22 FOR MORE THAN a decade, three names have been a constant on Grain Farmers of Ontario’s Board of Directors — Markus Haerle, Mark Huston, and Henry Van Ankum. 2022 marks the first year their names will be absent. During the formation of Grain Farmers of Ontario, a 12-year term limit for directors was put into place. Representatives from the founding organizations (Ontario Corn Producers’ Association, Ontario Soybean Growers, and the Ontario Wheat Producers’ Marketing Board) felt this would ensure fresh perspectives within the leadership at the Board table. It is a principle that Haerle, Huston, and Van Ankum are all in full support of. The three of them helped shape Grain Farmers of Ontario into the successful organization it is today, with a lasting legacy of supporting our farmer-members through the changing priorities and demands of industry, consumers, and government. Van Ankum (2012 – 2015) and Haerle (2018 – 2021) both served as chair for three years in addition to time on the Executive Committee, and Huston served as vice-chair for 10 years (2010 – 2020). Ontario Grain Farmer spoke with each of them just before their director terms officially ended when the new Board came into effect at the beginning of February. The conversations have been edited for length and clarity. MARKUS HAERLE, DISTRICT 14 (PRESCOTT, RUSSELL, STORMONT, DUNDAS, GLENGARRY) What motivated you to remain a director for 12 years? I had the backing from the district and also the backing from my family. Making my way up within the organization, joining the Leadership and legacy THREE BOARD MEMBERS END 12-YEAR TERM Rachel Telford executive committee, and becoming chair gave me the incentive to stay engaged. It was not my goal in the beginning to become chair, but along the way I had other Board members mentor me and it became a natural progression for me. When the opportunity to be chair presented itself, I wanted to grab onto it as a personal challenge to take on. The files and issues Grain Farmers of Ontario’s Board of Directors has to deal with are moving targets, we can never say going in that this is the definite path we will take. We were always trying to find the solution for the best possible outcome. Agriculture is evolving and growing and we have to grow with the challenges as they come around. What do you feel is the most important role Grain Farmers of Ontario plays on behalf of farmer-members? Industry News MARKUS HAERLE, DISTRICT 14 (PRESCOTT, RUSSELL, STORMONT, DUNDAS, GLENGARRY). MARK HUSTON, DISTRICT 2 (KENT). HENRY VAN ANKUM, DISTRICT 10 (GREY, BRUCE, WELLINGTON).
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