Jordan and Alex McKay owe their passion for agriculture to their family
Staff Writer
Farms.com
Port Perry brothers Jordan and Alex McKay are this year’s Ontario’s Outstanding Young Farmers.
Operators of Willow Tree Farm, a community-supported agriculture farm and market, the McKay brothers were
announced as Ontario’s Outstanding Young Farmers for 2018 at a Tuesday event in Woodstock. In its 38th year, Canada’s annual Outstanding Young Farmers program recognizes farmers who display excellence in their careers and encourage the significant contributions of agriculture through their work.
"It's an honor," Jordan told Farms.com today. "I think the more we learn about the (Outstanding Young Farmers), the more we realize the benefits that continue after this point. Meeting some of the alumni over the past couple of days... is part of the excitement."
Alex returned to the family farm after earning his bachelor of science in forestry, wanting to pursue his passion for the land which he inherited from his father.
Jordan received his bachelor of commerce in ag business and, after travelling to pursue his love for skiing, he returned home to the farm market.
Jordan’s inheritance of his mother’s passion for working at farmers markets, combined with Alex’s love for the land and what it can grow, makes the brothers a successful team.
Willow Tree Farm aims to supply fresh food through sustainable farming practices. The brothers launched a year-round market in 2016 that is equipped with a commercial kitchen and a fresh butcher market. Jordan’s wife, Alyson, and Alex’s wife, Kelty, both work in the market.
Derek and Marie Brouwer of Brouwer Farms of Branchton, and Darold and Kara Enright of Enright Cattle Company of Tweed were also nominated.
Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers for 2018 will be named between Nov. 29 and Dec. 3 at the national event in Winnipeg.
"This program really celebrates excellence in agriculture across the board," Jordan said. "I think it's very engaging for the next generation."
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