Québec names Lori Anne Berthiaume and Steeve Nadeau as 2026 Outstanding Young Farmers

Berthiaume’s leadership at Ferme Porc SB Inc. and her team-centred approach helped drive major productivity gains and earned recognition from Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers.

Québec’s Outstanding Young Farmers (OYF) program has named Lori Anne Berthiaume and Steeve Nadeau as the region’s 2026 winners. 

The announcement was made on January 13, 2026,  at the Congress Centre of St Hyacinthe, Québec, where more than 430 people gathered to celebrate excellence in agriculture. The pair will go on to represent the province at the national competition in Vancouver, BC, in November 2026.

Amy Cronin, President of the COYF (Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers) National Board, attended the event and praised the calibre of the finalists. She stated: “The Québec Outstanding Young Farmer event was a great success with three very talented and successful finalists highlighted, all of whom represented both their farms and agriculture very well. Four hundred and thirty alumni, sponsors, industry, family, and friends gathered to celebrate excellence in agriculture. Lori-Anne Berthiaume and Steeve Nadeau, farrow to finish hog producers from St-Elzéar,  were named Québec Outstanding Young Farmers 2026 and will move on from their region to nationals being held in Vancouver, BC, in November. Congratulations, Lori-Anne and Steeve.”

Berthiaume’s path into agriculture was far from predetermined. Initially envisioning a future in the restaurant industry, she joined her father and brother on the family farm and discovered a challenging but rewarding career. With a business administration degree and an MBA, she found her stride balancing management and production.

After purchasing Ferme Porc SB Inc. in 2018, Berthiaume faced a difficult starting point. In just a few years, she increased production from 42,000 to 51,000 piglets annually, with consistent gains in productivity. Today, she leads a team of 20 to 30 employees—half from South America—and fosters a workplace culture built on respect, teamwork, and enjoyment. She even supports her team’s sports and social initiatives.

Her leadership has been tested through numerous challenges, but each time, she has demonstrated resilience and strategic thinking. With guidance from her father and mentor, Cécilien, she gradually repaid her family and became the sole owner of the farm. Looking ahead, she aims to raise all piglets born on the farm, refine technical performance, and maintain a healthy balance between work and family life.

Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers competition recognizes excellence in agriculture and highlights the sector’s contributions nationwide. Open to farmers under 40 whose primary income comes from agriculture, the program selects participants from seven regions, with two national winners chosen each year.

For more information on the organization, visit www.oyfcanada.com.