“Excellence is doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.”

John W. Gardner

The Oxford County Federation of Agriculture recognizes excellence in the farming community through our awards of excellence. We once again selected an Oxford County Agricultural Hall of Fame Award recipient, as well as a Family Farm Award recipient for 2023. Awards were presented by The County of Oxford at the OCFA Annual General Meeting on Thursday, January 25, 2024.

AGRICULTURAL HALL OF FAME AWARD

An individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the agricultural community. The award recipient has shown unwavering dedication to creating a better rural community and a stronger industry

Congratulations to Marian Sterk our 2023 Agriculture Hall of Fame winner. Marian was inducted into the Ag Hall of Fame at The April 10th County Council meeting at the Oxford County Building in Woodstock.

Marian Sterk inducted into the Ag Hall of Fame

FAMILY FARM AWARD

This award recognizes an OFA intergenerational family farm operation with a history of progressive achievements and community service. This family demonstrates incredible leadership and involvement in the community.

Congratulations to MGS Farming, the Gal Family. John and Karen Gal with daughters Andrea and Jessica

Bursaries

Oxford County Federation of Agriculture awards 6 x $500 bursaries to the selected Thames Valley District School Board Students

Criteria:

  • Is involved in the farming/agribusiness through either a family operation, volunteer work or employment

  • Demonstrates a strong work ethic

  • Is pursuing post-secondary studies in a field or apprenticeship with a career


The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) will be awarding five (5) post-secondary bursaries in 2024. There are: Three (3) bursaries in the amount of $2,000 each to students in an undergraduate program; One (1) - $2,000 bursary to a person completing an apprenticeship; One (1) - $2,000 bursary for a person completing a post-graduate or leadership development program.

Bursary recipients will be selected from applicants who are OFA members, a child of, or an employee of an OFA member and are residents of Ontario. Applicants should be able to demonstrate industry-related achievements, a genuine passion for agriculture and rural issues and active community involvement.

Deadline for Submission: August 31, 2024 ( More details on OFA website.)

The winners will be announced at

OFA’s 2024 Annual General Meeting being held November 26- 27, 2024 in Toronto.