Your voice, heard

FARMER-MEMBERS ARE THE FOUNDATION OF GRAIN FARMERS OF ONTARIO – 28,000 of you are doing your part to grow safe, healthy, and sustainable grains and oilseeds that drive our $27 billion industry. That’s why it is so important for me – and the Board of Directors and delegates – to hear from you. What are your concerns? What issues are impacting you and your farm business? How can Grain Farmers of Ontario programs and services support you?

Over the past month, I have had some great opportunities to connect with farmer-members and share all the great work the Board and staff have been doing on your behalf. The annual general meeting in Woodstock on September 10 was one of those opportunities – a full house of Board members, delegates, and farmer-members gathered to hear annual updates from the association, learn more about the work we are doing, and bring forward resolutions on the issues they would like Grain Farmers of Ontario to address.

This is an important part of Grain Farmers of Ontario’s governance structure, giving farmer-members a voice in the direction of the work of the association – the Board and staff work for you. You can read more about the association’s work over the past year in our annual report at www. gfo.ca/about.

Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, held the same week, was another opportunity for staff and Board to connect with farmer- members – our booth was a busy spot, with hundreds of visitors stopping by for a cup of coffee and to talk to Board members and staff. Great weather and lots of opportunities to ‘kick some tires’ and learn more about new technology, products, and services made for another great show.

Next up – we’re looking forward to welcoming you to the International Plowing Match (IPM) in Lindsay, Ontario, October 1-5. Grain Farmers of Ontario’s Grains on the Go trailer will be exhibiting in the IPM’s education program, and we will be hosting our annual VIP reception for MPPs following the parade on opening day.

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Women’s Grain Symposium, and the annual delegate policy day are just a few more of the events on the fall agenda where we will connect with farmer-members. And while we are all busy in the fields during this busy harvest time, the winter meeting season is not far off – please plan to attend your District’s annual meeting in January.

And don’t forget – you have the opportunity to share your feedback with Grain Farmers of Ontario through our Member Survey. A paper copy of the survey was distributed in last month’s Ontario Grain Farmer magazine, or you can complete the survey online by visiting www.gfo.ca/survey. The survey is an invaluable source of information for the Board and staff as we plan for the future, giving us direction from you – the farmer- member – on what is important and how we can best serve our membership.

One of the things I’ve heard consistently from farmer-members this year is that it’s been a tough growing season – late planting, ongoing variable weather, disease threats, and low commodity prices are among the concerns. As the harvest season continues through the fall months, I want to remind you that there are programs and resources for anyone who needs support, and Grain Farmers of Ontario continues to champion farmer mental wellness as a key pillar in farm sustainability. If you or someone in your family or your farm team needs support, a list of resources and tools can be found at www.gfo.ca/farmerwellness. •