STRATFORD – Award presentations were an integral part of the Perth County Federation of Agriculture (PCFA) annual gala held at the Arden Park Hotel in Stratford last month.
Hundreds of area farmers, along with their area suppliers and financial institutions, were there to honour those receiving awards and scholarships.
PCFA presents a number of scholarships annually to second, third or fourth-year students pursuing a future in agriculture through university, college or trade programs that will benefit agriculture in the future.
Monkton’s Jilliam Ohm (right) received a $1,000 scholarship, which was presented to her by PCFA director Sam Knechtel.(Submitted photo)
The PCFA also took this time to introduce their young and experienced directors who go above and beyond in guiding the organization into the future, and to announce the county’s Outstanding Contributions to Agriculture Award.
Monkton’s Jillian Ohm, a third-year University of Guelph student, received a $1,000 scholarship from the Federation. She will use this scholarship to assist her in completing her degree and masters in plant science, with the goal of becoming an agronomist.
Listowel’s Lexi Johnston, a fourth-year student studying agriculture science at the University of Guelph, was also awarded a $1,000 scholarship. After spending her summer employed by Farm Credit Canada, she said she has a passion for dairying and hopes to pursue her future in that field of agriculture.
Listowel’s Lexi Johnston (right) received a $1,000 scholarship, which was presented to her by PCFA director Inge Koskamp.(Submitted photo)
The Agricultural Recognition Award was presented to Atwood area farmers Darryl and Tanya Terpstra. They operate Tanda Farms, a farrow-to-finish hog operation alongside their seven children and one daughter-in-law.
The award was presented in recognition of their contributions to agriculture and the community.
Among the many organizations they have helped direct in the past in the county include 4-H, Junior Farmers, Perth County Plowmen’s Association, BMO Family Farm Award winners, Perth County Pork Producers, executive members of the Perth County Federation of Agriculture and organizers of the Harvest Gala, church and youth events, along with working alongside Ontario Pork and the Ontario Pork Industry Council.
