TESTIMONIALS
Member Testimonials
“Just over a year has passed since I was offered the incredible opportunity from NL Young Farmers to join their farming mentorship program with Windy Heights Farm. This opportunity has launched me into the farming world, was a big push for the new beginning of Rainbow Ridge Farm, and has truly changed the way I see my future in farming. I wanted to say a huge thank you to NL Young Farmers for all the great work they do to support new farmers and promote farming in Newfoundland! Opportunities like this truly matter, and they shape the next generation of farmers in ways that go far beyond the field.”
—Alyx King, Rainbow Ridge Farm, 2025-2026 Mentorship Program Mentee
“Coming from a province where access to large-scale agricultural expos and exposure to vendors is limited, this experience gave me an opportunity to see to a wide range of technologies, equipment, and practices that I would not normally have the opportunity to see. What struck me most throughout the event was just how much I didn’t know I was missing. I left the show feeling excited, informed, and more connected to the national farming community. I’m excited to bring these insights back to my operation and to adopt some of the things I learned.”
—Matt Morry, Heritage Farm, 2025 Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show Attendee
“We are pleased with the mentorship plan. Matt is generous with his time and knowledge, and happy to answer questions about sheep farming and all things agriculture. He has helped contribute to us feeling welcomed into the Goulds agriculture community which is of real value to us as we establish our new farm in the Goulds.”
—Anja Sajovic and Tavish Russell, Farm on Forest, 2025-2026 Mentorship Program Mentees
2025-2026 Impact and Retention Survey Feedback:
“Joining NL Young Farmers has exposed me to a lot of information about farm business, and insight into land acquisition and other processes needed to be a successful farmer.”
“Being a member of Newfoundland and Labrador Young Farmers helped me understand how agriculture actually works in Newfoundland and Labrador, not only in theory but in practice. Through meetings, farm visits, and conversations with farmers, I learned about the real challenges of farming here. Short growing seasons. Weather risks. Logistics and distribution in a remote province. Access to land, equipment, and labour. It also helped me understand the local food system. How farmers sell their products. How farmers markets, food hubs, and direct sales work. And how important community support is for small producers. For me this knowledge is very practical. In my work I support newcomers and entrepreneurs who want to start food or farming projects. Being part of this network helps me give more realistic guidance and connect people with experienced farmers and partners.”
“The NL Young Farmers email content and handout material has been hugely helpful in informing me of events to attend, people to contact, and resources available to me. I also plan on participating in the mentorship program.”
“I highly recommend this event to other young people in agriculture, no matter their background or experience level. This event presented a wonderful opportunity to network and helped facilitate some excellent dialogue around key topics pertaining to the industry as a whole – not just within Nova Scotia. Despite whatever preconceptions someone may have before attending this event, it would be impossible to envision the scope and depth of the discussions that unfold over the course of two days. The value in meeting new industry contacts and expanding your network cannot be overstressed. For young people who are still early in their agricultural careers, meeting the right people has a profound impact on business development. You never know what doors will open when you put yourself out there.”
—Michael Dobbin, Nova Scotia Young Farmers 2026 Cultivate Your Future Conference Attendee
2025 NLYF Leadership Summit Survey Feedback:
“I was inspired by the enthusiasm of the people who attended and the range of interests that were represented. It is quite a wide range.”
“I learned about so many things! I now have a bigger community of young farmers to connect with and learn from too!”
“I learned more about the history and current landscape of Indigenous agriculture in Canada & Newfoundland and Labrador. I didn't know much about it before, but I would like to learn more about Indigenous ag practices and how to improve education and food security in remote communities.”
“Newfoundland and Labrador farmers are models of perseverance!”
“For someone early in their career, this kind of exposure is invaluable. You hear firsthand how others have navigated challenges like financial uncertainty, succession planning, burnout, and the pressure to adopt more sustainable practices. It’s not just theory—it’s practical, experience-based knowledge that you can apply to your own work right away. I also appreciated the focus on leadership development, mental health, and work-life balance. The conference helped me feel more connected to the broader ag community and reminded me that innovation and resilience often come from simply showing up, listening, and supporting each other. It’s an empowering experience that I believe would benefit any young person working in this industry.”
—Heather Zurel, Vinland Acres/Data Farms, 2025 Advancing Women in Ag West Attendee
“Something that I didn’t put much thought into was the farm transition aspect of business planning. I had no idea that there is currently so much turbulence in the Canadian agriculture industry when it comes to transitioning existing operations to the next generation or new ownership in general. I have been working on the mindset that this is something that is not of any urgency or importance in my stage of life, farming, and business. This mindset is precisely what has caused so much uncertainty among agriculture operations in this country, and I now realize that it is a consideration that I need to be considering now and making concrete plans for.”
—Adam Furlong, Outport Acres, 2025 FCC Young Farmer Summit & AgEx Attendee