Enchant couple earn national recognition

Contributed

Greg & Sarah Stamp (pictured at right) from Stamp Seeds, of Enchant, AB and Brad & Travis Hopcott from Hopcott Farms, of Pitt Meadows, BC were chosen as National Winners from seven regional farmers at Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmer (OYF) Program’s national event held in Laval, QC November 22-26, 2023.

What began as a partnership with Greg’s parents, in 2006, has become three separate operations run by Greg and his brothers- Nathan & Matthew.

The operations include Stamp Seeds (retail pedigreed seed), Stamp Farms (production of pedigreed seed for retail and contracts) and Flourish Farms (crop land). Pedigreed seed is produced on 7000 acres, of which 5000 acres is under irrigation and 2000 acres are dryland farmed. In the beginning custom work helped cash flow.

Growing contract seed for others allowed Greg to expand the retail seed business and build a customer base. Although minimum till was being practiced on the farm, they created management zones and now use benchmark soil sampling to better manage their fertility.

On-farm field days, newsletters and social media help to build awareness of the varieties produced. Sarah has been instrumental in developing management and succession plans to allow all the families to farm together.Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers President Danny Penner had this to say about the National Event. “Every year the regional finalists challenge the judges like never before.

The future of agriculture is in good hands as long as young farmers like the ones that gathered at the COYF national program in Laval are in involved. They all showcased incredible operations. Greg and Sarah Stamp of Stamp Seeds and Travis and Brad Hopcott of Hopcott Farms will be exceptional ambassadors for Canadian agriculture.”

Every year this event brings recognition to outstanding farmers in Canada between 18 and 39 years of age who have exemplified excellence in their profession while fostering better urban-rural relations.

The winners were chosen from seven regional finalists, including the following honourees from the other five regions: Rémi Taillon & Sophie Brodeur - Ferme Réso- Sainte-Dominque, QC; Stewart Skinner & Jessica Kelly- Imani Farms Ltd- Listowel, ON; Jake & Sarah Leguee- Leguee Farms Ltd - Weyburn, SK; Harley & Brooklyn Siemens- Siemens Farms- Rosenort, MB; Marijke Oudshoon & Willem van de Wetering - Spud Isle Farms - Morell PE.

The stories the finalists shared throughout the week exemplified their passion and love for agriculture.