyff.ca FOLLOW US ON www.cyff.ca 11FOLLOW US ON

Chair Report, Kerry Froese

2012. First off I’d like to thank the CYFF board and Guenette for the time they spent helping move Young Agriculture forward this year. I would also like to thank those of you who are on your provincial boards for all the time and eff ort that you have put into your provincial organiza-tions and your young farmer peers. I understand as much as anyone that the job we do is oft en a thankless one, but we do it just the same. Th anks.

I had a strange experience the other day. Our farm got the new Blackberry Z10 and I was showing my Dad how to do a video chat on BBM. Th e look on his face when he saw my face coming up on his phone was priceless. It was like something out of Star Trek to him. Th is got me thinking. I really can’t fathom how the generation before us has had to deal with so many jumps in technology in their lifetime. My Dad grew up without indoor plumbing, to seeing a man walk on the moon, and now lives in a world connected and updated by the second with the internet.

Technology is something that has really advanced Agriculture as well. One thing that all good farmers know how to do is adapt to change. Th ey may not like it, but they know that if they don’t adapt they’ll be left behind. In the infor-mation age that we live in, it’s crucial for us as the next generation of farmers to seek out new technology, be innovative, and share that innovation with our peers. I just started on twitter last year at our AGM. It has been a huge help for me to see what other farmers are dealing with, what technologies they’re using and has helped me to advocate for my industry and all farming issues. If you’re not on Twitter yet, DO IT!!! Follow me @_icu812_

Another thing that struck me about our generational diff erences is how it relates to succession planning. For my situation, my Dad built our farm up from nothing. He went through the struggles of the 80s with interest rates above 20%, he put his blood sweat and tears into our farm, the place that I am so glad that I got to grow up on. I can understand why he isn’t jumping at handing the keys over to me. I do know however, that he sees that Agri-culture is my life. It’s not my job, it’s who I am. I know he sees how I want to pass our farm on to my kids. I know that as with all good things in life, a farm is something that you need to work for. Th at being said, if you haven’t thought about your farm’s succession plan talk to someone that has or get a professional involved. It’s a crucial part of any business.

Moving forward into 2013, we have a lot to do as young farmers and as an organization. With Growing Forward 2 starting in April, the CYFF is work-ing on securing funding for our work plan. I would encourage all of you to talk to your MP’s, let them know about the CYFF and how it has helped you. Get involved. We don’t like it when the public complains about what we do on our farms. If we don’t tell them why we use certain practices, we may lose the opportunity to use them. Tell your story. We need to be effi cient in all that we do, whether it’s our farming practices or it’s just in the use of our time. Be innovative.

Th ank you to everyone who came to this year’s AGM for taking the time to better themselves and their farms. I look forward to seeing you all again sometime soon.

Respectfully submitted,Kerry Froese

Vice-Chair Report / Alberta, British Columbia and Yukon Territories Regional Report, Ravi Bathe

I really enjoyed my time this past year as a director of the CYFF. I’ve always said the part I enjoy most about the CYFF is learning about other agriculture sectors and how they function; learning that we have many similarities, and also diff erences. Spending time with the other CYFF directors has given me an even greater understanding of farming across this fabulous country of ours.

Th e BCYF has welcomed 3 new directors to our table this past year. Paul Sangha is one of our new ex-offi cios, while Gillian Robbins and Kristina May are two new young farmers. We hosted our second annual Farm Fest in Novembers this year which included 3 great speakers. Topics included: Trends in Consumer Food Purchasing, Winning with Social Media and Sustainable Agriculture. Following the morning session we visited Vista D’Oro Winery which specializes in agri-tourism, value added products and obviously wine. To cap off the day, we ended with a banquet, giving us time to network with our fellow BC young farmers.

While we have had a few challenges this year, the future looks bright for the BCYF. With our new directors and a succession plan in place for the leadership of our organization, the BCYF looks to be stronger than ever heading into 2013 and beyond.

Th e Yukon Young Farmers organization has about 30 members in dif-ferent stages of their agricultural development. Th e organization aims to bring new people into the industry and support those currently involved; to provide needed tools like fi nancial planning advice, access to available agricultural funding and networking opportunities; and to assist young/new farmers succeed.

Th e YYF met several times in the winter of 2012/13, building on the momentum of their initial start in 2011. Th ese meetings included socials, workshops on bookkeeping, leadership training and a BMP session that will be taking place in the near future.

Th is year our Member-at-Large was Danielle Lee from Alberta. While I was the BC-Alberta-Yukon rep for CYFF, Danielle was able to help me cover ground by representing her home province. At our October face-to-face director’s meeting I was elected interim Vice-Chair of the CYFF. It has been an honor holding this position and has taught me lessons that I can now take back to my home province and the boards I serve on there.

While I have enjoyed my time on the CYFF board immensely, I will not be seeking re-election at this year’s AGM. Commitments at home, especially as President of the BC Chicken Growers’ Association will not allow me the time necessary to commit to another two years at CYFF. I want to encour-age all who would be interested to run for a position on the CYFF board. It is a great learning experience and a great way to build lifelong relationships with your peers from across the country.

Respectfully Submitted,Ravi Bathe

11

www.cyff.ca

KERRY FROESE, Chair28666 Huntingdon RoadAbbotsford, BC V4X 1A3

DANIELLE LEE, Vice-ChairAlberta, British Columbia and Yukon Territories Regional Representative775 Coach Bluff Cres SWCalgary, AB T3H 1A9

JuSTIN BECK, Past Chair463 Hwy 221, RR#1Kingston, NS B0P 1R0

NAThAN GREENONewfoundland & Labrador and Nova Scotia Regional RepresentativeRR #2Amherst, NS B4H 3X9

COREY MCQuARRIEPrince Edward Island and New Brunswick Regional Representative550 Cookville RoadCookville, NB E4L 2A7

PAuL GLENNQuebec and Ontario Regional Representative3202 County Road 2Keene, ON K0L 2G0

LARRY SPRATTManitoba, Saskatchewan and Northwest Territories Regional RepresentativeBox 2221Melfort, SK S0E 1A0

CAREY WOODMember at Large2049 Inkerman Road, RR4Breadalbane, PE C0A 1E0

CYFF OFFICEGuenette Bautz, General ManagerCanadian Young Farmers’ ForumBox 24, Middle Lake, Saskatchewan S0K 2X0Toll Free: 1-888-416-2965 Phone: 1-306-367-4628Facsimile: 1-306-367-2403 Email: info@cyff.ca

CYFF Affiliated Provincial Young Farmer Organizations

Newfoundland and Labrador Young Farmers Forum

Young Farmers of Prince Edward Island

Nova Scotia Young Farmers Forum

New Brunswick Young Farmers Forum

La FRAQ - Federation de la releve agricole du Quebec

Junior Farmers’ Association of Ontario

Keystone Agriculture Producers

Saskatchewan Young Ag-Entrepreneurs

Future Agriculture Business Builders

BC Young Farmers

Yukon Young Farmers

Your CYFF Team

CYFF NEWS - WINTER 2013If you have information you would like to share with CYFF’s members and partners please submit

your articles, information or upcoming events to the CYFF office.

the deadline for the 2013 Winter neWS is november 15, 2013.