GrainTALK for December 2025/January 2026

Your Grain Farmers of Ontario Team

Here is the next installment of profiles of Grain Farmers of Ontario staff to help introduce you to the team.

Sarah Lindsay is the 2024-25 Grain Farmers of Ontario communications intern. In her role, she toured across Ontario with the Good in Every Grain Grain Discovery Zone to visit numerous fairs and events in every part of the province. (Read more about the Grain Discovery Zone on page 30).

With a background in knowledge transfer and events coordination in agriculture, Lindsay enjoyed the opportunity to apply her experience at a grassroots level. Engaging in one-on-one conversations opened her eyes to how people absorb and respond to messaging in today’s world of information overload. It has given her the opportunity to explore a wide range of perspectives while explaining the fundamentals of grain farming, which she says has been both challenging and rewarding.

As she continues in this role, Sarah’s excited to apply what she’s learned to help bridge the gap between consumers and producers, highlighting the essential work of Ontario grain farmers. •

Provincial reception

On October 22, Grain Farmers of Ontario directors and staff hosted the annual provincial reception at Queen’s Park, bringing together elected officials and stakeholders to highlight the vital role of Ontario’s grain sector. Directors met with Premier Doug Ford before the event, then welcomed ministers, MPPs, and staff for an evening focused on building relationships and sharing insights into the province’s grain industry. •

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.

Grain Farmers of Ontario covers the complete cost of the program, including meals, bus transportation to tours, and hotels; however, participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the program. The program will begin and end at Sheraton Hamilton in Hamilton, Ontario. •

Mexico trade mission

In early October, Grain Farmers of Ontario chair, Jeff Harrison, and CEO Crosby Devitt took part in a trade mission in Mexico, meeting with key Ontario grain export customers alongside Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Minister Trevor Jones and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Minister Heath MacDonald.

Following customer meetings in Mexico City, they attended the Tri-National Agricultural Accord, a summit which brings together state and provincial agricultural officials from Canada, Mexico, and the United States to work together on agricultural trade and development issues. •

Market commentary

By Philip Shaw

The government shutdown in the United States has led to a vacuum of information with regard to crop numbers feeding the price discovery algorithms in Chicago. Needless to say, basis values as well as spreads do tell a story and we had a solid bull market in soybeans and to some extent in corn in late October into early November. Soybeans actually gained over a dollar a bushel during this time. Corn prices were not as dramatic gaining rationally 13 to 15 cents a bushel on futures during this time.

This futures price movement has been enhanced by Canadian dollar trading at 0.7048 cents on November 6 which serves as a stimulus to Ontario grain cash prices. •

2026 Annual District Meetings

The date and time of your district meeting has been confirmed and is listed below. Please go to www.gfo.ca 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. •