GrainTALK for November 2025

International Plowing Match

Grain Farmers of Ontario hosted a VIP luncheon at the 2025 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM) in Niagara, bringing together Premier Doug Ford, Minister of Agriculture, Food & Agribusiness Trevor Jones, Senator Rob Black, provincial MPPs, and the wider agricultural community to celebrate the contributions of Ontario’s grain farmers and the provincial government’s support through smart policy and the Risk Management Program; with the strong efforts of Grain Farmers of Ontario staff team, the event successfully highlighted that when grain farmers grow, Ontario grows—and when Ontario grows, Canada grows. •

2026 March Classic

Save the date! The 2026 March Classic, Breaking New Ground: Embracing Change, will be held Tuesday, March 24, at the Niagara Falls Convention Centre.

The new venue provides an opportunity to grow the March Classic while offering the same world-class speakers, hospitality, and entertainment that you’ve grown to expect from Ontario’s premier agricultural event.

Visit www.gfo.ca/marchclassic for more information. •

Grains in Action

The annual Grains in Action program will be held February 9-12, 2026.

Grains in Action is a four-day program for young farmers to gain knowledge about the end uses of the grains they grow. Participants also learn about the role of Grain

Farmers of Ontario within the grain industry and how they can become active members within the organization. It is an opportunity for new experiences, building relationships, and professional growth.

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. Additional stops are still being confirmed.

Register at www.gfo.ca/about/grains-in-action. •

Market commentary

By Philip Shaw

In some ways, we are in the nether zone with market numbers, as the United States government has been shut down for the better part of October. The October WASDE report was not tabled, and many market observers are wondering how much the numbers have changed in September. Futures for both corn and soybeans have slumped slightly since September, but basis values have increased in many locations across the United States, reflecting what could be lower crop numbers to come in November. As of October 14, China has still not bought one American soybean.

In Ontario, we have had fantastic weather for the first two weeks of October, and it continues. The big yield robber this year in Ontario was drought, and many areas are reporting lower yields. Early premiums for corn remain as of early October, but this will surely change as harvest ramps up in corn. The Canadian dollar continues to flutter at the 71-cent U.S. level, which serves as a stimulus for Ontario cash grain prices. •

2026 Annual District Meetings

The date and time of your district meeting have been confirmed and are listed below. Please go to www.gfo.ca/district-meetings for additional meeting details as they become available. Information is subject to change. These meetings serve as annual elections for district representation. Please consider putting your name forward to serve as delegate or alternate. •