More than 400 people cheered as the Coverts of Covert Farms and Dunham and Froese Estate Winery in Oliver, B.C., received the prestigious award from B.C. Minister of Agriculture and Lands Steve Thomson and Canadian OYF program vice-president and 2005 B.C. OYF winner Derek Janzen.

Gene and Shelly are the third generation of Coverts to operate the 660-acre farm started in 1959 by Covert’s grandfather, a California tomato grower. The farm originally grew only onions and tomatoes but now produces more than 60 crops. After beginning a small organic section in 2005, the Coverts now have 138 acres in certified organic production and look forward to operating the entire farm under biodynamic principles.

“Biodynamics is a very exciting aspect of agriculture,” said Gene, explaining that it focuses on soil health and “developing sustainability through biodiversity” by treating the farm as a living organism.

While the Coverts market their products throughout Western Canada, most is sold direct through their on-farm organic market and pick-your-own organic market garden.

“Word of mouth is our best asset,” said Shelly.

In 2005, the Coverts planted a 15-acre vineyard and added another 15 acres in 2009. Their estate winery produces about 2000 cases per year of red, white and rose wines.

The Coverts, who were also finalists for the 2009 award, will now represent the province in the Canadian Outstanding Young Farmer finals to be held in Victoria, B.C., in November 2010.

Runners-up for the 2010 award were twin brothers Ricki and Newton Sahota of Twinberry Farms in Pitt Meadows. The Sahota brothers have developed a unique direct-to-office marketing system and are also creating a boutique processing plant and farmers’ market to sell fresh and processed blueberries from their 163-acre farm. 

“It is in the self-interest of all Canadians to encourage young people in agriculture,” Janzen said, noting both the Coverts and the Sahotas represent “positive role models for youth in agriculture.”

To be eligible for the Outstanding Young Farmer award, farmers must be between 19 and 40 years of age, derive at least two-thirds of their income from farming and demonstrate progress in their agriculture careers. Nominees are judged on conservation practices, production history, financial and management practices, and community contributions. Judging the 2010 competition were agricultural financial consultant Barry Remus, RBC account manager Lana Dueck and 1999 B.C. OYF winner David Janssens.