Stewart Skinner and Jessica Kelly have been named Ontario’s Outstanding Young Farmers for 2023.
They own and operate Imani Farms at Listowel, an organic hog and grain farm, producing approximately 25,000 hogs per year for conventional and niche markets.
Imani produces pigs under three different systems — conventional, certified humane, and certified organic, as well as farming 167 acres of cash crops.
The couple says that although both started their careers working in agriculture-related jobs, they knew that they were destined to be farmers.
“Stewart and Jessica have used several innovative approaches to finance and human resources in order to grow their operation to where it is today, all while staying true to their life goals and values. They both hold a deep-seated belief about the ability for business to be a force for good in their communities, both locally and globally,” according to the finalists’ biography.
Stewart is also a regular on the Farmer Rapid Fire on RealAg Radio, and has shared his perspective several times on his travels working with farmers in Kenya and issues of note in the industry, including mental health, through his columns and appearances here on RealAgriculture.
Stewart and Jessica will compete for the national title November 22-26 in Laval, Quebec.
Related:
Alberta’s winners: Greg and Sara Stamp
Saskatchewan’s winners: Jake and Sarah Leguee and Erik Nikolejsin
