Winners of The Great Manitoba Clean Farms Challenge announced

WINNIPEG, July 14, 2014 /CNW/ - CleanFARMS is pleased to announce the winners of The Great Manitoba Clean Farms Challenge. The challenge was designed to encourage Manitoba farm families and high school students to share stories about the environmental stewardship work they do on their farms and demonstrated the ongoing commitment Manitobans have to sustainable farming.

The grand prize winner is Turner Farms from Killarney, Manitoba. Doug and Betty Turner demonstrated a truly integrated approach to sustainability that covers habitat, recycling, and conservation and have made business decisions that incorporate good stewardship practices.

Austin Pizzey, a grade 11 student from Binscarth, received top marks with his entry that highlighted the good recycling practices that were started by his grandfather and that he and his family intend to continue for future generations. Austin was awarded the high school scholarship ($1,000) and was also named a finalist.

Bell Century Farms (Amy and Jamie Bell) from Birtle, who submitted a video showcasing the family's commitment to the environment and Black Creek Farms (Ellis Family) of Wawanesa, whose entry highlighted their use of technology in their approach to sustainability, rounded out the top three finalists.

"We're grateful to all the farm families who prepared entries. It is fascinating to see how innovative Manitoba farmers are, when it comes to recycling and conservation practices." said Barry Friesen, general manager of CleanFARMS Inc.

Entries were evaluated by an industry panel that included: Keystone Agricultural Producers (Alanna Gray and Val Ominski); Ag in the Classroom (Johanne Ross); Canadian Association of Agri-Retailers (Delaney Ross Burtnack); and Green Manitoba (Christina McDonald). As well, the Manitoba Co-operator provided extensive communications support, running The Great Manitoba Clean Farms Challenge ads to encourage participation.

Doug and Betty Turner were awarded with a Deluxe Hockey Weekend for four in Winnipeg during the 2014/15 NHL Regular Season. The three finalists each received the latest Apple iPad Air.

Winners felt honoured to be recognized for their good stewardship practices and had this to say:

"What a great challenge! Thank you again for the opportunity to accept it. It was fun to do and we are sure excited about winning," said Betty Turner, the grand prize winner.

"Thank you to everyone at CleanFARMS and the judges for selecting me as the winner of the scholarship and the iPad. I'm very excited to be receiving support for my education. I believe that together we can keep farmland healthy and strong forever," said Austin Pizzey from Binscarth.

The Great Manitoba Clean Farms Challenge was led by CleanFARMS, a not-for-profit industry stewardship organization led by the plant science industry.

About CleanFARMS Inc.

CleanFARMS Inc. is a not-for-profit industry stewardship organization led by the plant science industry that is committed to environmental responsibility through the proper management of agricultural waste. Our programs manage agricultural plastic and other inorganic waste from farms across Canada and have earned a reputation of excellence around the world. We work together with farmers, manufacturers, retailers, distributors, municipalities and provinces to create a safe, healthy and sustainable environment.

SOURCE: CleanFARMS Inc.

For further information:

For more information on The Great Manitoba Clean Farms Challenge please contact:

Russell Jeffrey
Tel: [phone]
www.cleanfarmschallenge.com
Twitter: @Clean_Farms_Win