www.OntarioGrainFarmer.ca INDUSTRY NEWS APRIL/MAY 2025 Trucking Moving grain a challenge for Ontario farmers troubles
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15 Business side Conversations with business experts 19 Crop side Agronomic information from crop specialists APRIL/MAY 2025 volume 16, number 6 ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER is published 9 times a year (December/January, February, March, April/May, June/July, August, September, October, and November) through Grain Farmers of Ontario. Distribution is to all Ontario barley, corn, oat, soybean, and wheat farmer-members. Associate Membership Subscription available upon request. Views and opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the policies of Grain Farmers of Ontario. Seek professional advice before undertaking any recommendations or suggestions presented in this magazine. PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40065283. Return undeliverable items to Grain Farmers of Ontario, 679 Southgate Drive, Guelph, ON N1G 4S2. © Grain Farmers of Ontario all rights reserved. Publisher: Grain Farmers of Ontario, Phone: 1-800-265-0550, Website: www.gfo.ca; Managing Editor: Mary Feldskov; Creative Specialist: Nicole Koopstra; Advertising Sales and Sponsorship Consultant: Joanne Tichborne 6 ON THE COVER Stormy skies ahead Treena Hein WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2024 From the CEO’s desk FEEDING THE WORLD 4 A year in review Laura Ferrier 10 Market review 2022 - 2023 Blair Andrews 12 Business side Conversations with business experts 9 GrainTALK newsletter An update on Grain Farmers of Ontario news and events 16 What do Canadians think about food? Mary Feldskov 14 Crop side Agronomic information from crop specialists 23 European trade policies Ontario Grain Farmer 18 More winter barley acres Matt McIntosh 20 Grain contracts guide Mary Feldskov 22 Ontario Agricultural Conference 2024 Ontario Grain Farmer 24 Stronger leadership Rachel Telford 26 Good in Every Grain Updates on our campaign 30 Farming for world hunger Rebecca Hannam 28 172024 ANNUAL DISTRICT MEETINGS CHECK HERE FOR DATES AND TIMES DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024 volume 15, number 3 ONTARIO GRAIN FARMERis published 9 times a year (December/January, February, March, April/May, June/July, August, September, October, and November) through Grain Farmers of Ontario. Distribution is to all Ontario barley, corn, oat, soybean, and wheat farmer-members. Associate Membership Subscription available upon request. Views and opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the policies of Grain Farmers of Ontario. Seek professional advice before undertaking any recommendations or suggestions presented in this magazine. PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40065283. Return undeliverable items to Grain Farmers of Ontario, 679 Southgate Drive, Guelph, ON N1G 4S2. © Grain Farmers of Ontario all rights reserved. Publisher: Grain Farmers of Ontario, Phone: 1-800-265-0550, Website: www.gfo.ca; Managing Editor: Mary Feldskov; Production Co-ordinator: Kim Ratz; Advertising Sales and Sponsorship Consultant: Joanne Tichborne BIODEGRADABLE POLY 15-03 OGF DecemberJanuary 2023-24_OnGrainFarmer 2023-11-09 11:04 AM Page 3 4 From the CEO’s desk 16 GrainTALK newsletter An update on Grain Farmers of Ontario news and events 30 Good in Every Grain Updates on our campaign Trucking troubles Matt McIntosh 6On the cover INDUSTRY NEWS 12 How agriculture adapts to climate Ralph Pearce 20 Leadership legacy Ontario Grain Farmer 24 Why land prices rise Matt McIntosh RURAL LIVING 28 Healthcare, close to home Mary Feldskov LOOKING BACK 22 15 years of March Classic Cover photo credit: Cribit Seeds AGRONOMY 10 Investments in biological inputs grows Matt McIntosh
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER FROM THE CEO’S DESK 4 From the CEO's desk The spring planting season always brings optimism and hope for a great year ahead. This year, understandably, many people are feeling a bit anxious and unsure about what’s to come. The ongoing trade wars with the U.S. and China have upended global supply chains and hit the agricultural sector particularly hard, potentially impacting the price and availability of inputs and causing uncertainty in the markets. The situation changes daily, sometimes multiple times a day, and it’s hard to keep up with the pace of the news cycle. Farmers are used to uncertainty— the weather, commodity prices, and pests and diseases are all unpredictable—but the current geopolitical environment is ratcheting up all that unpredictability. Throughout the late winter months, I was on the road, talking to farmers and industry leaders on both sides of the border. In early March, I travelled to Denver to the annual Commodity Classic with members of our Board of Directors. There, we met with industry partners, including the National Corn Growers Association and the American Soybean Association, the National Association of Wheat Growers as well as representatives from the Canadian Consulate. What I can tell you is that everyone we met with is eager to see the tariff and trade issues solved—the underlying sentiment is that fair and predictable trade rules benefit farmers, industry, and consumers, and this is the message we are relaying to our respective governments. Here at home, we’re in an election year provincially and nationally. The February provincial election resulted in a Progressive Conservative win. Grain Farmers of Ontario has a number of priorities for the returning provincial government, including ongoing support for business risk management programming, reducing red tape and tax burdens on farmers, and investing in research and innovation. We will continue to advocate for you, the farmer-member, at Queen’s Park on the issues that matter. Nationally, as I write this, Mark Carney has just been elected leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, succeeding Justin Trudeau. By the time you read this in April, we may or may not know the date of the upcoming election, but we know one is coming. In addition to trade issues and carbon tax relief, the Board has been discussing the election priorities federally, and we will be sharing information to help you make the voice of Ontario’s grain and oilseed farmers heard during the upcoming election. Despite all the uncertainty, we have lots to celebrate. This year marks 15 years since Grain Farmers of Ontario was first established, and it has been amazing to look back at all we’ve accomplished. In February, the provincial government announced an additional $100 million per year investment in the Risk Management Program, something that has been a priority for the organization for some time. We also launched the Grain Farmers of Ontario-Corteva Farmer Leadership Program in March, which brought together delegates from across the province for four days of intensive leadership training. These are just a couple of the tallies in the ‘win’ column for Grain Farmers of Ontario this year to celebrate. • Crosby Devitt, CEO, Grain Farmers of Ontario Spring has sprung, and that means we are all anxious to get out in the fields and get to work. After a cold and snowy winter—more snow than we’ve seen in a long time, in many parts of Ontario—it’s time to put the snow blower away and get out the seeding equipment.
Thank you to our 2025 March Classic Sponsors LEADING THE WAY 2025 March Classic Platinum Sponsors Gold Sponsors Thank you to our 2025 March Classic Sponsors Grain Farmers of Ontario would also like to thank all participants and attendees for another successful March Classic!
Matt McIntosh Trucking troubles Moving grain a challenge for Ontario farmers Insurance limitations, onerous safety regulations, and driver shortages—these are some of the factors that have been increasingly troubling for grain growers in need of efficient trucking services. Here, stakeholders in Ontario’s grain sector share some of their experiences navigating the challenging transportation environment and what might be done to ensure things improve in future. ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER COVER STORY 6
continued on page 8 ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER COVER STORY 7 A RISK-ADVERSE INSURANCE INDUSTRY As a former board member of one of Ontario’s largest farm mutual insurance companies, Quentin Martin, co-owner of Kitchenerarea Cribit Seeds, says the digital era and data analytics have spurred insurance companies to continually assess complex risk. Consequently, they have become “very good at avoiding risk.” “The irony is that, as businesses, we try to use insurance companies to manage our risk—as was [an insurance company’s] original purpose. This includes our farm and agriculture business insurance [for] property, casualty, liability, as well as truck fleets,” says Quentin. “Most Ontario based mutual insurance companies don’t have the capacity, under their reinsurance structure, to write policies on large farms or ag business operations because the total insured value is too high.” Quentin highlights human resources issues as another factor within the insurance industry, in that insurers often struggle to find qualified underwriters who understand large agricultural businesses. “Automating the underwriting process for this sector to be more cost effective is difficult because of the complexity and uniqueness of operations." “Large insurance companies don’t want to mess around in the space because it's too niche. So, yes, agriculture-related insurance is a big issue,” Quentin says, referring to both large crop and livestock businesses. “We spend a lot of money on insurance and spent a lot of time last year changing insurance providers. We have grown and our previous providers have changed their ‘risk appetite’—and we were no longer an appropriate customer.” NO INSURANCE FOR YOUNGER DRIVERS For Craig and Jason Martin—co-owners of Cribit Seeds, Seeds, and CEO and equipment and equipment shop manager, respectively— the difficulty of finding grain truck drivers is compounded by the risk-aversion of insurance companies, particularly regarding younger operators. “Years ago, we could start an individual on a D-class truck, then have them work their way into the A-class vehicles, as ready, without the expense of a third-party training organization,” says Craig. “The new training rules may prevent individuals from pursuing their A-licence in situations where they would be an occasional driver. In our case, if I found the right individual, we would consider putting them through the required training.” Now, says Craig, insurance restrictions rule out most younger drivers for the A-class trucks. In the past, Cribit Seeds dealt with carriers unwilling to insure their summer students on pickup trucks. “One will pay a significant premium to carry a new driver in their early twenties until they have a few years experience,” says Craig, adding his “casual observations” suggest more semi-trailers are “being pulled by farm tractors, where there is very little oversight on this activity.” Cribit Seeds has been able to successfully navigate some of these roadblocks, however. The grain business currently has two dedicated full-time drivers, as well as part time seasonal drivers. Cribit Seeds’ owners also have their licences, meaning the company has a wide enough pool of people to draw from if regular drivers are not available or require flexibility. Without that pool, Craig says transport logistics would be much more complicated. ONEROUS SAFETY REQUIREMENTS Should trucks running short distances and largely seasonally be held to the same standards as daily long-distance highway haulers? According to provincial safety requirements, that is currently the case. According to Jason Martin, one of the concerns from such requirements is the cost to perform these inspections with Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation. “Should trucks running short distances and largely seasonally be held to the same standards as daily long-distance highway haulers? According to provincial safety requirements, that is currently the case.
continued from page 7 ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER COVER STORY 8 “Under previous legislation, depending on the braking system, the wheels did not have to be removed to complete a safety inspection. New legislation requires a "wheel off" inspection for all heavy-duty trucks and trailers. As you can imagine, on multi-axle units, this adds significant time and cost to perform the inspection,” Jason says. “For a farmer that only uses his truck and trailer a few months of the year, he must now decide if it’s worth owning it or having someone else haul his commodities.” Crosby Devitt, Grain Farmers of Ontario’s CEO, agrees updated safety regulations might be overly onerous for trucks “not putting miles on everyday.” A second concern is the impact such regulations have on smaller garages, particularly those looking at transitioning to another operational generation. If the decision is made to close rather than deal with the headache of additional certification, options for getting trucks certified locally can diminish. Devitt also questions how new drivers are supposed to gain experience in an environment where insurance providers do not, in fact, provide coverage. “If you’re a big carrier with hundreds of trucks, there may be some ways they can spread out that risk,” says Devitt, adding he and others within Grain Farmers of Ontario have been made aware of policy differences between some insurance providers. POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS What actions can be taken on the part of grain farmers and grain haulers is not entirely clear. Devitt says active discussions are being held, though, and the Ministry of Transportation has been made aware of the agricultural industry’s concerns. Finding ways to align transportation regulations with those of other provinces has, for example, been floated as a potential regulatory remedy. “What we’re asking for is that someone seriously digs in and works with us and the agriculture industry to see if there are some good solutions. No one wants to be unsafe on the road,” Devitt says, musing whether something like mileage limits could be accommodated before full safety regulations apply. Similar exemptions might be possible for young drivers and insurancerelated barriers. “There could be some ways to look at young drivers or limited distances, not going on the 401, who are going from the farm to the elevator and not into Hamilton…I know it's really difficult to control those types of things, but something might be done.” •
CALLING ALL ONTARIO GRAIN FARMERS! Are you passionate about advancing the grain industry through research? Introducing Farmer-Researcher Connect - a new initiative by the Grain Farmers of Ontario dedicated to connecting farmers with research projects. By joining Farmer-Researcher Connect, you will be contributing directly to the growth and sustainability of the grains industry. Here’s how it works: 1 SIGN UP: Scan the QR code to learn more and to register or visit www.gfo.ca/research 2 STAY IN THE LOOP: Whenever a research request is received from a researcher that addresses a Grain Farmers of Ontario research priority, we will send it out to those on our list for consideration for participation in the project. 3 SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY: Once registered, you’ll have the chance to review research requests and connect directly with researchers whose projects align with your interests. 4 GROW TOGETHER: Collaborate, share insights, and drive meaningful change within the Ontario grain community. Have more questions? Scan the QR code! Remember, you’re in control - unsubscribe anytime. Rest assured, your privacy is our priority, and we won’t share your contact details with researchers without your consent.
Nevertheless, the general drive for more sustainable farming systems is driving investment in biological products by individual farmers and large companies alike. WHAT IS A BIOLOGICAL? “Biologicals” can mean many things to different people. In the context of this article, the term refers to amendments added to the soil and crops designed to improve soil health and crop production. According to Greg Stewart, agronomist and biological field specialist with Syngenta Canada, biological products of this kind should be broken into several categories. This is a necessity, in part, because many products deemed to be a biological differ in function from what early biologicals were meant to do—improve the biological activity in soil. “Now we’re putting down bio-stimulants with fungicide at VT tassel,” says Stewart, referencing an example foliar product he would not consider in the same classification as something intended to support soil health. “I’ve found growers really needed it to be broken down. We’re talking about products that are soil-applied.” Stewart’s first category within the soil-applied realm includes “live microbes in the jug meant to provide an improvement or addition to the natural microbial community that lives in the soil already.” This could be phosphorus-solubilizing microbes, for example. Stewart says Syngenta partnered with Silicon Valley-based biotech company Intrinsyx Bio to develop and commercialize this kind of product. Significant effort in this case, and many others across private industry, is being made to find the right microbial populations to accomplish different tasks. Stewart’s second category includes humic and fulvic acid. He describes these products as akin to “taking your ton of compost and squeezing it to get the most important compounds out, and putting it in-furrow.” The goal is to foster improvements in organic matter, albeit with a product that itself is not alive. Interest in biological inputs for crop production is increasing across the agriculture industry—although the benefits they afford are not always clear. Concerns about less-than-effective snake-oil solutions also spur apprehension. Matt McIntosh Investments in biological inputs grow More analysis needed ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER AGRONOMY “We call them biologicals because they are of a biological origin,” says Stewart. The third category includes amino acids, peptides, proteins, and sugars—anything designed to stimulate existing microbial communities within crop root systems. While Stewart believes there is likely some value in every category, he currently considers soil-applied products with humic and fulvic acids to have the most significant potential impact on crop production. Regardless, he says it’s hard to claim that any biological will have a truly profound and noticeable effect on soil microbial communities. It’s for this reason Stewart focuses on achieving what he deems “more modest” gains, such as ensuring more seeds within a corn field successfully grow and mature. “You have to know your purpose…when you put one litre of anything into the furrow of a seed trench, you probably will never know exactly what is going on in there. But it’s good to know what some of the approaches are,” he says. “I want to just take plants on the margin, that are just not quite functioning, and get them to actually have an ear on it.” 10
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER AGRONOMY 11 “The wide range of biological products currently on the market makes it difficult to know where to start researching their true impacts. Around here, the weather is so much more than small talk. When you need your insurance to work, you need The Commonwell. Find a Local Broker at thecommonwell.ca/find-a-broker REPLACING MISSING BIOLOGY Achieving general improvements in soil health is nonetheless a critical driver. For Sally Bernard, co-owner of Barnyard Organics, an organic grain, livestock, and feed mill business in Freetown, Prince Edward Island, biological soil amendments might be a means of offsetting the negative impacts of tillage in their organic grain system. While manure does provide some compensation, Bernard says it was not making up for the volume of nutrients being removed from the field. Analyzing their soils through a microscope highlighted a soil community dominated by bacteria, with comparatively little in the way of fungus and other microorganisms indicative of healthy soils. Further learning from courses developed by American soil scientist Elaine Ingham indicated their farm was, as Bernard describes, “missing some biology.” “We always did compost. But we needed more carbon to feed the good bacteria and fungi. We started making different composts, but they were still too high in bacteria,” says Bernard. She and her partner then purchased a more biologically complete product that “looked like a pile of black sticks.” Afraid they had invested in something ineffectual, they were relieved when the sticks revealed significant and diverse microbial activity under the microscope. A liquid extract was created by steeping the solid material, with application occurring in-furrow at planting. In total, Bernard says $1,000 worth of the solid product provided enough living-biology fertilizer for the season, with some left over for the subsequent year. Whether repeated applications will bring about noticeable improvements in the soil remains to be seen—the Bernards are only in their second year of experiments with the product—but she notes the rye planted with the biological amendment had very good aggregation around the roots at a young age. “We’ve also seen mushrooms coming up in some fields, which we never had,” Bernard says, adding they will continue trialling and gathering soil health metrics to evaluate whether their efforts are fostering results. GATHERING THE DATA The wide range of biological products currently on the market make it difficult to know where to start researching their true impacts, says Jake Munroe, field crop soil management specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Agribusiness. Like Stewart and Bernard, Munroe also says the impact claims made by some product manufacturers appear dubious in light of little or no independent assessment data. Some research from the United States appears to show little direct yield or economic benefit from a range of biologicals, for example, although Munroe wonders if the inherent complexity of biology in the soil, and the products themselves, might be causing inconsistencies in research efforts generally. Munroe does think biological stimulants and inoculants have some promise, however, given how many resources are now being committed to research and development. Read more online! Scan the QR code to read more about what Munroe has to say about biologicals, or visit www.ontariograinfarmer.ca. •
"I began to get concerned that we're worried about the effects of agriculture on climate, and not enough about the effects of climate on agriculture, if it's changing," said Mussell, research lead with Agri-Food Economic Systems Inc. "The other thing with the art of farming is how we manage to keep things going under a range of circumstances and understand what these circumstances may be—adverse or otherwise—that we may encounter." CONFLICTING DATA He began with the question: Is the Earth warming? The answer was "Yes." Data from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) from 1951 to 1980 indicated mean temperatures rose by 1.2 °C. In Canada, temperatures have risen by about 1.7 °C since 1948. As Mussell noted, those increases have occurred overwhelmingly in the North and during winter. It's not the daytime highs that are increasing, but low temperatures that are rising. The basic message is that crop heat units (CHUs) are increasing on the Prairies, and there are more days exceeding 25 and 30°C, the two markers that meteorologists use. It's also getting wetter—and significantly wetter—but it's mostly in the North, and there are specific parts of Canada that are much wetter—yet there are some that are drier. Nothing is consistent."The difficulties we've had—right or wrong—around public Ralph Pearce How agriculture adapts to climate An economist weighs in Dr. Al Mussell started his session at the 2025 Southwest Agriculture Conference with a confession: he's not a climatologist. Yet his prowess as an economics researcher provides a foundation to address some questions about climate change and its effects on agriculture. ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER INDUSTRY NEWS 12 acceptance of our ambitious climate-change agenda is that it's not popular in rural Ontario, but it's really unpopular in Western Canada," added Mussell. "So far, there's no evidence of increased drought. The monolithic drought in Western Canada occurred after World War I and lasted years. There is some expectation in the literature that there will be future droughts, perhaps more frequently but shorter-lived, and we haven't experienced them yet." LONG-TERM CHANGES The bulk of the changes in temperature and precipitation have occurred over longer periods of time. From 1971 to 2000, CHUs, with a May 1 start date, averaged 3400 at Ridgetown and 2800 at Elora. "A few years ago, we had Weather INnovations rerun this," said Mussell, displaying a map for 2011 to 2020. "At Ridgetown, that is 3800 heat units and Elora would be about 3200 heat units. When I came to Guelph as a student in the late 1980s, north Wellington and north of that was marginal for grain corn. But it isn't today." Some of that results from improved breeding and shorter-season hybrids, but part of it is more heat. The other factor in the CHU picture is the effects of a year's first killing frost. With the 1971 to 2000 CHU map, the totals were measured until the first killing frost. The map
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER INDUSTRY NEWS 13 for 2011 to 2020 ran through to the end of October; however, as Mussell pointed out, there isn't typically a killing frost by October 31 in southern Ontario. The bottom line, he added, is there's more heat. THE CO2 EFFECT The more intriguing metric cited in Mussell's presentation was the increased concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), its marked increase, and its effect on yields. In plants, there are C3 and C4 photosynthetic pathways with C3s (cereals, legumes and oilseeds) limited in their efficiency. With an elevation in atmospheric CO2, plants bypass that stumbling block with resulting changes in yield. Corn is the exception, and as a C4 plant, it doesn't have a limitation in terms of photosynthesis and photosynthetic efficiency. Oddly enough, corn shows little impact from elevated CO2 concentrations, unlike wheat and barley, which saw a 19 per cent yield response, according to research data. Soybean's yield response was 16 per cent. Mussell conceded that some increases come from an improved understanding of plant physiology and enhanced fertility programs, but the increases due to CO2 concentration are significant. Understanding how CO2 is affecting crop production affects nutrient content, which could affect food security issues for those who rely on wheat and rice. That, said Mussell, leads to a recalibration when considering breeding decisions and the effects on the nutrient value of these crops. continued on page 14
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER INDUSTRY NEWS 14 "There's less research done on seed, but you can imagine that when you start messing with the chemistry of the crop and the chemical content of the kernel, you run the risk of changing the value of the seed," said Mussell. "There's some thought that if seed quality declines, seed vitality will decline." That could affect germination, although his research of the literature on that part of the discussion was not definitive. The second concern with warming in a northern climate like Canada is the migration of pests from southern regions, and that is becoming more apparent. In a NASA study, it was theorized that higher yields in wheat will carry lower nutritional content. Corn yields are predicted to drop measurably, and Mussell suggested that forecast is driven by the depletion of irrigation-fed corn production in the U.S. Midwest and changes in rainfall patterns. "Where does that leave us?" posed Mussell. "Well, we're warmer and wet to varying degrees and in a northern climate, this is beneficial. An agronomist recently told me with soybean yields in Ontario, the basic limitation is warmth." That may result in moving certain crops into Northeastern Ontario. The Timiskaming Nipissing Districts are growing soybeans and cereals, and some producers have managed to grow corn. Farther north in the Northern Clay Belt—from Kapuskasing to Cochrane—they may be able to grow soybeans or corn, although it may take decades. SHORT-TERM Global food scarcity continues to be the more immediate challenge, said Mussell, and consumption of wheat, barley, oats, and corn is increasing while global ending stocks are decreasing by one per cent per year. "If we get into mitigation that impairs our efficiencies, it may not be a good idea," he added. "There is real scarcity in the world, and we're really just feeding ourselves by taking down these stocks because production isn't keeping up with consumption." Yet Canada is a big player in this staple food picture. As exporters, we're first in canola, third in soybeans (not meal or oil), fourth in pork and seventh in beef. Globally, food may be scarce, but Canada is a top producer. "How much are we really going to mitigate, and how should we compare that against our contribution to trade in agri-food?" said Mussell. He noted Canada represents 1.4 per cent of global greenhouse emissions yet accounts for 5.5 per cent of agri-food imports and exports. "How far could you sensibly go to chip away at the five per cent when you're only 1.4 per cent?" Reducing gas emissions is a good idea, concluded Mussell, but at what cost? When measuring the effects on Canadian agriculture, the discussion surrounding climate needs to change. • “A concern with warming in a northern climate like Canada is the migration of pests from southern regions, and that is becoming more apparent. continued from page 13
(J.M.) WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF AN ORGANIZED SPACE? (J.R.) Whether tackling a busy farm workshop or streamlining your home office, organization is key to maintaining efficiency, reducing stress, and maximizing productivity. A well-organized space not only saves time but also enhances workflow, making it easier for you and your employees to find what you need when you need it. As a professional organizer, I’ve developed strategies to help clients gain control of their spaces and make them function how they want them to. This includes spaces like a home office or workshop—my strategies can be applied anywhere. CAN YOU SHARE SOME STRATEGIES FOR ORGANIZING A FARM SHOP? Absolutely. Here are three strategies farmers can easily implement to help improve the function and efficiency of their workspace for everyone. 1. Evaluate what you own Before you start organizing, take a step back and assess your inventory. Are there tools, supplies, or materials that take up valuable space but never get used? If so, it’s time to declutter! Keep what serves a purpose and let go of anything broken, outdated, or unnecessary. 2. Select the right storage solutions The right storage products can transform a cluttered space into a streamlined, efficient workshop. Choose cohesive storage solutions to reduce visual clutter and create functionality. To maximize vertical space, consider investing in clear or translucent bins to easily see contents without rummaging and heavy-duty shelving. 3. Label everything Labelling is a simple yet powerful way to maintain order. When everything has a designated spot and is clearly marked, it makes it easier for everyone using the workshop to return items to their rightful place. Use a label maker or handwritten tags to ensure clarity. WHAT ABOUT TIPS FOR KEEPING A FARM OFFICE ORGANIZED? Creating and maintaining a home workspace is also part of operating an effective and efficient farm business. Even if you’d rather be on a tractor than behind a desk, working in a functional space can make the experience easier and more enjoyable. Here are my suggested strategies for organizing a home office. 1. Secure and categorize important files Consider a locked filing cabinet or secure storage area if you store confidential or essential documents. Organize files into well-labelled subcategories that make sense for you, such as: • Immediate action—items that require urgent attention. • Pending—documents that can wait but need follow-up. • To be filed—papers that need proper long-term storage. 2. Use a visual task board A large whiteboard can be a game-changer for productivity. Write down your tasks in order of importance, then wipe them off once completed. This method keeps you focused and frees up valuable mental space for other tasks. A task board can also help communicate with other family members or employees involved in managing the farm business. 3. Tame the paper clutter If paperwork is piling up, take a systematic approach: • Sort into categories—immediate action, pending, and filing. • Digitize when possible—scan and store documents securely in the cloud for easy access and less physical clutter. • Work through it gradually—organizing paperwork doesn’t happen overnight, so tackle it bit by bit. 4. Organize office supplies A clutter-free workspace leads to a clutter-free mind. Follow these four steps to keep your office supplies in check: 1. Edit. Get rid of items you don’t need. 2. Categorize. Group similar items together (pens, notebooks, chargers). 3. Store smartly. Use containers, drawers, or shelves for easy access. 4. Label. Just like in your shop, clear labelling helps maintain order. Whether in the shop or office, a well-organized space can boost efficiency and create a sense of calm. Start small, tackle one section at a time, and remember—organization is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. With a little effort, you can create a system that keeps everything in its place, making your workday smoother and more productive. Good luck, and happy organizing! • Organizing with purpose Jeanine Moyer Business side with... Joanna Reaume, founder of Live Tidy Organizing, joanna@livetidy.ca, livetidy.ca ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER BUSINESS SIDE 15
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER GRAIN TALK 16 Your Grain Farmers of Ontario Team Here is our next installment of profiles of your Grain Farmers of Ontario staff to help introduce you to the team. Meghan McLeod Member relations coordinator Meghan McLeod joined Grain Farmers of Ontario in November 2024 as the member relations coordinator, a new role created to strengthen and enhance membership engagement. Since November, she has been playing a supporting role in January District Meetings as well as coordinating events such as the Women’s Grain Symposium and Grains in Action. McLeod graduated from Conestoga College in June 2021 with a diploma in public relations. Since graduating, she’s been involved with several non-profit organizations, including Junior Farmers and her local 4H Association (Durham West). McLeod’s passion for agriculture started at a very young age, being involved with showing Clydesdale horses with her family and being a member of the Durham West 4H Association and Junior Farmers. More recently, she has become more active in her local Federation of Agriculture and her fiancé’s family beef farm. McLeod is excited to connect more with farmer-members and foster important connections in the agriculture industry. Executive committee re-elected At the February Board of Directors meeting, Jeff Harrison, director of District 12 (Durham, Northumberland, Kawartha, Peterborough, Hastings), was re-elected chair; Julie Maw, director of District 3 (Lambton) and Josh Boersen, director of District 9 (Perth) were re-elected as vice chairs; and Steve Twynstra, director of District 4 (Middlesex) was re-elected as executive member. Directors returning to the Board are Grace Pearson, District 1 (Essex), Gus Ternoey, District 2 (Kent), Jeff Barlow, District 6 (Haldimand, Brant, Hamilton, Niagara), Angela Zilke, District 7 (Waterloo, Oxford), Keith Black, District 8 (Huron), Steve Lake, District 10 (Grey, Bruce, Wellington), Leo Blydorp, District 11 (Dufferin, Simcoe, Halton, Peel, York), Lloyd Crowe, District 13 (Prince Edward, Lennox, Addington, Frontenac, Lanark, Leeds, Grenville, Renfrew, Ottawa), and Scott Fife, District 14 (Prescott, Russell, Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry). New Board members include Ann Vermeersch, District 5 (Elgin, Norfolk) and Jason Seed, District 15 (Northern Ontario). Grain
Join the conversation! Visit www.gfo.ca/GrainTALK for news, updates, and information for Grain Farmers of Ontario farmer-members. Canada in Asia conference Building relationships with growing economies outside the U.S. has never been more important. Food security is especially important in Asia, where the majority of soy exports go, and is an important strength for Canada. These themes converged at the third annual Canada in Asia Conference, where 700 people from across government and industry gathered in Singapore. The importance of innovation to food security and what innovation is important to Canadian farms was the focus of a session where Jeff Barlow, Grain Farmers of Ontario director of District 6 (Elgin, Norfolk) and Soy Canada, participated. The conference also provided the opportunity to meet directly with senior diplomats such as Canada’s Ambassador to China, Canada’s Ambassador to India, and the head of the Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-food Office, who are key partners in advancing Soy Canada’s market access and market development efforts in the region. ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER GRAIN TALK 17 National Farm Crisis Line 24/7, Confidential Help When You Need It Most 1-866-FARMS01. In February, the Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing announced the launch of the National Farmer Wellness Network to provide confidential mental health assistance to Canadian farmers, their families, and agricultural workers. This service is built for the agricultural community, offering free crisis support to: • Farmers – Independent producers, ranchers, and growers across Canada. • Farm Families – Spouses, relatives, and dependents of farmers (on or off the farm). • Farm Employees – Anyone working on a farm in a paid capacity. • Spouses & Dependents of Farm Employees – Family members who may also feel the impact of farm stress. • Callers must be 16 years or older. Youth aged 12-15 may use the service with parental consent. For more information, visit www.ccaw.ca/national-farmer-wellness-network/. Farms and Fuels Alliance launches Grain Farmers of Ontario has partnered with Greenfield Global and Alco Group to form the Farms & Fuel Alliance (FFA). The Alliance unites Canada's ethanol producers and grain farmers to drive economic growth and rural revitalization. Focused on smart policy development that recognizes Canadian innovation, FFA is dedicated to unleashing the full potential of our nation’s homegrown biofuels for the sake of our farms, our fuels, and our future. Farmers and ethanol producers are a cornerstone of Canada’s economy, fueling growth in rural communities and driving investment in sustainable energy solutions. The Farms and Fuels Alliance unites industry leaders to ensure policies to unlock the full potential of homegrown biofuels and secure a thriving future for Canada’s agricultural and sustainable fuel sectors. Visit www.farmsandfuelsalliance.com to learn more.
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER XXXXXX 18 ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER GRAIN TALK Grains in Action Grain Farmers of Ontario’s popular annual young farmer program headed to eastern Ontario this year, with stops throughout the region highlighting end-use grain facilities to help participants learn more about what happens to the grains they grow once they leave the farm. The program, held February 10-13, kicked off in Belleville, Ontario, with an introduction to Grain Farmers of Ontario and a presentation and beer-tasting session with Beer Canada. Stops along the three-day bus tour included the Port of Jonestown, Ingredion, Ottawa Valley Grains, Sevita International, P&H New Life Mills, Top Shelf Distillers, Kawartha Ethanol, and Maizeing Acres. The highlight of the program was attending the Future of Food reception in the nation's capital on February 11. The Future of Food conference brought together hundreds of people from across the country to celebrate Canada’s Ag Day, giving participants a unique opportunity to network with industry leaders. On February 12, participants enjoyed a personal tour of the Senate of Canada with Senator Rob Black. •
Significant 2024 findings: Pigweed: six field populations resistant to Group 14 herbicides (e.g., Reflex) were found in Chatham-Kent, Huron, Oxford, Ottawa, Leeds, and Grenville counties. Waterhemp: 21 field populations were tested; all were herbicide-resistant, and the majority were resistant to multiple herbicide groups (Figure 1). Since 2020, 20-30 new fields have been found annually. Ragweed, common: four field populations resistant to Group 14 herbicides (e.g., Reflex) were found in Huron, Middlesex and Lambton counties. Two three-way resistant (Groups 2,5 and 14) populations were found in Oxford and Lambton counties (Figure 2). Ryegrass (Lolium) – Figure 3: Four glyphosate-resistant populations were found in Bruce, Essex, and Huron counties. Testing for Group 1 herbicide (e.g., Assure II) resistance is underway. Herbicide-resistant weeds found in 2024 Mike Cowbrough Crop side with... Weed Management Specialist, Field Crops Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Figure 1. Herbicide-resistant waterhemp populations in Ontario counties, 2024 ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER CROP SIDE 19 Grain Farmers of Ontario provided partial support for an Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness-led project which tested 57 fields for herbicide-resistant weeds. Palmer amaranth: Two new locations were discovered in Bruce and Haldimand counties. Management: Integrated strategies and herbicide options can be found at OMAFA’s “Crop IPM” website and the “Crop Protection Hub”. Ryegrass seedhead Waterhemp" resistant populations by county in 2024 Population Resistant to: Group 14 Groups 2 & 14 Groups 2,5,9 & 14 Groups 2,9 & 14 Groups 9 & 14 Leeds and Grenville 2 1 Norfolk 3 1 1 Chatham-Kent Essex 2 Ottawa 2 1 Dufferin 1 Huron 1 Lambton 1 Oxford 1 Prescott-Russell 1 Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry # of populations 1 0 2 3 Common ragweed: resistant populations by county in 2024 Population Resistant to: Group 14 Groups 2 Groups 2 & 5 Groups 2,5 & 14 1 Middlesex 2 Huron 1 Lambton 1 Oxford 1 Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry # of populations 1 0 2 3 2 1 Figure 2. Herbicide-resistant common ragweed populations in Ontario counties, 2024. Footnotes (Figure 1 and 2): Group 2 = Pursuit, Group 5 = atrazine, Group 9 = glyphosate, Group 14 = Reflex
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER INDUSTRY NEWS 20 That same month, at the District 5 (Elgin, Norfolk) January District meeting, Scott Persall was elected director, a position he would hold for the next 12 years. At District 5’s meeting on January 7, 2025, Persall stepped down from the role after six consecutive 2-year terms, the term limit for Grain Farmers of Ontario directors. EARLY DAYS OF GRAIN FARMERS OF ONTARIO Persall’s election filled the role left vacant by Jeff Davis, who had served the District as director following the formation of Grain Farmers of Ontario in 2010 when the Ontario Wheat Producers’ Marketing Board, Ontario Corn Producers’ Association, and Ontario Soybean Growers amalgamated. Persall’s start in agricultural politics began with the Corn Producers, having served as a director in 2008-09 before the amalgamation. “I was in favour of the amalgamation,” says Persall. “Most farmers grew one or more than one of the crops, or even all three. It was a good fit to have one organization represent all three crops.” Persall’s Grain Farmers of Ontario resume is a long one; in addition to sitting on the executive committee for six years, he’s been a member of the Government Relations, Finance and Audit, Market Development, Grain Issues, Resolutions, Communications, and Legacy Fund committees, and has represented the organization on external committees and boards including the Ontario Soybean and Canola Committee, the Bee Health Task Force, Soy Canada, and the American Soybean Association, among others. He has also represented Grain Farmers of Ontario on trade missions to Asia. “Scott’s contributions to Grain Farmers of Ontario are nothing short of impressive,” says Crosby Devitt, Grain Farmers of Ontario CEO. “He could always be counted on to step up and represent Ontario’s grain and oilseed farmers to get results for the industry.” Persall's experience as a member of the Advanced Agriculture Leadership Program (AALP) Class 18 stands out. “I started about six months before Covid,” he says. “We had to pivot to more online learning, which made it more challenging. I think probably our Class 18 is always going to be known as the ‘Covid class.’” When asked about the biggest challenges— and successes—that the Grain Farmers of Ontario Board has dealt with over his 12-year term, Persall points to the Neonicotinoid issue as one of the big ones but says that Ontario Grain Farmer Leadership legacy Scott Persall completes 12 years on the Board In January 2013, the Baltimore Ravens beat the New England Patriots to win the AFC championship before going on to win the Super Bowl; the NHL ended a 113-day lockout and returned to regular season play; and Kathleen Wynne won the Ontario Liberal Party leadership race, becoming the first woman to lead the province as premier. “in addition to sitting on the executive committee for six years, he’s been a member of the Government Relations, Finance and Audit, Market Development, Grain Issues, Resolutions, Communications, and Legacy Fund committees.
info@cleanfarms.ca @cleanfarms Year a er year, farmers are keeping more ag plastics out of landfills. Bring empty seed & pesticide bags to a Cleanfarms collection site for responsible waste management and your pesticide and fertilizer jugs, totes and drums for recycling. COLLECTION SITES OPEN MAY 1 IMPORTANT Bundle & tie tote bags. Place small bags (>25kg) into collection bag and seal securely. Empty & bag jugs; close bag securely. Keep it up! You are making a difference. Find a collection location near you at cleanfarms.ca ai1740064925132_CFARMS_25-017_Ad_OntarioGrainFarmer_SOYA_East_7-125x4.875.pdf 1 2025-02-20 10:22 AM ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER INDUSTRY NEWS 21 Amyot had served on the Board since 2017; among his leadership roles on the Board, he chaired the Research and Innovation committee and was a member of the Grain Issues, Finance and Audit, and Legacy Fund committees. fighting for business risk programming has been the overarching theme. “Business risk management has always been something we’re working on to strive to make better,” he says. WHAT’S NEXT? Persall is a third-generation farmer in Norfolk County with his wife, Sara, and son Ethan and his wife April. His son, Justin, is finishing a degree in business, and his daughter, Lauren, is currently studying in New Zealand. A focus on growing and expanding the farm is one of his goals. Immediately after stepping down from his director role, Persall took some time to travel with his wife and daughter, Lauren, to New Zealand in January 2025. Looking ahead to summer, he plans to spend more time on his favourite hobby, racing sailboats, which he’s done competitively for many years. In 2024, Persall and his Port Dover Yacht Club team won the J/80 Canadian Championship in Toronto. CHUCK AMYOT ALSO RETIRES Chuck Amyot stepped down from the Board of Directors at the January District meetings as director of District 15 (Northern Ontario). Amyot had served on the Board since 2017; among his leadership roles on the Board, he chaired the Research and Innovation committee and was a member of the Grain Issues, Finance and Audit, and Legacy Fund committees. He also represented Grain Farmers of Ontario on the Canadian Field Crops Research Alliance, Grain Industry Advisory Committee, CropLife Canada, Canadian Seed Growers Association, Ontario Corn Committee, and the Ontario Cereal Crops Committee, among others, during his tenure. Grain Farmers of Ontario thanks Amyot for his leadership and commitment to the organization and wishes him well. •
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER LOOKING BACK 22 For more than 15 years, Grain Farmers of Ontario has been leading the way, hosting Ontario’s premier agricultural event: March Classic. Bringing together thousands of farmers, industry leaders, and government representatives over the years, the March Classic has hosted world-class speakers, facilitated networking, and sparked conversation in Ontario agriculture. Looking back… Fifteen years of March Classic 2021: virtual conference Leading through change LESSONS FROM THE 2017 MARCH CLASSIC
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER LOOKING BACK 23 Scan the QR codes to read these stories, or visit www.ontariograinfarmer.ca to read 15 years of stories about Grain Farmers of Ontario’s annual March Classic! Special guests and speakers have included the Hon. Jody Wilson-Raybould, Premier Rob Ford, comedian Rick Mercer, and Chris Hadfield, retired astronaut.
SNAPSHOT OF FARMLAND VALUES Parker, a London-area cow-calf farmer and real estate appraiser with Valco Consultants, produces an annual farmland values report covering 11 counties in southwestern Ontario: Huron, Perth, Oxford, Middlesex, Lambton, Chatham-Kent, Essex, Bruce, Grey, and Wellington. The report includes farmland not containing infrastructure, other aboveground improvements, or land likely to be considered for immediate urban or industrial development. At the 2025 Southwest Agriculture Conference, data from the preliminary 2024 report (since released publicly) was discussed. In 2010, the mean per-acre value of all 11 counties was under $6,000. In 2024, Parker says that number has risen to “just a hair under $26,000.” The latter number may seem low for those operating in high-quality soils and dairy-heavy regions, but for other areas, $26,000 per acre is a very high value. Variation between each county, and even within the counties themselves, is significant. Perth and Oxford took the top spots—something Parker says each has done for decades—at around $36,000 and $37,000 per acre. Essex and Bruce took the bottom spots at around $19,000. More interestingly, Parker notes we now “live in a world, somehow, where Grey County’s land values are higher than Bruce, Essex, and Kent.” Matt McIntosh Why land prices rise The impact of competition and shrinking supply Ontario farmland values have risen dramatically in recent years. According to analysts Ryan Parker and Drew Crinklaw, per acre price trends result from a combination of factors—but while commodity prices, interest rates and competition within the farming community remain key drivers, other more complex pressures are also at play. ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER INDUSTRY NEWS 24
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