Aubyn and Tristan Banwell of Spray Creek Ranch near Lillooet were named BC & Yukon Outstanding Young Farmers at the Clarion Hotel in Abbotsford, March 12.
“They believe in the power of regenerative agriculture to change the world, the power of food to connect people, and the power of consumers to change how farms are managed,” according to a statement on the OYF site.
Together with their children Twain and Tusi, their land owner partners and crew, the Banwells raise cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry on land overlooking the Fraser River. They also operate a growing on-farm abattoir that allows them to direct-market and distribute their organic meats throughout the Sea-to-Sky region.
Since 2014, they have transitioned 500 acres into organic certification, and have been active members of the organic farming community in BC. A commitment to regenerative agriculture and third-party certification of their operations has made them a model for other farmers as well as helped them engage a more demanding consumer base.
The Banwells’ dedication and innovative approach to farming exemplify the spirit of the Outstanding Young Farmers program, inspiring others in the agricultural community. The Banwells were up against Kerry McCann of Laughing Crow Organics, an 11-year-old market garden and flower farm in Pemberton, and poultry farmers Jeff and Carrie Hooge of Greendale, third-generation farmers active at four farm sites as well as the businesses of their extended families, Lepp’s Farm Market and Fraser Valley Hazelnuts.
Kevin Klippenstein, a past award winner and one of this year’s judges, said this year’s nominees all showed the kind of pluck that makes for outstanding credentials.
“With everything that’s happening now and in the future, you almost have to be able to pivot and move forward,” he says. “All of our finalists this year showed excellence in agriculture. They’re all able to go through environmental issues – with flooding and the heat dome … mudslides and wildfires, yet they’re still able to grow food for the people. That is excellence in itself. A normal person might give up.”
OYF honours young farmers aged 18 to 39 who exhibit exemplary dedication and skill. This year’s finalists detailed their farm’s community impact, contributions to enhancing the quality of life, and their commitment to family.
“We’re very humbled,” said Tristan Banwell in accepting the award.
The regional award allows the Banwells to advance to the national competition, scheduled to take place in Lethbridge at the end of November.
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