December 15, 2025, Ottawa, ON – Farm Management Canada recently held its annual Agricultural Excellence Conference where Brad Barton was recognized as the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Wilson Loree Award. Now in its twenty-third year, the Award honours individuals or groups who have made an extraordinary contribution to advancing farm business management in Canada.
Brad Barton, recipient of the 2025 Wilson Loree Award
Earlier this year, the agricultural community mourned the loss of Brad, whose passion, courage and adventurous spirit continue to live on with all who knew and worked with him.
Brad’s career with the Yukon Government Agricultural Branch was defined by his dedication to advancing agriculture in northern Canada. Over 15 years as Yukon’s representative and six years as the provincial–territorial Ministry Network Representative on the Farm Management Canada Board of Directors, Brad played a central role in promoting farm management excellence across the country. His work included leading research and demonstration projects such as long-term soil amendment trials and crop adaptation studies that strengthened local food production in the Yukon’s uniquely challenging environment.
Beyond research, Brad was deeply committed to supporting farmers directly. Each year, he worked with dozens of Yukon producers on business planning, risk management, and major decision-making. Known for his practical knowledge and balanced perspective, he became a trusted advisor whom farmers regularly sought out. He also mentored many new and experienced producers, helping them build viable operations and contributing to the growth of Yukon’s farming community.
Brad’s leadership extended into organizing key industry events and shaping agricultural policy. For more than a decade, he led the North of 60 Agriculture Conference, a cornerstone event that brought together farmers, First Nations, industry partners, and government for learning and collaboration. Within the Yukon Agriculture Branch, his insights influenced program development, extension services, and research priorities, resulting in more effective and responsive support for producers.
He also championed the importance of wellness in farm management, leading workplace wellness initiatives and encouraging farmers to consider health and resilience as part of sustainable operations. Brad’s legacy is evident in the stronger businesses, programs, research, and policies he helped create. His leadership, innovation, and collaborative spirit have left a lasting foundation that will continue to support agriculture in the Yukon and across Canada for years to come.
Brad’s nomination was put forward by Gary Flaten and Trish Laugharne from the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food, who wrote:
“Brad’s legacy is one of empowerment, resilience, and generosity. He helped build stronger businesses, fostered sustainable practices, and inspired countless individuals through his mentorship and example. Although Brad is no longer with us, his work continues to shape the future of agriculture in Canada’s North, and we can think of no one more deserving of national recognition through the Wilson Loree Award.”
His nomination was further supported by Kristine Ferris and Kirk Price from the Yukon Government’s Agriculture Branch.
The Award’s namesake, Wilson Loree, formally announced Brad as the 2025 recipient at the Agricultural Excellence Conference. Brad’s wife Emily accepted the Award on Brad’s behalf, which was met with a standing ovation.
Wilson announcing Brad as recipient.
Emily accepting the Award on behalf of Brad.
Rest in peace, Brad.
Your legacy lives on.
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About Farm Management Canada
A national umbrella for Canadian farm business management activity, Farm Management Canada is the only organization devoted exclusively to the development and delivery of advanced business management information, tools and resources to position Canada’s farmers for success. Farm Management Canada’s programs and activities are made possible through support from generous sponsors and supporters including the Government of Canada.
For more information contact:
Farm Management Canada
21 Florence St. 2nd Fl, Ottawa (Ontario) K2P 0W6
Telephone: (613) 237-9060
Email: info(at)fmc-gac.com