As harvest time in Ontario ramps up at this time of year, all of us are likely to see a lot more tractors, combines, and other farm-related vehicles on our roads and highways. In fact, next to spring planting season, harvest is the busiest time of year for farmers as we travel on roadways between multiple locations.

September means fall harvest on the farm. And while that’s a busy time of year, the Ontario agriculture industry also makes time for two of the biggest agricultural shows on its calendar: Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show (COFS) and the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM).

This year’s Association of Municipalities of Ontario annual general meeting and conference attracted over 2,500 municipal leaders, government officials, civil servants as well as other interested stakeholders. Among those other stakeholders were a wide range of companies and organizations who are connected to municipalities in some capacity – including the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA).

For livestock farmers, it’s an unfortunate reality that sometimes, animals die on the farm from causes beyond human control. When that happens, it’s important that those animals are handled and disposed of responsibly and properly, and without impact on human or animal health, or the environment.

The strength of organizations lies in the commitment and passion of their members and volunteers. That’s particularly true for an advocacy organization like the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA).

We represent the interests of our farmer members all across the province, whether it’s to all levels of government or other stakeholders, media, consumers or in local communities through the activities of our 51 county and regional federations.

A sure sign that the end of summer is approaching has always been the opening of the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) in Toronto. This year’s kick-off at the Exhibition grounds alongside Lakeshore Boulevard is only a few days away – and although it’s in a thoroughly urban location, the CNE is actually one of North America’s top agricultural fairs.

The environment is important to all of us, but it’s particularly key for farmers and their businesses. That’s because we need healthy soils, and clean air and water to grow the crops and raise the livestock that provide the food, fuel and fibre we all depend on.

Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial ministers of agriculture get together once a year to discuss issues that are important to our sector across the country. Their most recent meeting just took place in New Brunswick, immediately following the summer boarding meeting of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA), which brought together farm leaders from across Canada, including the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA).

Labour shortages have long been a challenge for the meat processing sector. Not only does this create problems for meat processing businesses themselves, but it also makes it harder for farmers to access much-needed processing capacity for their livestock when animals are ready for market.

Summer is a busy time on the farm. Whether we’re cutting hay or silage to feed our livestock next winter, getting fresh fruits and vegetables to market or harvesting grain crops, there is no shortage of work to keep everyone busy.