Wilson Loree Award
Wilson Loree Award
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.-30-
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
Recipients of the Wilson Loree award to date are:
- 2024 – Erica Nitchie, British Columbia
- 2023 – Steve Funk, Alberta
- 2022 – Michele Rogalsky, Manitoba
- 2023 – Colleen Younie, Prince Edward Island
- 2020 – Marcel Hacault, Manitoba
- 2019 – Len Davies, Ontario
- 2018 – Elaine Froese, Manitoba
- 2017 – Darrell Wade, Ontario
- 2016 – Merle Good, Alberta
- 2015 – Terry Betker, Manitoba
- 2014 – Peter VanderZaag,Ontario
- 2013 – Jean-Philippe Perrier, Quebec
- 2012 – Lyle Staveness, Saskatchewan
- 2011 – Dr. Larry Martin, Ontario
- 2010 – Brian Little, Ontario
- 2009 – George Geldart, British Columbia
- 2008 – Raymond Levallois, Quebec
- 2007 – Marcel Couture, agr., Quebec
- 2006 – Ian Hall, Alberta
- 2005 – The Team of Farm Management Instructors from the School of Agriculture, University of Manitoba
- 2004 – Dr. Len Bauer, Alberta
- 2003 – Fédération des groupes conseils agricoles du Québec
Wilson Loree Award
Farm Management Canada
21 Florence Street, Ottawa ON K2P 0W6
E-mail: info(at)fmc-gac.com
Brigid Rivoire Award for Champions of Agricultural Mental Health
Brigid Rivoire Award for Champions of Agricultural Mental Health
Farm Management Canada is pleased to be part of this wonderful initiative in honour of Brigid Rivoire and in support of farmer mental health.
The Brigid Rivoire Award for Champions of Agricultural Mental Health annually recognizes a specific initiative that has made outstanding contributions in raising awareness, addressing stigma, and supporting mental health for farmers in their local community. This annual award includes a $2,000 donation to a mental health initiative of the recipient’s choice, along with an invitation to attend the Canadian Federation of Agriculture’s (CFA) Annual General Meeting in February with all expenses paid.
The award will be given out at the CFA’s Annual General Meeting in Ottawa.
For more details on the award and nomination process visit: www.cfa-fca.ca/programs-and-projects/mentalhealthaward/
Government Funding for Farmers
Government Funding for Farmers
Provincial/Territorial Ministry/Department of Agriculture Cost-Share Funding
BUSINESS SKILLS DEVELOPMENT THROUGH TRAINING OR ADVISORY SERVICES
The following list of opportunities has been prepared by Farm Management Canada as a courtesy to producers and producer groups to find and access cost-sharing funding opportunities related to farm business skills development and advisory support programming through the Provincial/Territorial Ministries and Departments of Agriculture. Updated June 1, 2024.
Please Note: In the event a link becomes broken or you need further information, please contact your provincial agricultural Ministry or Department office. Be aware of eligibility criteria and timelines for processing applications before applying to and/or starting any skills development or advisory service programming. It is not uncommon for skills development opportunities to begin prior to funding approval. In such situations, skills development program administrators may be able to adapt programming and invoicing to meet cost-share funding rules.
Click here to access the PDF version of this listing.
Province/Territory
British Columbia
Business Skills Training /Advisory Services Cost-Share Programs
Business and Market Development
Cost-Share: Various
Maximum Funding: Various
(case by case basis)
More info:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/programs
Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program
Cost-Share: 75%
Maximum Funding: Up to $7500
More info: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/programs/knowledge-transfer-events
New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program
Cost-Share: Up to 75% for <$10,000 projects, up to 50% for >$10,000 projects
Maximum Funding: Up to $7500 (or $15,000) based on total project estimated costs
More info: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/programs/new-entrant-farm-business-accelerator-program
Employee Training/ Wage Subsidy Programs
British Columbia Employer Training Grant
Cost-Share: 80%
Maximum Annual Funding: $10,000 per participant, up to $300,000 per employer
More info:
www.workbc.ca/find-loans-and-grants/industry-and-employers/bc-employer-training-grant
Alberta
No programming
Canada-Alberta Job Grant
Cost-Share: 66%
Maximum Funding: $10,000 per trainee per fiscal year
($15,000 at 100% funding per trainee for an unemployed Albertan)
More info:
https://www.alberta.ca/canada-alberta-job-grant.aspx
Small Community Opportunity Program
Skills training grants for Indigenous and small communities, as well as non-profit groups to build capacity in the agriculture industry and small business sectors
Cost Share: 90%
Maximum Funding: $20,000-$100,000 per project
More info: www.alberta.ca/small-community-opportunity-program
Saskatchewan
Future Farmer Program
Cost-Share: Unknown
Maximum Funding: Covers mentee travel, training, expenses and related costs associated with the mentorship program.
More info: https://agribition.com/get-involved/next-gen-program/
Canada-Saskatchewan Job Grant
Cost-Share: 66%
Maximum Funding: $10,000 per trainee per fiscal year, maximum of up to $100,000 per employer
More info:
https://www.saskatchewan.ca/business/hire-train-and-manage-employees/apply-for-the-canada-saskatchewan-job-grant
Manitoba
No programming
Canada-Manitoba Job Grant
Cost-Share: up to 75% for employers with <100 employees, up to 50% for employees with >100 employees
Maximum Funding: $10,000 per training participant, maximum of up to $100,00 per employer
More info: https://www.gov.mb.ca/jec/busdev/financial/cmjg/index.html
Ontario
No programming
Canada-Ontario Job Grant
Cost-Share: up to 84% for employers with <100 employees, up to 50% for employers with >100 employees,
Maximum Funding: $10,000 per trainee
http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/eopg/cojg/
Quebec
Programme services-conseils 2023-2028
(les réseaux Agriconseils)
Cost-Share: 50% – 75%
Maximum Funding: $20,000 over the life of the program
Hiring a consultant to assist with:
- Financial analysis and management
- Marketing
- Data organization
- Human resource management
- Local marketing
- Farm Transfer and start-up plans
More info: https://agriconseils.qc.ca/
Information not available
New Brunswick
Business Planning, Skills Development
and Agriculture Education
Skills Development
Cost-Share: 70%
Maximum Funding: $3,000/project ($6,000 per year)
Business Planning
Cost-Share: 60% towards professional services
Maximum Funding: $10,000 per applicant per year
Associations and organizations are also eligible for assistance to champion training activities for their members.
Canada-New Brunswick Job Grant
Cost-Share: Unknown (The contribution amount is based on the Department level of funding)
Maximum Funding: $20,000 per employer per fiscal year
More info:
https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/services/services_renderer.201466.Labour_Force_Training.html
Nova Scotia
Planning New Opportunities Program
Business Advisory Services Support
Cost-Share: 75%
Maximum Funding: $15,000 per program year. Farms with income <$30,000 are eligible for 75% to a maximum of $2,000 per program year.
More info: https://novascotia.ca/programs/planning-new-opportunities/
Agriculture Skills Student Bursary Program
Maximum Funding:
– $500 in year 1 for students who work 250 hours and $750 in year 2 and 3 for students who work 250 hours each additional year
– $1,000 in year 1 for students who work 500 hours and $1,500 in year 2 and 3 for students who work 500 hours each additional year
More info: https://novascotia.ca/programs/agriculture-skills-student-bursary/
Workplace Education Initiative
Maximum Funding: Provides 40 hours of training over approximately 10 weeks, customized to individual and organizational needs
Training on: Business Skills, Computerized Accounting, Financial Management, Google Workspace & Microsoft 365, Microsoft Office, Leadership & Communications, Sales & Marketing, Customer Service, Human Resources & Performance Management, Presentation Skills, Project Management, Social Media & Web Development
More info: https://novascotia.ca/lae/workplace-education/
Canada-Nova Scotia Job Grant
Cost-Share: 100% for year 1, 50% thereafter
Maximum Funding: $10,000 per fiscal year
More info:
https://novascotia.ca/programs/workplace-innovation-productivity-skills-incentive/
Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive
Businesses with 50 or fewer employees:
Minimum $5,000 in direct training costs, up to $100,000/fiscal. First $10,000 can be funded up to 100%/fiscal. Eligible costs over $10,000 can be funded up to 50%.
Businesses with 50 or more employees:
Minimum $10,000 in direct training costs, up to $100,000/fiscal. Funds up to 50% of eligible direct training costs.
Organizations, business associations and private sector unions: Minimum $10,000 in direct training costs. Funding may be available for administration costs as determined on a case-by-case basis.
More info: https://novascotia.ca/programs/workplace-innovation-productivity-skills-incentive/
START Program
Maximum: $25,000 per hire
Wage incentive and some of training and equipment costs for hiring unemployed Nova Scotians
More info: https://novascotia.ca/programs/start/
Prince Edward Island
Business Development Program
Agri-Skills
Cost-Share: 50%
Maximum Funding: $2,000/participant/fiscal year, $10,000 per farm entity for Agri-Skills training over the life of the Sustainable CAP Framework Agreement (2023-2028)
Young Farmers
Cost-Share: 75%
Maximum Funding: $3,000/farm operation, up to $3,000 per recipient for skill development and training expenses over the life of the Sustainable CAP Framework Agreement (2023-2028)
Groups
Cost-Share: 90%
Maximum Funding: $20,000 / project, $60,000 for Group Training activities over the life of the Sustainable CAP Framework Agreement (2023-2028)
All Farmers: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/agriculture-and-land/business-development-program-agriculture
Young Farmers: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/agriculture-and-land/future-farmer-program
Business Planning
Eligible items: Individual business planning, such as: Financial Assessments; Financial Action Plans; Risk Management Plans; Business Plans (for new entrants who are part of a bonafide farm operation); Feasibility Assessments; Cost-of-Production Analysis; Succession Plans; Organizational Strategic Plans; and Human Resource Plans, Online business self-assessment and goal setting; and Professional fees.
Cost-Share: 50%
Maximum Funding: $2,500-$10,000/project
More info: Business Development Program Guidelines
Skills PEI
Cost-Share: 50%
Maximum Funding: $5000/employee or up to $25,000 per application
More info: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/service/workplace-skills-training
Employ PEI
Cost-Share: 50% wage subsidy for 20 weeks while training new employee
Maximum Funding: $10,000
More info: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/service/employ-pei-for-employers
Newfoundland and Labrador
Agriculture Business Program
Cost-Share: Various
Maximum Funding: Various
More info: https://www.gov.nl.ca/ffa/sustainablecap/
Industry Development and Knowledge Transfer
Cost-Share: Up to 75%
Maximum Funding: up to $12,000/producer
More info: Sustainable CAP Program Guide
Canada-Newfoundland Labrador Job Grant
Cost-Share: 66%
Maximum Funding: $10,000 per year
($15,000 to train an unemployed person)
More info:
https://www.gov.nl.ca/ipgs/files/foremployers-canada-nl-job-grant-fact-sheet.pdf
Yukon
Agriculture Training Program
Cost-Share: 60%
Maximum Funding: $15,000 over the lifetime of the program (2023-2028)
More info: https://yukon.ca/en/doing-business/support-agriculture/apply-agriculture-funding#eligible-activities
Business Planning
Eligible costs: Hiring consultant services and purchasing business software
Cost-Share: up to 90% of eligible costs for the first $5,000; up to 60% of eligible costs for expenses beyond $5,000
Maximum funding: $20,000 over the lifetime of the program
More info: https://Yukon.ca/sustainablecap
Building Up Program
Cost-Share: Unknown
Maximum Funding: Unknown
Target audience: Organizational funding to carry out activities that strengthen labour market skills
More info: https://yukon.ca/en/building-up
Staffing Up Program
Cost-Share: wage subsidy or training costs 60% for an employee not paid while in training; 70% for an employee paid while in training; 80% for training a potential employee who is unemployed; or 90% for training a potential employee who is unemployed and/or a member of an under-represented group
Maximum Funding: Not Available
More info: https://yukon.ca/en/staffing-up
Internship Grants
Maximum Funding: $7,500 of eligible costs per year and up to a maximum of $22,500 over the lifetime of the program (2023-2028)
More Info: https://Yukon.ca/sustainablecap
Canada-Newfoundland Labrador Job Grant
Cost-Share: 66%
Maximum Funding: $10,000 per year
($15,000 to train an unemployed person)
More info:
https://www.gov.nl.ca/ipgs/files/foremployers-canada-nl-job-grant-fact-sheet.pdf
Northwest Territories
Canadian Agricultural Partnership
Business planning (consultant services) and business software
Cost-Share: 75-90%
Maximum Funding: Up to $5,000 ($100 applicant contribution for every $1,000 in funding), Above $5,000 up to 75% of costs, $20,000 program lifetime maximum
More info: https://www.iti.gov.nt.ca/en/services/agri-food-funding
Canada-Northwest Territories Job Grant
Cost Share: 66%
Maximum Funding: $10,000 per employee
More info: https://www.ece.gov.nt.ca/sites/ece/files/resources/canada-northwest_territories_job_grant_brochure.pdf
Internship/Mentorship Grants
Maximum Funding: Up to 75% of intern wages to maximum of $7,500 per year and $22,500 program lifetime maximum
More info: https://www.iti.gov.nt.ca/en/services/agri-food-funding