Before the mass assembly of delegates at OFA’s Annual General Meeting, members from the northern and southwestern areas of Ontario got a chance to congregate and discuss issues concerning their agricultural communities.
The Southwest Summit and Northern Caucus Meeting were both held concurrently Monday evening and featured OFA members from Essex to Algoma, Lambton to Parry Sound, Oxford to Rainy River, and beyond.
At the Southwest Summit, a wide range of resolutions were up for comment and discussion. Some included a resolution from Manitoulin/North Shore advocating for better driver education when it comes to slow moving vehicles, Norfolk asking for consistent compensation when it comes to wildlife damages, and Elgin looking for OFA to support Revive Fund projects with different timelines.
The Northern Caucus Meeting saw discussions on key issues, from veterinary shortages to shifting wildlife pressures and farmland trends. Participants heard updates on new vet tech roles, incentives to attract large-animal care, telehealth tools, and the growing impact of Sandhill Cranes—all helping inform solutions tailored to Northern Ontario’s unique farming realities. Dr. Brady Deaton Jr. of the University of Guelph also shared findings from the Ontario Farmland Value and Rental Value Survey and stressed the need for stronger northern participation to improve regional benchmarks.
Members in attendance at both meetings were given the chance to meet the Director-at-Large candidates on a more personal stage. Angela Field, Andy Kuyvenhoven, Mackenna Roth, and Teresa Van Raay discussed what they would offer in the role. They also answered questions on how involved they are with their county federations, how they would work with politicians, and how they personally handle conflict.