Government of Yukon
News archives
FOR RELEASE #08-279
November 10, 2008
Ralph and Norma Mease Chosen as Yukon’s 2008 Farmers of the Year
WHITEHORSE – The 2008 Farmer of the Year Award has been presented to Ralph and Norma Mease by Energy, Mines and Resources Minister Brad Cathers.
"Ralph and Norma are worthy recipients of this honour," Cathers said, presenting the award at the annual North of 60 banquet. "They were chosen for their contributions to the Stewart Valley region as well as their dedication to developing the agriculture industry across Yukon."
Ralph and Norma have been farming north of Mayo for close to 40 years. Belonging to the Yukon Agricultural Association since the 1970s, they are two of the association’s earliest members. Ralph also represents the Stewart Valley Region on the Yukon Agriculture Industry Advisory Committee.
The Mease's farm was one of four Yukon farm operations nominated for this year’s Farmer of the Year award. They supply 400 to 700 chickens to the central Yukon each year, as well as fresh vegetables and hay.
The Agriculture Banquet and Yukon Farmer of the Year Award followed two days of seminars focused on improving farm energy efficiency in light of rising energy costs. Seminar topics included feed crop research, irrigation, fertilizing techniques and horse dentistry.
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Contact:
| Matthew Grant Cabinet Communications 867-633-7961 matthew.grant@gov.yk.ca | Rod Jacobs Communications, Energy, Mines & Resources 867-667-8786 rod.jacobs@gov.yk.ca |
Energy, Mines and Resources Minister Brad Cathers, right, with Yukon’s Farm Family of the Year for 2008, Ralph and Norma Mease. The Meases have been farming north of Mayo for more than 30 years.