Quebec names Rémi Taillon & Sophie Brodeur of Saint Dominque, as their 2023 Outstanding Young Farmers.

Grain fed veal producers, Rémi Taillon & Sophie Brodeur, of Ferme Réso at Saint- Dominque, QC, were named Quebec’s Outstanding Young Farmers for 2023 at the Quebec Region’s Recognition Event held Aug 31 at Centre de Congrès de St-Hyacinthe.

Agriculture having always been part of her life, Sophie dreamed of becoming a farmer since she was very young. Growing up on a milk-calf and field crop farm, she liked taking care of animals. Sophie completed a DEC in animal production and a certificate in environmental science before working at the Quebec Pork Development Center as a technical advisor. Rémi was not raised on a farm, He was hired as an engineer in a firm specializing in slurry treatment following his BAC in biotechnology engineering. Not entirely satisfied with his life as an engineer, he dreamed of entrepreneurship.

In 2009, Sophie’s father offered them the farm on which she grew up for a two year trial. This transition period allowed them to learn about technical performance, control production costs and validate whether this life was for them. After two years, Sophie and Rémi bought 50% of the shares of the farm. They took advantage of this time to improve their efficiency and increase their financial autonomy. Over the years, they have become full owners of the farm.

Sophie and Rémi have achieved all of their initial goals. Cultivating 476 acres, 230 of which are owned, Ferme Réso produces 1,200 grain-fed calves annually that are fed grain corn grown entirely on the farm. Sophie and Rémi value good agro-environmental practices.  Sophie and Rémi are proud to contribute to feeding local families by producing the best quality veal possible and in the best possible conditions.

The Quebec Region of Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers Program were pleased and proud to have three unique and impressive operations at the 2023 Regional Event. The Nominees recognized were:

Jean-Philippe Côté et Julie Richer- -Ferme Malaco- Magog

Simon Plante et Alison Blouin- Polyculture Plante- Sainte-Pétronille Ile d’Orléans

Rémi Taillon et Sophie Brodeur- Ferme Réso- Saint- Dominique

Vice-President of the National OYF board, Amy Cronin attended the event and had this comment, “The Outstanding Young Farmers Gala in Quebec certainly did not disappoint. Three outstanding finalists embodied the spirit of the OYF program as they vied for the title. There were 420 guests in attendance who enjoyed the upbeat atmosphere and the fellowship that made the event memorable.”

Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers’ program is an annual competition to recognize farmers that exemplify excellence in their profession and promote the tremendous contribution of agriculture. Open to participants 18 to 39 years of age, making the majority of income from on-farm sources, participants are selected from seven regions across Canada, with two national winners chosen each year. The program is sponsored nationally by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, CIBC, John Deere, Bayer, Sollio Agriculture and CN with media sponsors Glacier FarmMedia and WS. It is supported nationally by BDO.

Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers for 2023 will be chosen at the National event in Laval Quebec from November 22-26, 2023.