From the CEO’s desk – October 2025

With a 15-year track record of delivering results for Ontario’s 28,000 grain farmers—through government relations, market development, research, member outreach, agronomy extension, and building public trust—it’s important to take a moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made together. You can read highlights from the past year in our 2025 annual report, available in full at www.gfo.ca/about.

At the meeting, we debuted a new video highlighting the importance of port infrastructure (watch it on the Grain Farmers of Ontario YouTube channel, @grainfarmersontario), debated resolutions, and reviewed our financial statements from the last fiscal year (see page 32). Grain Farmers of Ontario chair, Jeff Harrison, along with Paul Hoekstra, vice president of strategic development, and I provided updates on key issues, and we shared greetings from the provincial and federal agriculture ministers who were unable to attend in person. The day concluded with a visit to Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, a highlight of the fall farm show season. The following week, Grain Farmers of Ontario hosted a lunch for provincial MPPs at the International Plowing Match. Directors and staff shared your priorities with MPPs from all parties. Congratulations to the Ontario Plowmen’s Association and the hundreds of volunteers that put on this incredible event.

While we had much to celebrate, we recognize that this crop season has brought significant challenges for many of our members. Difficult spring planting conditions, variable weather during critical growing stages, and drought in some areas mean that the 2025 crop is expected to be smaller than last year’s. In August, Trevor Jones, the provincial agriculture minister, and local MPPs visited Jeff Harrison’s farm in Quinte West to learn more about the impact of drought conditions across the province.

While the full impact won’t be known until harvest is complete, we understand the stress and uncertainty this brings to farmers and their families. Grain Farmers of Ontario is committed to supporting you through these challenges. We continue to advocate for increased business risk management support and provide timely agronomic guidance through webinars, member alerts, and weekly e-news updates. Please contact your district director or member relations staff if you have concerns or want more information.

Farming is inherently demanding, and we know that low commodity prices, lower yields, and unpredictable weather can take a heavy toll—not just on operations, but on your mental well-being. Your mental health matters. Please reach out to family, friends, or professional services if you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or struggling to cope. Resources and support are available at www.gfo.ca/farmerwellness.

Together, we will navigate these challenges, just as we have celebrated our successes. •