New Entrant chicken farm families announced

BURLINGTON, ON – Chicken Farmers of Ontario (CFO) is pleased to announce the successful farm families joining Ontario’s chicken industry through the CFO New Entrant Chicken Farmer program. 

Applications to the CFO New Entrant Chicken Farmer program were accepted in fall of 2021, and successful applicants were approved by the CFO Board of Directors following a review and recommendations by farmers, representatives from financial institutions, and other relevant stakeholders.

This year’s successful applicants of the CFO New Entrant Chicken Farmer program are:

• Nicole and Matt Weber, District 3
• Michelle and Mark Torrey, District 9

The New Entrant Chicken Farmer program supports qualified new farmers in joining the chicken industry by providing education, training, and further assistance to encourage a successful transition into the business.

“Congratulations to these successful farm families and on behalf of the CFO Board of Directors and 1,300 family-run farms across the province, we welcome these new entrant farmers to the industry,” said Murray Opsteen, Chair of CFO. “The Ontario chicken industry is strong, vibrant and growing. We are pleased to be able to provide a variety of opportunities for farm families looking to enter Ontario’s chicken industry, including through the CFO New Entrant Chicken Farmer program.”

Since 2012, CFO has welcomed thirty-four new chicken farming families through the program. Applicants must reside in Ontario and be Canadian citizens, with priority given to individuals without previous connection to a supply-managed sector.