Meet the 2024 cohort of our national young farmer program

Every year, we are proud to welcome a new group of young egg farmers into our national young farmer program. Through the program, we’re preparing and inspiring the next generation of egg sector leaders as they develop their skills, expand their knowledge and build connections with industry and other young egg farmers from across Canada.

We’re pleased to introduce this group of exceptional young leaders and share their stories about innovation, sustainability and passion for producing fresh, local, high-quality eggs.

Mireille Leroux
St. Isidore, Ontario

A second generation egg farmer from St. Isidore, Ontario, Mireille learned the ropes early on and plans to take over her family farm in 2027—when her parents will celebrate 50 years as egg farmers. From electrician to plumber to vet tech, Mireille wears many different hats and has big plans to innovate for the future.

“We’re pretty open-minded people and there’s lots of growth and opportunity in the field,” says Mireille. “There’s plenty of space for the younger generation to take a bigger part in the industry.”

Fanny Gauthier-Patoine
Saint-Adrien, Quebec

Growing up in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Fanny found herself drawn to the agricultural world early through her father’s work as an agronomist. Fanny spent a lot of time helping in barns and accompanying her father on field visits to cattle farms. It was the encouragement of a dairy farming mentor years later, however, that helped Fanny finally find her true calling as the egg farming dynamo she is today. It inspired her to pursue a career in egg farming by starting Avisource Farm in 2022. Despite the challenges of farming on her own, Fanny remains undaunted to live out her life-long dream of being a farmer.

“It was always my dream to be a farmer,” she reflects. “Farmers are so independent; they have to be problem-solvers and a jack-of-all-trades, yet they have such a sense of liberty.” 

Joanne Hayes
Tillsonburg, Ontario

Taking a bold step with her husband Dave, Joanne took a chance and purchased a small chicken farm to start their own operation in Tillsonburg, Ontario, in 2005 while both juggling full-time jobs and raising their family. Years later, Hayes Haven Farms is a thriving enterprise producing eggs, chicken, asparagus and maple syrup.

Growing up on a tobacco farm, Joanne has always been drawn to farming. “I think farming is something that’s inside of you. It’s not an easy gig but it’s something instilled in us by our parents that we saw them do. With many older farmers retiring, there is significant potential for young people to succeed in the industry.”

Bryan Siemens
Abbotsford, British Columbia

Bryan grew up on his family’s farm in Abbotsford, British Columbia. After pursuing a career in finance, Bryan felt the call to farm again and made a pivotal decision to return to farming full-time in 2014. Alongside his family, he has since taken on the challenge of modernizing the farm and innovating for the future.

Bryan is optimistic about the future of the egg sector and hopes young people will find joy and purpose in farming. He envisions a thriving, sustainable industry supported by strong leadership and a sense of community. “Learning how it all works on a national and provincial level through the young farmer program has only grown the respect, excitement and passion I have for the industry,” he says.

Jens Boekhorst
Brunkild, Manitoba

In 2006, with dreams of expansion and new opportunities, Jens’ family sold their farm in the Netherlands for a fresh start in Brunkild, Manitoba. After high school, Jens pursued agricultural studies at the University of Manitoba. He even spent a winter in Australia, working on farms and learning about different farming practices in New South Wales and Tasmania. The experience opened his eyes to how other farmers manage their land and resources, especially in challenging climates.

His travels ignited his passion for innovation and have given Jens a unique perspective to bring back to his farm. He sees a bright future in the egg sector and hopes to one day take over the family farm. “This is a growing industry, with plenty of room for expansion and innovation for years to come,” says Jens.

Kathryn Richards
Red Deer, Alberta

Kathryn is a fifth generation farmer and is leading her family’s egg farm into the future with her passion for learning and technology. Fauna Farms is celebrating their 100th anniversary this year, and the family has embraced new technologies and sustainable practices.

Kathryn appreciates the unique opportunity the national young farmer program brings to young egg farmers. “It’s pretty awesome to have all those people with shared experiences in the same room, to network with and problem solve, and learn how different we are and yet how we are all alike,” she says. “It’s so nice to talk to people who understand what your life looks like.”

Lacey Merks
Gaspereau Valley, Nova Scotia

A third generation farmer, Lacey earned her pilot’s license, attended business school, and pursued careers as a master hairdresser and nail technician before returning to the farm full-time. She works alongside her parents, Andre and Janie, along with her younger brother, Dre, on the farm founded by her grandparents, John and Lucy Merks, who immigrated from Holland in 1953.

As she looks to the future, Lacey is optimistic about the role of young people in agriculture and is especially keen on involving her 11-year-old daughter, Piper, to pass on the legacy and values she cherishes. “I want her to have the opportunities I’ve had to learn and grow within this industry,” she says.

Passionate and innovative young leaders like these are paving a bright future for Canada’s egg sector. Interested in learning more about our national young farmer program? Download our fact sheet to discover how we are empowering the next generation of industry leaders.

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