UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH GRAIN FARMERS OF ONTARIO CO-OP EXPERIENCE Ryan Gill completed a co-op placement in the Grain Farmers of Ontario Market Development department as a market development assistant in the summer of 2022. Gill is entering his fourth year of the Food and Agriculture Business Co-op program at the University of Guelph. Gill’s previous co-op placement was at London Agricultural Commodities as a junior grain trader. That placement furthered his interest in grain markets, utilization and trade, which led to him applying for a co-op placement with the Grain Farmers of Ontario Market Development team. During his four-month co-op term, Gill engaged with a range of industry stakeholders and attended numerous events. “From car parts to crayons and more, Ontario grain producers can truly be proud of the impact they have on society, in addition to feeding our growing world! I am very appreciative to receive the opportunity to work alongside the great staff at Grain Farmers of Ontario and further my passion for agriculture over these past several months,” says Gill. In addition to his university studies, Gill started a sheep farm with his twin brother, where they have fifty ewes on an accelerated lambing program and care for a broiler chicken operation. MARKET COMMENTARY by Philip Shaw Ontario grain prices have increased since the lows of July. In the United States, the August United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) report still pegged corn at 176.4 bushels per acre, and soybeans at a very healthy 51.5 bushels per acre. Late summer weather has called into question the corn estimates as hot and dry weather have impacted parts of the U.S. corn belt. With strong demand still apparent and drought in key growing areas of the world, the grain futures market has responded accordingly. In Ontario, the Canadian dollar fluttering in the 77 cent U.S. level has helped maintain cash grain prices. The varied nature of drought across the province has produced a patchwork of yield potential, higher in the east, possibly lower in the southwest. FARMER WELLNESS Farmers have a demanding career with a unique set of stressors that, if not managed, can negatively impact their mental health and farm businesses. Fortunately, in Ontario and across Canada, many organizations focused on mental health in agriculture provide resources and support for our farm communities. One of those organizations is the National Farmer Mental Health Alliance. This group is a team of experienced psychotherapists and life coaches with lived agriculture experience. They understand the challenges of farming and the importance of having access to mental health services and support tailored to farmers, farm families, and veterinarians. Their services include: • Psychotherapy– They will connect you with a therapist that is a farmer or part of a farm family. • Workshops– They offer psychoeducational workshops on topics designed to help improve the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of farmers and farm families. • Training– They advocate for 'Agriculture Informed Therapy' by creating a certified, comprehensive training for therapists. • Ag Organizations – have multipronged service packages for agriculture organizations to better meet the mental health needs of their members. Visit www.nfmha.ca to learn more and access these resources. ANNUAL DISTRICT MEETINGS Grain Farmers of Ontario is beginning to plan for the 2023 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. 21 Discover other ways to join the GrainTALK conversation: E-News, Webinars, Podcasts, Radio, Research Days, and events. Visit www.gfo.ca/ GrainTALK. ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER OCTOBER 2022
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTQzODE4