FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28

National Forum + Gala Awards Dinner

TODAY'S Schedule

What's Happening?

National Forum

Featuring guest speaker Andrew Campbell, “The Fresh Air Farmer,” with presentations from our National Partners.

Honouree Presentations

Hear stories and insights from this year’s six regional honourees — the heart of OYF.

Cocktail Reception & Hospitality

Connect, unwind, and enjoy time with friends and alumni after the formal celebrations.

Gala Awards Dinner

Celebrate Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers with an elegant evening of recognition, dinner, and entertainment.

Friday Livestream

If you are not able to attend in person, you can still join us online.
Friday’s full day of events will be streamed live on Zoom.

Time: Friday, all day programming
Location: Online via Zoom
Time zone: Eastern Time

National Forum + Guest Speaker

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Dominion Ballroom | Business Attire

National Forum – Featuring Andrew Campbell

10:00 – 11:30 AM | Dominion Ballroom | Business Attire

Friday begins at the Sheraton Centre Toronto with the National Forum, featuring keynote speaker Andrew Campbell – “The Fresh Air Farmer.”

Andrew is an award-winning communicator and storyteller who bridges the gap between agriculture and the public. A modern-day voice for Canadian farming, Andrew shares the challenges, opportunities, and innovations shaping the industry today.

Prepare to be inspired, entertained, and reminded of the power of connection between farmers and consumers.

🗣 MC: Steve Cooper

Afternoon – Honouree Presentations

1:30 – 4:30 PM | Dominion Ballroom | Business Attire

The heart of OYF — stories from across Canada.

Honourees from coast to coast share their journeys, lessons, and innovations as they work to be the best in their fields.

These presentations are a cornerstone of the National Event — showcasing innovation, resilience, and leadership from Canada’s next generation of farmers.

Pictured: 2024 Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers Honourees

Evening Celebration — Gala Dinner & Awards

7:00 – 10:30 PM | Dominion Ballroom | Formal Attire

A night to celebrate excellence in Canadian agriculture.

Join fellow honourees, alumni, and guests for an evening of recognition, connection, and laughter — hosted by MC Joe Pillitteri.

Evening Flow

6:00 PM Cocktail Reception

6:15 PM Honouree Photo Sessions

7:00 PM Gala Dinner & Awards

10:30 PM Hospitality Reception (City Hall Room)

12:00 AM Late Night Hospitality (Royal Suite)

Formal attire. A full dinner, great company, and special moments you’ll remember.

Meet Your Evening MC — Joe Pillitteri

Born and raised on a peach farm in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Joe Pillitteri is one of the region’s most recognized comedians and a long-time supporter of community causes. He has raised funds and performed for organizations like the Terry Fox Foundation, Red Roof Retreat, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and local youth programs.

Joe is also the owner of Lakeview Vineyard Equipment and speaks openly about the mental health challenges he faced during tough business years, and how the farming community helped him through it. His respect for farmers, entrepreneurs, and rural life shapes both his work and his storytelling.

He and his family farm a small Merlot vineyard next to their business, and at home he’s known as a devoted husband, father of four, and proud dog-spoiler.

Joe brings heart, humour, and real connection to the Gala stage.

Excellence

Excellence

Recognizing achievement in Canadian agriculture.

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Innovation

Celebrating progress and sustainability.

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Community

Connecting farmers and alumni nationwide.

Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers

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