Marijke Oudshoon and Willem van de Wetering, the dynamic duo behind Spud Isle Farms in Morell, Prince Edward Island, have been recognized as the Outstanding Young Farmers for 2023 in the Atlantic Region.
Both hailing from dairy farms in Holland and later moving to Ontario, their shared love for agriculture brought them together.
In 2017, with no prior knowledge of potato production, the ambitious couple made the leap to PEI. Collaborating with the previous landowner, they took over an existing potato farm and set their sights on sustainable practices.
Utilizing cover crops, grass waterways, and reduced tillage, they aimed to minimize herbicide usage and enhance the farm's ecological balance.
Marijke, armed with an Agriculture Business Degree from Ridgetown College and Olds College, brought her expertise to the table.
Willem's background at a John Deere dealership in Ontario equipped him with valuable mechanical skills.
Their vision for the future is centered around diversification and self-sufficiency.
With an eye for innovation, they plan to introduce new potato varieties that can withstand adverse weather conditions and require less fertilizer.
They even intend to extend cover cropping to two years between potato production cycles. The couple's determination to grow as farmers has not gone unnoticed.
Danny Penner, President of the National OYF board, praised the pair's accomplishments during the Atlantic Region's Recognition Event.
Canada's Outstanding Young Farmers' program, a prestigious competition recognizing excellence in agriculture, celebrates the contributions of farmers aged 18 to 39.
Spud Isle Farms, as the Atlantic region's winners, will compete at the national event in Laval, Quebec, in November 2023.