GrainTALK for October 2025

MPPs learn about drought impact

On August 20, MPPs Ric Bresee and Tyler Allsop, along with Minister Trevor Jones from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, toured the farm of Grain Farmers of Ontario’s chair, Jeff Harrison, in Quinte Region. Joined by Grain Farmers of Ontario CEO Crosby Devitt, Harrison highlighted the impact of drought on the grain industry and emphasized the importance of government risk management programs. •

2024-2025 financial statements

Grain Farmers of Ontario held its Annual General Meeting on September 9 at the Craigowan Golf Club in Woodstock. The financial statements for the 2024-2025 fiscal year (June–May) were presented by the auditors, RLB LLP, at the meeting.

The financial statements are included in this issue of the Ontario Grain Farmer on pages 32-37 for the easy reference of all farmer-members.

The financial statements can also be found in the 2025 Annual Report, available online at www.gfo.ca/about. •

Women’s Grain Symposium

Registration is now open for the 2025 Women’s Grain Symposium, December 9-10, 2025, at the Delta Guelph Hotel and Conference Centre.

Grain Farmers of Ontario’s Women’s Grain Symposium is an opportunity for networking, professional development, and leadership development. It is open to women who are grain farmers, active members of their family grain operation, or working within the grain sector or agriculture business with a direct connection to farmers.

The cost to attend the symposium is $150, which includes one night hotel accommodation at the Delta. Space is limited.

New this year—Professional childcare services (provided by All About Kids) are being offered free of charge during the event. Please indicate whether you will use this service during online registration. Thank you to Agriculture Wellness Ontario for their support of this initiative.

For more information or to register, visit www.gfo.ca/about/womens-symposium/. •

Inbound Trade Missions

In July, Grain Farmers of Ontario hosted a delegation of African millers from Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique, and Uganda to showcase the quality of Ontario-grown Canadian Eastern Soft Red Winter (CESRW) wheat. The visit was part of a week-long Technical Exchange program organized by Cereals Canada.

In September, Japanese customers who are highly invested in the quality and consistency of Canadian soybeans visited Canada. Members of the Japan Tofu Association were hosted by Soy Canada and Grain Farmers of Ontario to see firsthand how Canadian soybean varieties are developed, how soybeans are grown, and how the Canadian export and processing system works. The incoming delegation included representatives from Japan’s top tofu makers, food manufacturers, and importers. •

Grains in Action

Grain Farmers of Ontario’s popular young farmer program for those aged 19-35 will be held February 9-12, 2026.

Grains in Action is a tour-based program, with stops that highlight the different aspects of the grain value chain. Tour stops in 2026 include the Port of Hamilton, Solio, G3, LAC, the St. Lawrence Seaway, Ingredion, JP Wisers, ADM, and Pride Seeds.

Grain Farmers of Ontario covers the complete cost of the program, including meals, bus transportation to tours, and hotels. A $100 refundable deposit, returned after completion of the program, will hold your space.

Young farmers who are enrolled in college/university with the intent of working on the farm after graduation; or those who have been actively farming for a couple of years and are looking to learn more about the grain industry and Grain Farmers of Ontario. For more information or to register, visit www.gfo.ca/about/grains-in-action/. •

Good in Every Event

Good in Every Grain has been participating in summer events across the province! The popular Grain Discovery Zone participated in more than 15 fairs and consumer-facing events, with the Markham Fair (October 2-5) and the Norfolk County Fair (October 8-13) still to come. Drop by to say hello to Grain Farmers of Ontario’s communications intern, Sarah.

Good in Every Grain also exhibited at the Canadian National Exhibition and the International Plowing Match, where staff and farmer-members engaged in thoughtful discussions with consumers about grains and grain farming. Next up, the Grains on the Go trailer will be on display at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, November 7-16. •

Annual District Meetings

Grain Farmers of Ontario is beginning to plan for the 2026 January District Grain Committee Meetings. Be sure to check www.gfo.ca for updates on the date and location of your district’s meeting. Details will also be published in the GrainTALK Newsletter in upcoming issues of the Ontario Grain Farmer magazine as they are finalized.

The Annual District Meetings are called to elect voting delegates and directors for the coming year. Updates on the organization and grain industry issues are also provided at these meetings. All barley, corn, oat, soybean, and wheat farmers are welcome and encouraged to attend. •

Market Commentary

By Philip Shaw

In the September 12th WASDE report, the United States Department of Agriculture increased corn production by 72 million bushels, pushing the projected record total up to 16.814 billion bushels. This happened despite a 2.1 bushel per acre cut in the 2025 yield, down to 186.7 bushels per acre. The U.S. planted corn acreage was increased by 1.4 million acres to 98.7 million. Anticipated corn demand is at a record high of 16.06 billion bushels. U.S. domestic soybean yield was actually cut to 53.5 bushels per acre with planted acreage at 81.1 million acres and harvested acreage to be 80.3 million acres. This brings the total soybean production to 4.301 billion bushels.

In Ontario, soybean harvest has started in drought-induced fields across the province. As of mid-September, a large premium for early corn is apparent, as old crop is gone. The Canadian dollar, fluttering at the 72-cent U.S. level, is helping sustain cash grain prices. •

Port infrastructure video

The role of port infrastructure in supporting Ontario’s agricultural growth and global trade is more critical than ever. A video published by Grain Farmers of Ontario in September highlights how modernizing ports and seaway systems enhances market access, drives job creation, and ensures food security.

Strong ports lead to stronger farms, and when farms grow, Canada grows. This video explains why investing in port infrastructure is essential for a prosperous future for Ontario’s grain farmers and the broader economy. Watch the video on the Grain Farmersof Ontario YouTube channel, @grainfarmersontario. •