ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER GRAIN TALK Grain Grains in Action 2027: Registration now open Ready to explore where Ontario grain goes beyond the farm gate? Registration is now open for the 2027 Grains in Action Tour, an immersive leadership and learning experience designed for the next generation of Ontario grain farmers. Taking place February 8-11, 2027, this four-day tour will take participants across Eastern Ontario for an exclusive behind-thescenes look at the grain value chain and the many markets that rely on Ontario-grown crops. From export infrastructure and valueadded processing to advocacy and leadership development, Grains in Action offers unique access to organizations and facilities that most farmers never have the opportunity to experience firsthand. Highlights of the 2027 tour include visits to the Port of Johnstown, Alinova Canada's innovative soy processing facility, Sevita's food-grade soybean operation, Kawartha Ethanol, Top Shelf Distillers, and Maizeing Acres. Participants will also travel to Ottawa to tour the Senate with Senator Rob Black, Chair of the Senate Agriculture and Forestry Committee. Along the way, participants will build industry knowledge, strengthen leadership skills, and connect with fellow farmers from across Ontario. For many past participants, Grains in Action has served as an important step in their leadership journey, with several current delegates, district leaders, and directors having participated in the program over the years. To register, visit: www.gfo.ca/grains-in-action/ Ontario farmers top Great Lakes YEN awards Ontario farmers earned the top honours in the 2025-2026 Great Lakes Yield Enhancement Network (YEN), claiming both the highest yield and the highest percentage of yield potential for the first time in the program’s six-year history. The cross-border initiative brings together farmers from Ontario and the Great Lakes region of the United States to share knowledge, compare data, and improve winter wheat production. Highest yield 1. Jeff Cook (Ontario) – 163.2 bushels per acre 2. Ben Wilson (Michigan) – 154.0 bushels per acre 3. Doug Suwyn (Michigan) – 151.2 bushels per acre Highest percentage of yield potential 1. Laurent Van Arkel (Ontario) – 108 per cent 2. Ben Wilson (Michigan) – 98 per cent 3. Dwight Bartle (Michigan) – 98 per cent Participants achieved an average yield of 112 bushels per acre despite weather challenges, insects, and disease pressures throughout the season. The results demonstrate how collaboration, agronomic expertise, innovation, and attention to detail can improve winter wheat performance. Farmers interested in joining the 2026-2027 Great Lakes YEN can visit https://greatlakesyen.com/how-to-participate/ for details and registration updates. Registration is now open, and will close on February 1, 2027. Registration open for Women’s Grain Symposium Grain Farmers of Ontario’s Women’s Grain Symposium offers networking, professional development, and leadership development. The Women’s Grain Symposium is open to women who are grain farmers, active members of their family grain operation, or working within the grain sector of agriculture business with a direct connection to farmers. The event takes place December 8 and 9 at the Crowne Plaza Kitchener. The cost is $150, and grain farmers receive hotel accommodation. Professional childcare services (provided by All About Kids) are being offered free of charge during the event, thanks to support from Agriculture Wellness Ontario. To register, visit https://gfo.ca/womens-grain-symposium
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