For Ontario farmers, winter is more than just a break from field work, time to plan for the coming year or to take in some education events – it’s also Farm Business Registration renewal season.
Read OFA Viewpoint weekly for our position and activities on the current issues and legislation impacting Ontario’s agriculture sector.
The future of farming is already here
February 10 is Canada’s Agriculture Day — a chance to celebrate the farmers who grow the food, fuel, fibre and flowers Canadians rely on every single day.
From the barn to the boardroom – why showing up matters
Farming has been part of my life for as long as I can remember — across countries, commodities, and generations. I was born in the Netherlands and came to Canada with my parents in the early 1990s. Like many farm kids, I grew up with chores, long days, and a front-row seat to the realities of producing food. That upbringing shaped who I am, and it’s also what pushed me to speak up for farmers and rural communities.
Ontario farmers navigate trade uncertainty while pushing for progress
Trade and tariffs continue to be one of the biggest sources of uncertainty facing farmers today. That reality was front and centre again this year as the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, alongside the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, attended the American Farm Bureau convention for the second year in a row.
Strong farms, strong communities: why agriculture engages with municipalities
Some might wonder why farmers care about municipal issues – and the answer is simple: when agriculture is strong, so are rural communities.
Snowmobile safety week highlights the need for respect and awareness on Ontario’s trails
This week marks International Snowmobile Safety Week, a timely reminder for farmers, landowners and snowmobile riders that winter recreation and farm safety are closely connected.
Education is empowerment – on the farm and beyond
My unorthodox path into agriculture has shaped how I see the sector — and it’s why education and empowerment are issues I care so very much about.
Farmers urged to take a year-round approach to tax planning – but year-end is a good time to get started
As farmers, we spend a lot of time thinking ahead — planning for the next crop year, the next livestock cycle, the next equipment purchase, or even the next generation on the farm.
Farmers step up to help as food bank demand surges across Ontario
The holiday season is often called the season of giving — a time when we think a little more about neighbours, community and those who may be struggling. This year, that spirit feels even more important.
Strength in unity – and why that matters for Ontario’s farmers
Last week, the leading advocate and strongest voice for farmers in our province, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), held its annual general meeting. For me, it was a tremendous honour to be selected for a third term as OFA’s president.