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.•
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