By Brian Crews, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture

Ask any farmer about the future of agriculture, and chances are the conversation will quickly turn to the next generation.

Who will be farming our land, caring for our livestock, fixing our equipment, developing new technologies and leading our agricultural organizations in the years ahead?

Those are important questions, and they’re why supporting young people and helping them find their place in this critical industry matters so much.

I’m a farmer just north of Trenton and director with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, the largest farm organization in the province. For us, investing in the next generation has long been an important part of what we do. One way we put that commitment into action is through our annual scholarship program, which is underway for 2026 with eight scholarships worth $2,000 each.

The scholarships support students pursuing a wide range of educational and career pathways linked to agriculture. That includes three undergraduate scholarships, as well as awards for postgraduate studies, apprenticeships, veterinary medicine and veterinary technology, leadership development and, for the first time this year, sustainable energy.

New to the line up this year is a sustainable energy scholarship supported by Hydro One that will go to a student enrolled in agricultural engineering, electrical engineering, bioresource engineering, energy management, renewable energy or environmental sciences with a focus on sustainable energy in agriculture and land use.

It’s a welcome addition to a program that has continued to evolve alongside the changing needs of our sector. Last year, OFA introduced a scholarship for students studying veterinary medicine and veterinary technology, and we were pleased to have Dairy Farmers of Ontario, Beef Farmers of Ontario, Veal Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Sheep Farmers and EastGen join us in supporting scholarships for students in this field.

The shortage of veterinarians, particularly those who work with large animals, has long been a serious concern for farmers across Ontario, making it a priority for our organization’s advocacy efforts.

Governments and the agricultural sector are working on initiatives to encourage more people to pursue veterinary careers and practise in rural and underserviced areas, and the scholarship program is one way we are helping support that work.

This year’s program also sees the return of the Peter Hannam Leadership Award, launched in 2025 in memory of a respected agricultural leader and former OFA president.

Peter was a driving force behind the establishment of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program and believed deeply in developing people who could step forward to lead our industry. This award recognizes emerging leaders who embody that same commitment to advancing Ontario agriculture.

The scholarship program is supported by the contributions of OFA partners, supporters, and members as well as the proceeds of the extremely successful silent auction held at the OFA annual meeting every year.

Last year, OFA awarded a record $30,000 in scholarships to 15 outstanding students, and we are proud to continue our scholarship program for another year by investing in the people who will help shape what comes next.

Applicants for OFA scholarships must be Ontario residents and either OFA members, children of OFA members or employees of OFA members. Applicants should be able to demonstrate industry-related accomplishments, an interest in agriculture and rural issues, and community involvement.

The deadline to apply is Aug. 31, 2026, and recipients will be recognized at OFA’s annual general meeting in Toronto Nov. 24-25. Information is available at ofa.on.ca/ scholarship-program.

Scholarships are only one part of how OFA supports young people and the future of our sector, however. We host special events for young farmers, support the Junior Farmers’ Association of Ontario and work with partners on initiatives that give young people opportunities to build skills, make connections and become involved in their communities.

We also work to promote the broad range of careers in agriculture as our industry needs many kinds of people and skills to succeed. Farmers are the key, but there are opportunities for veterinarians, technicians, tradespeople, engineers, researchers, computer and IT specialists, entrepreneurs, marketers, community leaders and many more.

The future of agriculture doesn’t happen on its own; it also depends on giving the next generation the opportunities, encouragement and support they need to build it.

For more information or to request an interview:

Tyler Brooks
Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
519-821-8883 or [email protected]