GrainTALK newsletter – GrainTALK for September 2026
An update on Grain Farmers of Ontario news and events
Your Grain Farmers of Ontario Team
Here is our next installment of profiles of your Grain Farmers of Ontario staff to help introduce you to the team.
Rachel Reeve
Administrative Assistant
Rachel Reeve joined Grain Farmers of Ontario in December 2025 as an Administrative Assistant, bringing a strong commitment to organization, collaboration, and member-focused support.
In her role, Rachel supports departments across the organization by coordinating meetings, assisting with events and scheduling, tracking key information, and helping ensure day-to-day operations run smoothly. Known for her attention to detail and positive attitude, Rachel enjoys working behind the scenes to create seamless experiences for the Board of Directors, colleagues, committees, and farmer members. She thrives in a fast-paced environment and appreciates the opportunity to contribute to a variety of projects while continuously learning and growing professionally.
What Rachel enjoys most about her work is supporting others, building relationships, and helping ensure details come together smoothly. She values being trusted with responsibility and takes pride in providing reliable support wherever it’s needed.
Outside of work, Rachel enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring Ontario communities, baking, and staying involved in new experiences that encourage personal and professional growth. •
Applications open for 2027 Grains Innovation Fund
Grain Farmers of Ontario is now accepting applications for the 2027 Grains Innovation Fund, which supports projects that create new market opportunities and increase demand for Ontario-grown grains and grain products.
The Grains Innovation Fund provides grants of up to $75,000 per project, covering up to 60 per cent of eligible project costs. Through the fund, a total of $250,000 will be invested in projects in 2027.
Ontario-grown barley, corn, oats, soybeans, and wheat are used to produce a wide range of food and beverage, feed, and bioproduct ingredients, including flour, starches, sweeteners, oils, proteins, pet kibble, and beverage alcohol. Companies that rely on these ingredients may be eligible for funding if their projects create new demand for Ontario-grown grains or grain products.
The Grains Innovation Fund is seeking projects that will use a minimum of 40 metric tonnes annually of Ontario barley, corn, oats, soybeans, wheat, or associated crop residues and meet at least one of the following criteria: open new markets for Ontario grains or grain residues; expand the use and demand for Ontario grains or grain residues; promote Ontario grains or grain residues as the best choice; support the development of novel, value-added products derived from Ontario grains or residues; and/or increase the value, or premiums, of Ontario grains or grain residues.
Interested companies are encouraged to contact Grain Farmers of Ontario at marketdev@gfo.ca to discuss whether the project fits the program criteria.
Application deadline: November 6, 2026, at 4 p.m. EST
For more information on the program and application details, please visit gfo.ca/grains-innovation-fund. •
Market Commentary
by Philip Shaw
It is a critical time of year in grain markets. In the July USDA report, U.S. corn production is estimated at 16 billion bushels, up from 15.995 billion bushels in June. This was based on a yield that remained at 183 bu./ac., with planted acreage at 95.3 million acres.
The USDA is predicting the largest soybean crop in U.S. history. The estimate is 4.475 billion bushels, with a trendline yield estimate of 53 bu./ac. planted on 85.4 million acres. Will this crop get bigger or smaller as we move ahead?
As of July 25, the Canadian dollar is fluttering around 71 cents U.S., which continues to add stimulus to Ontario cash grain prices. Ontario basis levels have been steady. •
Grain Farmers of Ontario hosts millers from Latin America
On July 10, Grain Farmers of Ontario hosted nine wheat milling customers from six Latin American countries for an inbound trade mission in partnership with Cereals Canada.
The delegation learned about Ontario wheat quality, reliability, sustainability, and export capacity through technical presentations, a visit to the Port of Hamilton, a tour of District 6 (Haldimand, Brant, Hamilton, Niagara) Director Jeff Barlow’s farm, and a networking reception with more than 20 Ontario wheat sector and export development partners. •
