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Chicken Farmers Of CanadaPresents
The Chicken Farmers of Canada’s Young Farmers Program is a professional development program that teaches young leaders in the chicken sector about governance, succession planning and personal branding, while also getting to network with key agriculture and government stakeholders. It also helps young farmers better understand the sector and gives them the tools to succeed. Every year, five young farmers will be selected to participate in the 18-month program. We will strive to have a distribution of candidates from across the country:
Young chicken farmers selected for this program will gain valuable experience by meeting other emerging leaders within the sector. Participants will also get to share their knowledge with policy makers and stakeholders within the agriculture sector. The Program will give young farmers the tools and training to continue growing in the industry, with the long-term goal of having them play a larger role in governing and promoting chicken farming in Canada.
Applications close November 6, 2026.
The ideal candidates:
*Applicants must be a Canadian resident*
The program is an 18-month commitment with interactive meetings, training and events. When applying for the program, please keep in mind that you will need to be available for the following events (some dates to be confirmed and events subject to change)*
*Required Meetings
Please note: Failure to attend two or more of the required meetings will result in a re-evaluation of your participation in the Chicken Farmers of Canada’s Young Farmers Program.
The application process is simple! Simply click on your province below, fill out the form and submit a one-minute video.
Your one-minute video should explain why you would like to be a part of the Chicken Farmers of Canada’s Young Farmers Program, why you are an ideal candidate and what you would like to get out of this program.
To apply, click on your province to access the application form:
If you hold quota: Please provide us with your quota number issued on behalf of Chicken Farmers of Canada by your Provincial Board, in the province where your registered production facilities are located.
If you do not hold quota, work on your family farm or are an eligible producer in Newfoundland and Labrador, please provide us with a letter of recommendation from the quota holder. If you are working on the family farm, the letter of recommendation must contain an outline of the succession plan with a clear path to ownership, as well as years served on the farm, duties performed, etc. If you are a producer in Newfoundland and Labrador, the quota holder (processor) or licensee (farmer) could write the letter of recommendation.
Please note: Provincial Boards are responsible for selecting their candidate for consideration. Should you have any questions regarding the status of your application, please contact your Provincial Board.
All applicants will be notified of the status of their application by January 15, 2027.
Questions?
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Chicken Farmers of Canada’s Young Farmers Program, please contact Erin Callary at youngfarmers@chicken.ca or you can contact your Provincial Board.
Deadline to apply is November 6, 2026.
“The CFC Young Farmers Program has not only been an opportunity to learn about the overall sector and how it all works beyond the barn yard, but has also given me the chance to meet many other producers from across Canada and CFC staff members who I’ve been able to form relationships with which I will carry with me for years to come. The program has been a steppingstone to becoming more involved within the industry and has given me the surety in myself to accept a position with my provincial chicken marketing board, of which I now serve as a director, and participate in more roles within the sector. My confidence in myself has grown so much thanks to this program and I will forever be thankful for being given the opportunity to participate at the point in my life when I can use these skills in real time and carry them with me throughout my career in the chicken sector.”
– Amy Rafuse, Young Farmer Alum, Chair of Chicken Farmers of Nova Scotia
“The Chicken Farmers of Canada Young Farmers program sets a great foundation when chicken farming is your livelihood. It gives one insight to how our production and allocation system is set up on a national level and you get to meet so many other chicken producers from across the country who are passionate about what they do. The knowledge and experiences gained not only sets one up to be a better chicken farmer but also gives you the tools if you wish to advocate on behalf of our industry. Following my participation, I now not only sit at the provincial board table but also at the national table for Chicken Farmers of Canada. This program gave me the confidence I needed to put my name forward to represent these organizations. It is up to us as farmers to ensure our supply managed system remains strong and resilient. Investing in ourselves is investing back into our farms and future generations.”
– Tiffany Martinka, Young Farmer Alum, Saskatchewan, Director for the Chicken Farmers of Canada Board of Directors
“The CFC young farmers program has enabled me to take a deep dive into many aspects of the chicken industry in Canada, network with partners and stakeholders, and build friendships that will last a lifetime. I hope to take this opportunity I had the last 18 months to try and further impact the future of chicken farming in BC.”
– Matthew Burgsma, Young Farmer alum, Vice President of the BC Chicken Growers Association, British Columbia
