GrainTALK newsletter – GrainTALK for October 2026
An update on Grain Farmers of Ontario news and events
Registration open for Women’s Grain Symposium
Grain Farmers of Ontario’s Women’s Grain Symposium is an opportunity for networking, professional development, and leadership development.
The Women’s Grain Symposium is open to women who are grain farmers, active members of their family grain operation, or work within the grain sector of agriculture business with a direct connection to farmers.
The event takes place December 8 and 9 at the Crowne Plaza Kitchener. The cost is $150, and hotel accommodation is included for grain farmers.
Professional childcare services (provided by All About Kids) are being offered free of charge during the event, thanks to support from Agriculture Wellness Ontario.
To register, visit https://gfo.ca/womens-grain-symposium •
Grain Farmers of Ontario Connects with Municipal Leaders at AMO 2026
Grain Farmers of Ontario attended the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) 2026 Annual Conference in Ottawa, held August 16–19. The conference brought together municipal leaders from across the province to discuss key issues facing Ontario communities.
GFO’s participation provided an opportunity to connect with municipal representatives, build relationships, and highlight the important role Ontario’s grain farmers play in supporting rural communities and the provincial economy. •
Showcasing Ontario soybean production to Japan
In August, Grain Farmers of Ontario arranged a soybean farm tour for the Deputy Head of Mission and First Secretary (Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries) from the embassy of Japan in Canada.
The delegation was welcomed onto District 14 member Bruce Hudson’s family farm, Panmure Farms, in Kinburn. The visit provided an opportunity to showcase the role Ontario farmers play in supplying high-quality soybeans for export to Japan, and support further strengthening of our trade relationship. •
Attention cereal rye growers
Do you grow and harvest cereal rye in Ontario?
Register to stay informed and help shape the future of cereal rye opportunities. Your registration will ensure you receive updates and have the opportunity to provide input as Grain Farmers of Ontario explores expanding its mandate to include cereal rye. Register here: www.gfo.ca/cereal-rye-growers •
Lambton County votes down rezoning proposal near Cargill Sarnia terminal
Last month, Grain Farmers of Ontario Vice-Chair Julie Maw presented to Lambton County Council a compelling case for the value and importance of the Cargill Sarnia Grain Terminal to grain farmers in the region and across Ontario, and the need to protect this facility for generations to come.
Following her presentation and others, Lambton County Council voted against the proposed rezoning of land near the terminal, which would have allowed for the construction of a 14-storey residential building within 100 metres of the terminal.
This is one of three properties around the Cargill terminal that are currently being considered for development.
Grain Farmers of Ontario is hopeful this vote by Lambton County Council will strengthen Cargill’s case for a Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO) that would protect the terminal from further incompatible development around the facility. •
Grain Farmers of Ontario welcomes Alco Energy
Grain Farmers of Ontario hosted Alco Energy to discuss Ontario corn production, sustainability, and emerging market opportunities, including potential demand from European processors seeking alternative corn supplies.
Alco highlighted Grain Farmers of Ontario as a strong partner in connecting Ontario farmers with evolving market opportunities and providing key insight on farming production practices for domestic and international customers.
Ben Rosser, corn specialist with OMAFA, also joined the discussion to provide insight into the 2026 growing year. •
Sam Oosterhoff appointed new Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness
In a cabinet shuffle last month, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has appointed Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West, as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness.
Oosterhoff replaces Trevor Jones, who has been appointed Ontario’s new Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
Grain Farmers of Ontario thanks Minister Jones for his service and looks forward to working with Minister Oosterhoff to advance the issues and priorities that matter to Ontario’s grain farmers. •
