30 ABgursoineosms ydirectory Business Directory A LITTLE PREPARATION GOES A LONG WAY Winter may be considered a ‘slower’ season for grain farmers, but it is a great time to review your farm operations and plans, research new services and providers, and set goals for the new year. Professional advisors and services • Review your insurance coverage. Do you have the right fire, loss and theft, and liability insurance coverage for your farm? Reach out to your insurance broker to review your coverage and ensure you are prepared to make a claim. • Make sure your financial and tax documents are in order. Tax filing season will come sooner than you think and occurs during the busy spring farming season. Winter is a great time to get everything organized. Set up a time to review your farm accounts with your banker or accountant to ensure your finances are on the right track. • All that data you’ve collected can be put to good use! Take some time to sift through the numbers and review with your agronomist or certified crop advisor to come up with a plan for 2025. Equipment maintenance • Don’t just park your tractors, combines, and grain buggies and hope for the best in the spring! Taking time to inspect equipment and make any necessary repairs or maintenance over the winter will pay off in the spring. • Small engines like lawnmowers, chainsaws, or generators should be inspected and repaired as necessary. • Winter is a great time to get through that ‘honey-do’ list that your spouse has created for you! Learning and professional development • The Ontario Agricultural Conference (OAgC) offers three in-person events – the Southwestern Ag Conference, the Midwestern Ag Conference, and the Eastern Ontario Crop Conference, along with more than 40 recorded sessions and the popular Tec Talk Tuesdays, offer lots of opportunities for learning over the winter. See page 28 for more information. • The winter season is full of learning opportunities from agricultural organizations like the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association, the Innovative Farmers Association, the Ontario Soil Network, and more! • The University of Guelph offers a free Foundations in Agricultural Business online program. Visit www. guelphagriculturalmanagement.com. Recognized for significant cost savings of inputs and environmental conservation. Industry pioneer and leader for precision metering of seed, fertilizer and other nutrients. CONTACT: Bill Rood, Montag Manufacturing Company CELL (519) 323-7559 brood@montagmfg.com • The 2025 Grain Farmers of Ontario January District Meetings are coming up! The schedule is found on page 19 of this issue, and find out more information at www.gfo.ca/about/districtmeetings. Rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation • Be sure to take some time for yourself this winter. That may mean a winter getaway, time spent with family or friends, or pursuing a hobby or winter activities that you enjoy. • Put your mental health first! Find more mental health advice and resources on page 32. Do you want your business included in a future Ontario Grain Farmer Business Directory? The Ontario Grain Farmer is delivered to 28,000 mailboxes across Ontario! Contact Joanne Tichborne, advertising sales and sponsorship consultant, at jtichborne@gfo.ca or 226-332-3637.
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