ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER PAGE PILLAR 1 www.OntarioGrainFarmer.ca SPECIAL ISSUE: ACROSS CANADA JUNE/JULY 2026 Across Canada, across borders: What Ontario grain farmers can learn from the Canada-U.S. trade reset
This scholarship encourages the pursuit of higher education in any area of study that will benefit the Ontario grain industry or agrifood industry and supports the development of future leaders in these areas. The Legacy Scholarship is open to students accepted or enrolled in any accredited post-secondary college or university program. Up to 10 scholarships of $5,000 will be awarded; up to five of those may be awarded to students pursuing non-agriculture specific studies. Legacy Scholarship applicants are required to submit a resume, letter of reference, and a 1,000 word essay explaining how they became interested in their area of study, how their area of study and career goals will benefit the future of the Ontario grain sector or agri-food industry, and why Grain Farmers of Ontario should be a partner in their academic journey. • Deadline to apply is July 19, 2026 • Proof of college/university enrollment is required For more information or to apply, visit www.gfo.ca/legacyscholarship If you have any questions about your eligibility for the Grain Farmers of Ontario Legacy Scholarship or the application process, please contact Rachel Telford, Manager, Member Relations, at rtelford@gfo.ca. Need help fulfilling your dreams? The Grain Farmers of Ontario Legacy Scholarship can help!
22 Business side Conversations with business experts 13 Crop side Agronomic information from crop specialists JUNE/JULY 2026 volume 17, number 7 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: Kristy Nudds; 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 Across Canada, across borders: Kristy Nudds 6On the cover AGRONOMY 14 Getting more for less Matt McIntosh 18 Dual-edged technology helping wheat growers Ralph Pearce 24 Tools, tactics and trade-offs in resistance management Jeanine Moyer HEALTH & WELLNESS 10 Building heartier, healthier farm communities Owen Roberts INDUSTRY NEWS 20 Farming through change Ralph Pearce RESEARCH 28 Short-term savings, long-term costs Ralph Pearce
Crosby Devitt, CEO, Grain Farmers of Ontario ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER 4 CEO's desk From the FROM THE CEO'S DESK Agriculture is built on more than the crops we grow. It’s built on the people willing to step forward, to learn, and most importantly, to lead. A strong farm sector needs strong leaders, and that’s why investing in leadership development is so important. At Grain Farmers of Ontario, we’ve made it a priority to create opportunities for farmers to build leadership skills over time. Through delegate and committee roles, as well as initiatives like Grains in Action and the Grain Farmers of Ontario-Corteva Leadership Program at the Ivey Business School, we help Ontario grain farmers gain a broader view of the industry and the confidence to contribute beyond their own operations. We see the results of that investment every day. At our recent semi-annual meeting held in March, we had record delegate attendance. The discussions were thoughtful, the resolutions were strong, and the level of engagement showed how committed Ontario farmers are to shaping their organization and their industry. For those looking to take that next step, some leadership opportunities go even further. The Nuffield Canada Agricultural Scholarship is a unique program that challenges farmers to step outside their comfort zones, pursue a topic they care about, and travel internationally to learn from others. It’s a significant commitment, but also a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Applications are being accepted now – check it out at Nuffield.ca Grain Farmers of Ontario has been proud to support Ontario farmers who have taken part in Nuffield, including recent scholar Laura Benoit, who spoke about her research into private-public partnerships at our semi-annual meeting. I’ve seen firsthand what the kind of experience gained from Nuffield can do. During my own time as a Nuffield Scholar, I visited farms and agricultural operations around the world. The environments, crops, and systems were different, but what stood out most was how much farmers around the world have in common—shared challenges, shared goals, and a shared commitment to improving what they do. That perspective stays with you. It shapes how you think about your own farm and how you approach bigger questions, such as research partnerships, government relations, and industry collaboration. The lessons learned globally can help inform better decisions locally. The strength of our organization comes from the people around our board table, our delegates, and our farmer members who choose to get involved. Leadership at the farm level grows into leadership within Grain Farmers of Ontario, and from there, it extends even further. Our work doesn’t stop at the provincial level. Through national organizations like Grain Growers of Canada, Cereals Canada, Soy Canada, and the Canada Grains Council, we help bring Ontario farmers’ perspectives to a broader stage. That collaboration strengthens policy, market development, and a more unified voice for Canadian agriculture. And right now, that voice is more critical than ever. Governments at both the provincial and federal levels are conducting consultations for the next agricultural policy framework, set to take effect in 2028. These frameworks shape the programs, priorities, and investments that support farmers across the country, so farmer voices must be aligned, informed, and clearly heard. Grain Farmers of Ontario is actively engaged in that process, bringing forward ideas and input on behalf of our members. But meaningful advocacy depends on strong leadership. What’s needed are people who understand the issues, can think beyond their own operations, and are willing to speak up. That’s why leadership programs and opportunities programs are so important. They help build the capacity we need for the long term. If you’ve ever considered getting more involved, now is the time to take a closer look. Whether it’s attending a meeting, putting your name forward as a delegate, or applying for a leadership program like Nuffield, these experiences can open doors you may not have expected. They also come with challenges. There’s never a “perfect” time. Farm demands, family commitments, and financial considerations are all real. But those who take the step often say the same thing: what they gain in knowledge, perspective, and connections lasts a lifetime. Because when we invest in leadership, we’re not just shaping individual futures— we’re strengthening the future of our farms, our organizations, and our entire industry.•
Grain Farmers of Ontario welcomed more than 900 farmers and agriculture industry representatives to Niagara Falls on March 23 – 24 for the 2026 March Classic. This was the first year the conference was held in Niagara Falls, and the event embodied the theme Breaking New Ground: Embracing Change. Post-survey results showed attendees appreciated the speaker lineup that brought a global perspective to their on-farm work. March Classic a hit with attendees, exhibitors ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER Some comments from attendees: “Loved the spectrum of guest speakers that keep attention and energy in the crowd!” “Such an amazing well-organized and run event!” “Will be back again!” The larger venue allowed for an expanded trade show floor with 80 exhibitors. Attendees were encouraged to visit each booth with a Passport Giveaway Contest. The networking and business opportunities were appreciated by attendees and exhibitors. Some comments from exhibitors: “Likely the most interest we have had at any agricultural show we have exhibited at in the last 2 years.” “Appreciated the opportunity to connect with the large audience and share the work we do in collaboration with GFO.” “This was a much-needed upgrade and shift in location.” We look forward to welcoming our farmer-members and industry representatives back to Niagara Falls for the 2027 March Classic, taking place March 22 – 23, 2027.
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER 6 COVER STORY Kristy Nudds Across Canada, Across Borders: What Ontario grain farmers can learn from the Canada-U.S. trade reset The real storms shaping Canadian agriculture are increasingly political, not just meteorological. From near-constant tariff threats and trade reviews to regulatory crackdowns in Brussels and disputes in Beijing and New Delhi, decisions made in Ottawa, Washington, Mexico City, Geneva, and Brussels are shaping prices, market access, and investment on farms across Canada. Two panel discussions on Canada-U.S. trade and international agricultural trade at the Canadian Crops Convention in Toronto in March delivered a consistent message: Canada cannot wish away its dependence on the United States, but it also cannot rely too heavily on any single customer, whether the U.S., China, or anyone else. How Canada handles trade rules, diplomacy, and market access in the next few years will matter directly to farms across the country. Looking in the rearview mirror, Canada appears to have weathered recent trade turbulence better than many countries. Candice Laing, president and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, noted that despite growing instability, “Canada’s doing relatively better than other countries… we’re not in catastrophic circumstances.” But she warned the mood among businesses tells a much different story. “Everybody I talk to says, ‘No, we’re not Trade policy is reshaping the outlook for farmers as political decisions abroad increasingly influence prices, market access, and investment confidence at home. “Telling Canadian agriculture it needs to diversify further is like telling a cayenne pepper it needs to be spicy.” okay… there’s a lot of unrest… we can’t see two weeks out, basically… and that leaves us in a very uncomfortable position.’” That discomfort is especially pronounced in agriculture, where long-term investments are constantly being made against increasingly short-term political certainty. DISTORTED AGRICULTURE TRADE At the global level, World Trade Organization Agriculture Director Edwini Kessie told delegates the rules-based trade system that helped fuel decades of agricultural growth is under serious strain. While about 72 per cent of world trade still occurs under WTO most-favoured-nation terms, he warned that the foundational principles of non-discrimination and predictable market access “are under attack.” Agriculture, he argued, remains particularly distorted. Tariffs on agricultural products remain roughly double those applied to industrial goods, while countries continue to provide enormous levels of trade-distorting subsidies. “The OECD estimates that trade-distorting support countries provide [is] over $600 billion a year,” Kessie said. For farmers, that uncertainty quickly becomes practical. It shows up in whiplash moves in futures and basis when trade headlines break,
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER 7 COVER STORY continued on page 8 and in hesitation around major investments in things such as bins, dryers, land, and equipment. It also raises questions about whether Canada’s strategy is to deepen North American integration, diversify beyond the United States, or attempt both at once. To understand why those questions matter so much, panelists zoomed out to look at the broader trade map Canada operates within. Laura Dawson, executive director of the Future Borders Coalition, outlined the basic structure plainly: about 75 per cent of Canadian exports still go to the United States, eight per cent to Europe, and roughly 12 per cent to the Asia-Pacific region. This pattern has not fundamentally changed in decades. When Ontario grain leaves the farm gate, it enters a deeply integrated North American and global system. Corn may move into feed or ethanol sectors tied closely to U.S. markets. Soybeans may enter food-processing chains whose final products appear on grocery shelves across North America. Wheat and canola compete globally with exporters from Brazil, Argentina, the Black Sea region, and the United States. Across Canada, different regions contribute distinct strengths. The Prairies dominate bulk grain exports and energy. Central Canada drives manufacturing and food processing. Atlantic and Pacific ports connect Canadian commodities to Europe and Asia. What happens at Vancouver, Prince Rupert, Hamilton or Montreal ultimately influences the value of grain grown in Ontario. EUROPEAN POLICY COMPLICATES Kessie emphasized that agriculture trade now exceeds US$2 trillion annually. Yet the rules governing that trade are becoming less stable. Traditional tariffs still matter, but countries are increasingly turning to non-tariff barriers tied to environmental rules, pesticide regulations, traceability requirements, and domestic political priorities. That shift is particularly evident in Europe. Greg MacDonald, Canada’s agriculture counsellor to the EU, described an agriculture system under growing internal pressure. European farmers have protested environmental regulations, administrative burdens, and trade competition. Meanwhile, Brussels is pursuing policies under its Green Deal and Farm to Fork strategy that many exporters fear could become de facto trade barriers. MacDonald pointed specifically to proposed mirror clauses involving pesticide standards. Under those proposals, imports could face restrictions if the pesticides used are banned within the EU, even if they remain approved under Canada’s own sciencebased regulatory system. “The government is very concerned about this,” MacDonald said. Canada has been challenging those proposals through WTO committees and bilateral discussions under the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. The concern is not just differing standards, but whether regulations remain rooted in science rather than domestic political pressure. Under WTO sanitary and phytosanitary rules, Kessie explained, countries must base restrictions on scientific evidence and use the least trade-restrictive measures possible. “Even if those measures are science-based, but they are excessive, then they will still be found to be inconsistent with the WTO,” he said. Still, MacDonald acknowledged changing European policy is difficult. “It’s pushing a rock up a hill,” he said. That matters because the EU’s regulatory influence extends far beyond Europe itself. European standards often become templates copied elsewhere, meaning decisions made in Brussels can ripple into export markets around the world. A TRADE MESSAGE FOR CANADIAN FARMERS Peter Hoekstra, the U.S. Ambassador to Canada, provided the following advice to Canada’s grain sector at the Canadian Crops Convention in Toronto: 1. Ag = National Security Hoekstra put farmers right in the middle of the national security discussion. Food security and access to key inputs (like glyphosate) are now being treated as strategic issues in Washington. For Canadian producers, that means grain, oilseeds and livestock aren’t just export commodities, they’re part of how the U.S. thinks about “fortress North America.” 2. CUSMA review: Our market, their politics Hoekstra warned there’s been no real progress in CUSMA talks since late October. Business and farm groups on both sides of the border like the deal, but Canadian public opinion is lukewarm or negative, which raises political risk. That means the stability of current market access can’t be taken for granted. 3. Get in the lowest ‘bucket’ Hoekstra was clear about the fact that U.S. President Donald Trump wants some tariffs on every trading partner, despite existing trade deals. His message was simple: • Don’t say: “America needs our grain.” • Do say: “Here’s why buying Canadian grain is the best deal for U.S. buyers and for North American food security.” Real stories about cross border contracts, jobs and investments are the kind of evidence Hoekstra says will help put Canada in the “lowest tariff bucket.”
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER 8 COVER STORY continued from page 7 U.S. TRADE TIES At the same time, Canada continues pushing for greater trade diversification. Ottawa has set ambitious goals to double non-U.S. exports by 2035, with agriculture expected to carry much of that growth. But panelists repeatedly cautioned that diversification cannot mean weakening ties with the United States. “If we achieve the goal of doubling our nonU.S. exports by shrinking our exports to the United States, that is not a growing economy for Canada,” said Meredith Lilly, a professor and Simon Reisman Chair in International Economic Policy at Carleton University’s Norman Paterson School of International Affairs. “That is a shrinking pie.” Dawson agreed, warning the language around diversification is sometimes misunderstood. “Diversification sounds like reducing our relationship with the United States,” she said. “I think it has to be a U.S.- plus diversification, so that we don’t cut off our nose to spite our face.” Trade strategy advisor Jeff Mahon added that agriculture is already one of Canada’s most internationally exposed industries. “Canadian agriculture is already pretty diversified,” he said. “Telling Canadian agriculture it needs to diversify further is like telling a cayenne pepper it needs to be spicy.” The challenge is not whether Canadian agriculture exports broadly, but whether those relationships are stable enough to support long-term investment and growth. China is one of the clearest examples of that tension. The Prairie canola sector has repeatedly found itself caught in broader geopolitical disputes between Canada and China. Dawson expressed direct sympathy for producers facing those risks. “My heart goes out to the canola sector,” she said. “You’re really between the devil and the deep blue sea, with the United States and China… you don’t want to be the political wedge in the middle in a conflict that is way, way out of your control.” Lilly noted canola has already experienced multiple severe disruptions over the past decade. “This is at least the third terrible time that canola has been through,” she said. Mahon argued those experiences illustrate a broader reality agriculture has faced for years before other sectors fully recognized it. “The rest of the global economy is finally getting to know what it felt like to be agriculture,” he said, “facing uncertainty, nontariff barriers and the weaponization of trade.” Agricultural products are especially vulnerable because commodities are relatively substitutable. If one exporter is disrupted, buyers can often source similar crops elsewhere. Mahon pointed to how countries can impose restrictions under the guise of health or safety concerns while maintaining plausible deniability. “You can shut down barley in Australia, and then the Canadians and Americans or Russians sell it again,” he said. That creates enormous uncertainty for farmers whose livelihoods depend on export continuity. Political disputes thousands of kilometres away can quickly influence local basis and cash bids. Major importers can weaponize agriculture during unrelated diplomatic conflicts. Diversification across crops, buyers, and end uses increasingly functions less as a growth strategy and more as risk management. MEXICO, A MARKET TO EXPLORE Within North America, panelists also highlighted Mexico as an underdeveloped opportunity. Despite sharing CUSMA, Canada’s trade relationship with Mexico remains relatively modest. Laing noted that only about 3.6 per cent of Canada’s total trade involves Mexico. Lilly called that a missed opportunity. “Mexico is a hugely under-explored market,” she said, arguing the country’s growing middle class and expanding economy offer long-term potential for Canadian agriculture and agri-food exports. Still, the United States remains the anchor of Canada’s economy and agricultural system. Ontario grain is deeply embedded in U.S. feed, ethanol, and food-processing supply chains. Any effort to weaken that relationship in pursuit of diversification would ultimately shrink opportunities for Canadian farmers. That is why the upcoming CUSMA review looms so large. The agreement’s six-year review process carries a statutory deadline of July 1. Lilly explained that if all three countries agree to continue the agreement, CUSMA effectively gets another 16-year runway. If not, the deal enters a prolonged period of annual reviews through 2036. That scenario has been informally dubbed “Zombie CUSMA.” (L to R): Jeff Mahon, trade strategy advisor, Greg MacDonald, Canada's agriculture counsellor to the EU, and Edwini Kessie, WTO agriculture director discuss trade at the Canadian Crops Convention. Photo: Kristy Nudds
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER 9 COVER STORY 1Source: Grower trials conducted across Ontario 2018-2024, n=125 Always read and follow label directions. Miravis® Neo refers to Miravis® Neo 300 SE Fungicide. Miravis® and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. © 2026 Syngenta. Trusted. Proven. Consistent. Miravis® Neo fungicide. For application information and more visit Syngenta.ca/MiravisNeo corn acres treated since 2019 yield increase based on 125 farmer trials1 wet and dry years, lower and upper yield ranges1 15.1 bu/ac Strong ROI 2M “If all three countries do not agree… then we go into a period of 10 years of annual reviews,” Lilly explained. Dawson expects the agreement will survive, but warned stability may still erode. “I think the agreement will survive, but not in a state that we’re going to be really happy with,” she said. For farmers, the difference between long-term certainty and yearly renegotiation risk is substantial. Processors, railways, grain handlers, and exporters become more cautious about major investments when the trade framework underpinning continental supply chains feels unstable. That uncertainty eventually filters back into basis levels, competition for grain and investment confidence on farms themselves. Lilly also warned the United States increasingly expects allies to “pay for access” through side deals involving tariffs, defence commitments or industrial concessions. Even when agriculture is not directly targeted, it can quickly become collateral damage in disputes originating elsewhere. Complicating matters further are major differences in negotiation style between Canada and the United States. “Canadian negotiators take the view nothing is finished until everything is finished,” Lilly said. “That is really oil and water to the Trump administration.” She described American negotiations as more transactional and informal, creating risks if Canada moves too slowly while other countries strike faster arrangements. Globally, the weakening of the WTO dispute-settlement system adds another layer of uncertainty. Kessie warned that the organization’s once-celebrated enforcement system has become partially paralyzed. Yet he argued strongly that Canada should resist abandoning the multilateral framework. “It’s so easy… to think that free trade agreements may be a perfect substitute for the rules-based system,” he said. “But I don’t think [they] can be a perfect substitute.” For agriculture, the WTO remains the only venue capable of addressing truly global issues such as subsidies, export restrictions and broader trade distortions. Ultimately, all of these conversations point toward the same reality: trade policy is no longer something distant from the farm. It has become part of the production environment itself, alongside rainfall, soil conditions and commodity prices. •
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER 10 HEALTH AND WELLNESS Owen Roberts Building heartier, healthier farm communities Just in time: a new era of physical and mental farmer wellness arrives A new era of farmer wellness awareness – mental and physical – has arrived. Across Canada, health-related initiatives have been launched that underscore how farming has complexities that have gone unknown or misunderstood for decades. The new wave of emerging geopolitical and climate-related issues affecting food production and food security just makes farmers’ health even more of a challenge…and more of a priority. Some of these wellness initiatives stem from research activity. One of the best -known studies resulted in the deeper understanding of farmers’ mental health challenges, which began percolating some 20 years ago by Prof. Andria Jones at the University of Guelph. When studying the health of large animal veterinarians in Ontario, Jones came to realize producers too were dealing with significantly higher stress, depression and anxiety levels than the general public. However, no one was talking about them openly, let alone taking measures to address them: mental health was a hushed topic in agricultural circles. Jones and her team changed that by introducing their research findings to the farming community, opening doors for discussions and eventually for programs, initiatives and more research to address the problem. Among the efforts that exist today are the Canadian Center for Agricultural Wellbeing, the Canadian Agricultural Literacy Program, the Do More Agriculture Foundation, The National Farmer Wellness Network, Farm Credit Canada’s Rooted in Resilience program, and most lately, Agriculture Wellness Ontario – all in a matter of a few years. Agriculture Wellness Ontario, supported by the governments of Canada and Ontario under the Sustainable Agriculture Partnership, offers several programs and services to the farm community. These include free, unlimited, around-the-clock mental health counselling Across Canada, health-related initiatives have been launched that underscore how farming has complexities that have gone unknown or misunderstood for decades. to Ontario farmers, farm families and farm employees, including international workers. As well, this program has developed what it calls the Guardian Network, a volunteer, peer-driven community of mental health advocates that supports Ontario farming community, managed by Durham region farmer and registered psychotherapist Marnie Wood. Grain Farmers of Ontario has also taken significant measures to support farm community wellness, including a farmer wellness page on its website and a Community Investment Program. “We understand the challenges farmers are facing and the stress that comes with farming,” it says. “Grain Farmers of Ontario is working to help you, our farmer-members, be successful in your business and we see a focus on mental health and well-being as part of that work.” Other wellness efforts have stemmed from producers’ experiences and needs on and off the farm, and in some cases, led to support from Grain Farmers of Ontario. For example, when the organization Agriculture Wellness Ontario team
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER 11 HEALTH AND WELLNESS continued on page 12 was established in 2010, an initiative now called the Legacy Fund was created from accumulated assets of the three founding organizations (Ontario Wheat Producers’ Marketing Board, Ontario Corn Producers’ Association, and Ontario Soybean Growers). The fund was used to cash flow wheat trading activities from 2010-2021 and has a current value of approximately $14 million. Through the Legacy Fund, an initiative called the Community Investment Program developed. Projects led by districts are matched 3:1 through this fund. The program supports projects such as the London Children’s Museum (an initiative led by District 3, with participation from districts 1,4,5, and 9) and the DC Vollrath Memorial Park Rejuvenation in Finch, Ont., led by District 14. It also contributes significantly to health and wellness efforts. For example, last year, District 13 took the lead in raising $20,000 for the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, to help purchase an additional MRI machine. With a second MRI, the Heart Institute can reduce wait time from three months to 30 days and increase the number of patients receiving an MRI annually from 3,000 to 4,500 (50 per cent more). With shorter wait times, clinicians will be able to diagnose faster and begin treatment plans for patients sooner, reducing the risk of complications from delays. District 13 delegate Jenn Doelman says the district supported the project because of the potential for its long-term impact -- improved community care, increased potential for local research initiatives and attracting highly skilled talent to its community. “It aligns so much with the values of Grain Farmers of Ontario,” says Doelman. She also had a personal stake in the technology; her husband Mike Doelman had major heart problems that were treated at the institute. “Our farm and our family are thriving because Mike was able to be treated in a time of crisis and receive follow-up care to help him manage his heart disease,” she says. “When we speak of farmer wellness, all of the stress and strain of farming - even our lifestyle - eventually has an impact on our hearts.” And studies show that male farmers over the age of 45 years are at an increased risk of being diagnosed with heart disease compared to non-farmers in the same demographic. Other districts are likewise leading important health and wellness projects, with support from the Community Investment Program. For example: • Palmerston and District Hospital received $20,000 from District 10 and the Community Investment Program to help purchase MRI technology and keep quality, advanced healthcare close to home and in rural communities. Currently, area residents must travel at least an hour for MRI FREE CHILDCARE ISN’T KIDS’ STUFF These sponsored programs open doors for more networking and less stress Participants at the March Classic and Women’s Grain Symposium have been pleased to find free childcare available onsite at the events. The childcare program started as an experiment, but it’s now a solid part of these two Grain Farmers of Ontario major events. Sponsored childcare arose from a casual conversation last fall with Agriculture Wellness Ontario about how free childcare could help reduce the stress that comes with organizing busy schedules and taking part in professional development events and active networking. Agriculture Wellness Ontario went on to become the childcare program’s flagship sponsor. Joanne Tichborne, Grain Farmers of Ontario’s Advertising Sales and Sponsorship Consultant, says childcare is an example of Grain Farmers of Ontario’s commitment to building a diverse community through innovative practices that remove barriers to entry. “These members are the future of our organization,” she says. “They provide an important voice and new perspectives to the work we are doing now.” Grain Farmers of Ontario plans to continue to offer childcare at this year’s Women’s Grain Symposium and at the 2027 March Classic if there is pre-registration demand.
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER 12 HEALTH AND WELLNESS continued from page 11 services. A new MRI machine is the focus of the community’s largest ever fundraising campaign, the Palmerston and District Hospital Foundation MRI+ Campaign, driven by a committee of 20-plus local residents. The total estimated cost of the project, which is expected to be operational this year, is $8 million. • Under District 10’s leadership, and with support from District 8 and the Community Investment Program, the Kincardine Hospital Redevelopment and Expansion project received $17,000 towards a massive undertaking that includes a CT scanner and MRI machine. An expanding population in the Kincardine area, doctor shortages and increasing emphasis on outpatient facilities services have put significant pressure on the hospital’s capacity. The expansion will ease overcrowding, address the anticipated increase in emergency unit visits and attract new medical personnel. Residents will be able to access MRI technology without having to wait for months or travel long distances in the winter. • District 6 worked through the Community Investment Program to donate $20,000 to the Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice, including the development of a Centre for Hospice Palliative Care. The centre will provide community residents with more equitable palliative and end-of-life care at home supported by a palliative care outreach team, and in a hospice residence if they are unable to stay at home. The new hospice, which opens in December 2027, will be located just outside of Jarvis. It addresses the need for hospice services in the region, which are currently unavailable. • The Campbellford Memorial Hospital is a vital part of the community in District 12, serving patients from Peterborough, Northumberland and Hastings counties, along with seven municipalities. The hospital’s in-patients are on average 78 years old. Many have mobility issues and are bed-ridden, and will benefit significantly from a portable X-ray machine, a critical technology that allows for faster treatment decisions and helps speed up the examination workflow. District 12 worked through the Community Investment Program to donate $20,000 to help purchase this technology. • District 2 donated $7,000 through the Community Investment Program to the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance fluoroscopy campaign. Fluoroscopy is a diagnostic tool that provides real-time, moving X-ray images that are critical for detecting illnesses, guiding procedures and ensuring accurate treatment plans. From diagnosing disorders in stroke and cancer patients to guiding lifesaving interventions, fluoroscopy can result in shorter wait times and improved accuracy. • STRETCH, SIP, SNACK When planting season arrives, it’s easy to get caught up in non-stop work. But peak performance depends on wellness. And that includes wellness breaks, when things get busy. So this spring, Grain Farmers of Ontario’s Farmer Wellness Committee launched a wellness outreach project to focus on farmers’ physical and mental health. With support of other delegates from their district, committee members handed out snack bags to farmers they saw working in the fields. Typically, the treats consisted of snack items produced in their district, fruit and granola bars. The packages included messaging to stay hydrated, stretch and move, phone a friend, and have a snack break. Rachel Telford, Grain Farmers of Ontario’s manager of member relations and staff lead for the Farmer Wellness Committee, says the committee felt strongly about acknowledging the need to focus on wellness at this time of year, given how much their stress increases when farmers are faced with a short window to get crops in the ground. “Hunger, physical discomfort, building frustration with problems and delays can all take their toll,” she says. “These snacks, provided by Grain Farmers of Ontario along with mental health support resources, are friendly reminders that grain farmers are a community that looks out for one another.” “The new wave of emerging geopolitical and climate-related issues affecting food production and food security just makes farmers’ health even more of a challenge…and more of a priority.
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER 13 CROP SIDE Oats provide an excellent opportunity to diversify crop rotations. When managed well, they can be both productive and profitable for Ontario growers. The success of an oat crop is a function of variety selection, management (particularly the amount of nitrogen applied), planting date, the suppression of crown rust, and seasonal growing conditions such as temperature and rainfall. Variety selection Growers should consider yield, test weight, crown rust resistance and lodging risk when selecting varieties. Ontario oat performance trials (www.GoCrops.ca) and trials by Dr. Josh Nasielski at New Liskeard Research Station demonstrate which varieties are more likely to lodge under heavy crown rust pressure. Planting date Oats, like other spring cereals, are hard to seed too early unless soil conditions are excessively wet. Frost seeding has proven successful for optimizing yield potential. Cool, moist spring conditions in early plantings promote tillering and help avoid hot, dry conditions during sensitive early growth stages. Early planting dates also advance flowering. Target seeding dates for oats are: • April 10 in southern Ontario • April 15 in central and eastern Ontario • May 10 in northern Ontario Nitrogen rates Using a starter fertilizer and fine-tuning nitrogen (N) rates has also been shown to increase yields. In trials at the Winchester and New Liskeard research stations led by Dr. Josh Nasielski, University of Guelph, the optimum N rate was 90 kg/ha applied pre-plant (Table 1). Raising the bar on oat yields Joanna Follings Crop side with... Joanna Follings, OMAFA. Table 1: Comparing N rate and timing in oats N application timing and rate 0 N control 90 kg pre-plant 90 kg at GS 60 60 kg N pre-plant and 30 kg at GS 60 30 kg N pre-plant and 60 kg at GS 60 Yield (bu/ac) 84 97 89 95 85 Applying all N up front produced the highest yield potential, but split applications helped reduce lodging risk. Fungicides were also extremely effective at reducing lodging at high N rates compared with plant growth regulators. In trials at Winchester and New Liskeard, the optimum nitrogen rate was 90 kg/ha applied pre-plant. Crown rust Crown rust is the most important disease of oats. Yield losses as high as 75 per cent and a 50 per cent reduction in test weight have been reported when a susceptible variety is grown and left untreated. Selecting varieties with good crown rust resistance, managing buckthorn (an alternate host for crown rust) and applying fungicide before head emergence are effective strategies. Crown rust also increases lodging risk, but fungicide applications, especially when disease is present, can help reduce lodging
14 ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER AGRONOMY Matt McIntosh Getting more for less Leveraging the interconnectivity of soil chemistry, biology, and structure for healthier soils and better crops Soil scientist and farmer Jill Clapperton provides insights on practical soil management strategies tailored to individual farm conditions rather than one-size-fits-all prescriptions. “Everything is connected. Everything we do starts with soil health.” Jill Clapperton, a veteran soil scientist and co-founder of soil health management company Rhizoterra Inc., shared that message with attendees at a soil and water health conference hosted by the St. Clair and Lower Thames conservation authorities earlier this year. She explained how farmers can tap the links between soil biology, chemistry and physical structure to improve crops and the environment. Clapperton said no two farms — and no two operators — are exactly alike, from ecosystem conditions to business risk tolerance. For that reason, she doesn’t believe in “prescriptions” for improving soil health. Below are highlights from her presentation on the science of healthy soils and considerations for individual operators. REDUCED TILLAGE Soil is a habitat. Tillage disrupts that habitat and can harm the organisms that live there, including earthworms, which help move nutrients and create channels for water to infiltrate. Tillage also weakens soil structure and increases the risk of erosion by wind and rain. Clapperton said the particles that leave the field include organic matter and the organisms that depend on it. “What we’re talking about today is soil as habitat. If you build it, they will come ... you can build it however you like,” Clapperton said. “But I’ll tell you right now: it’s all about reduced tillage.” AGGREGATE STABILITY Good aggregate stability and waterholding capacity help soil organisms move. Nematodes, for example, can’t burrow like earthworms and rely on water to reach the fungi and bacteria they prey on. That predation concentrates nutrients around plant roots, linking nutrient availability to water-holding capacity. “I hope you’re all looking at roots. It’s easy to walk around and look at the tops of plants, but often the symptoms below ground are far worse than what you see above,” Clapperton said. She added plants should use energy to “explore the soil,” not to push through a hardpan. “Good soil structure gives you more roots. In chemistry terms, it’s called metabiosis, when one positive change triggers another,” she said. “Then you recruit more organisms into the community, the whole system starts working together, and you get better soil structure.” “Sometimes soil can look great, but still won’t infiltrate. That’s about roots — getting roots down,” Clapperton said. “Your most readily available source of organic matter isn’t above ground; it’s below ground: the roots. Roots are breaking down all the time. The residue on top takes longer to break down and oxidizes easily. Roots are a major source of organic matter, and they leak many carbon compounds.” FEEDING FUNGI Clapperton said most soil fungi — about 85 per cent — are beneficial in some way. Mycorrhizae, which attach to plant roots, are “the original carbon traders,” she said.
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER 15 AGRONOMY Stronger Crops. Lower Stress. Higher Yields. Scan to See Real Farm Results CropBooster® agro_CropBooster_OGF_avril2026_01.indd 1 2026-04-14 09:45 “Mycorrhizae colonize plants and increase photosynthesis ... the green colour goes up. In fact, it shifts to a slight blue hue. If you’re wearing Polaroid glasses, you can see it,” Clapperton said. “It does that because it needs more energy. But it also changes the plant’s biochemistry, so the plant produces more amino acids and organic acids. These bacteria and fungi don’t just want sugar — they need nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus and iron. They need manganese and trace elements, too.” “Fungi also hold nutrients longer. That’s why soil mites and other decomposers like to eat fungi,” she said. “They mine nutrients out of organic matter, and then animals are eating concentrated nutrients.” PROMOTING PREDATORS Soil can have plenty of microbes and still be a tough environment for crops without healthy populations of mites and other predators, Clapperton said. “We can get mineral immobilization when microbes get out of hand, and we don’t have enough predators to keep them in check,” Clapperton said. “That’s why soil structure is so important. Predators recycle bacteria, fungi and algae so plants can use those nutrients.” “We can’t cycle nutrients in the soil until we have predators, and we can’t have predators until we have good soil structure,” she said. “You build up bacteria and fungi so predators will come — and you keep them by maintaining good structure. Those predators cycle a lot of nutrients.” MEASURING NUTRIENT EFFICIENCY “Your plant is your best bioindicator of what it’s actually taking up,” Clapperton said. Pairing soil fertility tests with in-season tissue tests can reveal gaps in nutrient uptake and signal changes in soil structure. Micronutrients also matter — especially sulphur. Clapperton said acid rain once supplied sulphur to farm fields, but that source is no longer reliable. “Use sulphur. You can’t build proteins without sulphur. I’m using 10 to 15 kilograms per hectare of elemental sulphur every time I plant, even with cover crops,” Clapperton said. THE MAIN MESSAGE Clapperton also touched on factors that affect crop transpiration, as well as buffer strips, companion cropping and even the science behind the smell of wet soil. Her core message: small management improvements can have an outsized impact on soil health — and on farm economics. She urged farmers to “plant with purpose.” “We’re going to maintain water quality, feed our plants, be profitable and regenerate our communities,” she said. •
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER GRAIN TALK 16 Grain 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. Liam Jameson Policy Analyst Liam Jameson joined Grain Farmers of Ontario as its Policy Analyst in December 2025. In this role, Liam works closely with the Government Relations team. He is responsible for analyzing the impacts of new and proposed legislation on Ontario’s grain farmers and recommending courses of action. He also organizes federal and provincial stakeholder meetings, as well as Grain Farmers of Ontario’s annual delegate policy day each December. Liam is from Tennessee and began his academic career in the STEM side of agriculture, studying resource economics and botany at the University of California, Berkeley, where he had the opportunity to contribute to a variety of agricultural policy research projects. After graduating, he became more deeply involved in the politics and policy of agriculture and land-use, first as a campaign coordinator for the Calvert Street Group in Nashville, and then as a Master of Public Policy Student at the Goldman School of Public Policy. After graduating from the Goldman School, he moved to Canada with his wife and was accepted to the Jackman School of Law at the University of Toronto. Fortunately, however, Liam says Grain Farmers of Ontario gave him “the opportunity of a lifetime” to combine his twin passions for agriculture and public affairs as Policy Analyst. He is grateful to be working with the Government Relations team here and excited to serve Grain Farmers of Ontario’s farmer-members. 2026 Grains Innovation Fund Winners Five companies were announced as the successful applicants for the Grain Farmers of Ontario’s 2026 Grains Innovation Fund. The companies will use the funding to expand the use and value of Ontario-grown barley, corn, oats, soybeans, and wheat. Together, their projects will help strengthen and diversify domestic markets, increase demand, and enhance the overall value of Ontario grains, while supporting the development of novel, value-added grain-based products. “The Grains Innovation Fund continues to demonstrate the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit within Ontario’s grain sector,” said Paul Hoekstra, vice president, strategic development, Grain Farmers of Ontario in a release. “By investing in forward-thinking projects, we are helping to create new market opportunities, drive demand, and ensure long-term profitability for Ontario grain farmers.” For more than fifteen years, the Grains Innovation Fund has supported a wide range of successful projects that add value to Ontario grains. Previous investments have supported the development of innovative products such as barley brewing yeast, corn stover home insulation, oat ice cream, soy road paint, wheat bran pet litter, and more. The five Ontario-based companies receiving funding are diverse, operating in the food processing, ingredient manufacturing and bioproduct industries: New Protein International is optimizing technology and advancing commercial-scale readiness to scale-up the first hexane-free processing technology for soy protein isolate using Ontario soybeans. Embassy Ingredients is investing in state-of-the-art mixing technology to accelerate and improve its product development capabilities, enabling its team to produce high-quality mixes for commercial bakeries and unlock new applications for Ontario-grown grains, including soft wheat. Seafoam Materials, in partnership with Toronto Metropolitan University, is testing Ontario grain crop residues as feasible inputs for its carbonnegative insulation. Cedar Valley is expanding its facility with advanced processing equipment and launching new pita chips made from Ontario wheat, increasing production efficiency, supporting product innovation, and strengthening local grain utilization to meet rising demand. 1847 Stone Milling, in partnership with the University of Guelph, is developing, testing and scaling a high-protein atta flour from Ontariogrown wheat. A total of $1,710,969 will be invested across the five projects, with Grain Farmers of Ontario contributing $250,000. The remaining funds will be leveraged through matched government programming and company investments. New location for annual meeting Please note that the Grain Farmers of Ontario’s 2026 annual meeting will be held at a new location, the Best Western Arden Park hotel in Stratford. The meeting will be held on September 15. More details about the meeting and hotel room block information will be released in the coming weeks.
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