GrainTALK for October 2024

2023-2024 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Grain Farmers of Ontario held its Annual General Meeting on September 10 at the Craigowan Golf Club in Woodstock. The financial statements for the 2023-2024 fiscal year (June–May) was presented by the auditors, RLB LLP, at the meeting. The financial statements are included immediately following this newsletter for the easy reference of all farmer-members. The financial statements can also be found in the 2024 Annual Report, available online at www.gfo.ca/about. •

YOUR GRAIN FARMERS OF ONTARIO TEAM

Ibrahim Mohammed
Sustainability and Environment Specialist, Grain Farmers of Ontario

Ibrahim Mohammed joined Grain Farmers of Ontario in June 2024 as the sustainability and environment Specialist. He holds a PhD in environmental science from the University of Guelph and has strong expertise in soil science, soil organic matter chemistry, decarbonizing food systems, and sustainability assessment in agroecosystems. His doctoral research, partially funded by Grain Farmers of Ontario, focused on assessing the impact of organic amendments on soil health and grain production, identifying cost- effective strategies to help farmers reduce environmental impacts while enhancing soil functionality.

In his role at Grain Farmers of Ontario, Mohammed ensures the successful development, execution, and implementation of Grain Farmers of Ontario’s Sustainability Road Map and leads the related initiatives to ensure alignment with Grain Farmers of Ontario’s strategic objectives.

Mohammed has also worked as a topic specialist at the Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph, where he contributed to advancing sustainable agricultural solutions in Canada. During his time there, he proposed a framework for a coordinated soil monitoring network aimed at decarbonizing Canada’s agricultural systems. His recent work as a research assistant and postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Evan Fraser’s Lab at the University of Guelph included leading the development of the Adaptive Management Framework, designed to monitor and transition agroecosystems towards greater sustainability.

With his deep knowledge of soil systems and sustainability practices, Mohammed is dedicated to ensuring that on-farm sustainability regulations are both scientifically informed and reflect what is realistically attainable for farmers in Ontario, aligning with their real-world challenges. Outside of work, he enjoys cycling and hiking and is an avid fan of epic fantasy novels. He also holds a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and has been actively involved in mentoring and outreach related to sustainability and agriculture. •

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Grain Farmers of Ontario launched its farmer- member survey in September. We want to know what you think about the work we do on your behalf. The survey and a postage-paid return envelope were distributed with the September issue of the Ontario Grain Farmer, or you can complete your survey online by visiting www.gfo.ca/survey.

Everyone who completes the survey is entered for a chance to win a BBQ prize pack valued at $500. Farmer-members who fill out the survey online will be entered into a monthly draw for a $50 gift card of their choice.

The online survey requires an access code to complete. Find the code on your printed copy of the survey, or email Rachel Telford, manager of member relations, rtelford@gfo. ca. Online submissions are preferred. •

WOMEN’S GRAIN SYMPOSIUM

Grain Farmers of Ontario’s Women’s Grain Symposium will be held November 25 – 26 at the Delta Guelph.

The Women’s Grain Symposium is open to women who are grain farmers, active members of their family grain operation, or working within the grain sector of agriculture business with a direct connection to farmers. This year’s conference features speakers on the grain markets, mental health, and the impact of technology, as well as discussions with ag business leaders.

A $125 registration fee includes one night of hotel accommodation at the Delta. Registration is limited; a wait list will be created once registration is full.

Learn more or register at www.gfo.ca/about/ womens-symposium/ or by contacting Rachel Telford, manager of member relations, at rtelford@gfo.ca. •

GRAINS IN ACTION 2025

Grains in Action 2025 is heading east! Grain Farmers of Ontario has created a new tour for its popular young farmer program that showcases the grain value chain. Tour stops in 2025 include Port of Johnstown, Ingredion, the Canadian Senate, Ottawa Valley Grains, Sevita, Kawartha Ethanol, and Maizeing Acres, amongst others.

Registration is open and is limited to 30 participants. A waitlist will be implemented once capacity is reached.

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 of the organization. Young farmers or college/ university students aged 19-35 are eligible to participate. •

ANNUAL DISTRICT MEETINGS

Grain Farmers of Ontario is beginning to plan for the 2025 January District Grain Committee Meetings. Be sure to check our website, 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. •

COME SEE US AT FALL EVENTS

Grain Farmers of Ontario’s communications intern, Maggie Pollard, has been traveling across the province this summer, visiting fairs and festivals with the Grain Discovery Zone trailer.

The 2024 season wraps up at the Markham Fair October 3-6 and the Norfolk County Fair October 9-14.

The Grains on the Go trailer will be at the International Plowing Match in Lindsay from October 1-5 and at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair November 1-10. •

MARKET COMMENTARY

by Philip Shaw

On September 12, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) raised U.S. domestic corn production to 15.186 billion bushels based on a record yield projection of

183.6 bushels per acre. Harvested acreage is expected to be 82.65 million acres. U.S. domestic soybean production was unchanged from August, with a yield projected to be 53.2 bushels per acre, putting production at 4.586 billion bushels. This is based on soybean harvested acreage of 86.259 million acres. The USDA report confirmed what we’ve known for a long time: huge crops in the States.

As of mid-September in Ontario, soybean harvest began in some early soybean fields in the deep southwest of the province. However, it was still early, and many fields were still green, looking for dry, warm weather to reach maturity. Dry weather and warm temperatures were helpful mid-month.

The Canadian dollar continues to flutter at the 73-cent U.S. level. •