Ontario and Quebec farmers named Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers for 2025

Photo above, from left: Romy Schill and Ryan Schill of Circle R Livestock Ltd. and Revolution Wool Company in Wallenstein, Ontario; Amy Cronin, President of Outstanding Young Farmers; and Virginie Bourque and Pierre-Luc Barré of La Ferme Yves Barré Inc. in Saint-Damase, Québec.

Two farming families from Ontario and Québec have been named Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers (OYF) for 2025. The announcement came during the national event held in Toronto from November 27–30, where six regional finalists were honoured for their contributions to Canadian agriculture.

Ryan and Romy Schill of Circle R Livestock Ltd. and Revolution Wool Company in Wallenstein, Ontario, were recognized for transforming their family farm into a thriving sheep operation. After taking over a mixed farm that included pigs, beef, and laying hens, the couple shifted their focus to sheep, growing their flock from 25 to 800 ewes by 2018. They lamb year-round to manage risk and have introduced better genetics while marketing lambs to local butchers.

Their diversification strategy included launching Revolution Wool Company, turning what was once a waste product into a profitable line of wool-based goods.

“Our next steps for expanding the wool business will be to focus on marketing our yarn, batting, felt, and wool pillows both in-store and online to North American markets,” said Romy Schill.

In Quebec, Pierre-Luc Barré and Virginie Bourque of La Ferme Yves Barré Inc. in Saint-Damase, Québec, were honoured for their innovative approach to horticulture and crop diversification. After joining the third-generation farm in 2010, Pierre-Luc invested in potato production, growing from 30 acres to 300 acres and producing 18 million pounds of pre-peeled potatoes annually. Virginie, who joined full-time in 2017, manages marketing and communications. The farm now produces corn, beans, soy, and potatoes, with plans to expand potato acreage further.

Amy Cronin, the OYF President, praised the winners: “The 2025 Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmer event was a great success, once again celebrating inspiring honourees from across the country who represent agriculture with passion and excellence. Pierre-Luc Barre and Virginie Bourque from Quebec and Ryan and Romy Schill from Ontario emulate what our program stands for: excellence, continuous learning, progression, innovation and sustainability.”

The OYF program, now in its 45th year, recognizes farmers under 40 who exemplify excellence in agriculture while fostering stronger urban-rural connections. Sponsored by leading agricultural organizations and supported by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the program highlights the vital role of young farmers in shaping the future of Canadian agriculture.