Look for MOU vote this summer Tuesday, April 8, 2008 by SUSAN MANN The heads of the three producer groups signed an updated memorandum of understanding April 2 reaffirming their commitment to bring plans for a single organization to a producer vote. No date for the vote has been set yet but “if the timelines go as planned we’re probably looking at a late summer vote,” says Ontario Soybean Growers chair Leo Guilbeault. “There’s an awful lot of work that has to get done yet.” Part of that work includes developing a business plan and ensuring that all the information is accurate and precise so when growers get their information packages as part of the voting process “they’ll have all the information at hand that they’ll need to make a decision.” Guilbeault says soybean growers want to ensure the strategic plans of the three organizations continue even if there’s one organization representing them. “It’s still dealing with three specific commodities. If you look at the markets for those three commodities a distinct strategic plan for each one would still have to go forward.” In addition they want to ensure “the financials are good so that the organization starts on a solid foundation,” he adds, noting they also want to ensure there’s a proper business plan. It’s good the plans to develop one grains group are continuing to be developed, Guilbeault says. “One way or another there’s going to be a producer vote and we’ll let the producers decide.” Work on developing one organization began in 2004 when representatives from the three organizations signed an original agreement to come up with a proposal. The process was suspended last November after the Ontario Soybean Growers pulled out. But during county and annual meetings for all three organizations this winter and spring producers urged their elected representatives to get the plans for developing one organization and holding a producer vote back on track. “We were directed by farmers to get it back moving again,” says David Whaley, chair of the Ontario Wheat Producers’ Marketing Board. Farmers spoke loud and clear at the county annual meetings and told their directors they wanted to be able to vote, notes Dale Mountjoy, president of the Ontario Corn Producers’ Association. “Corn producers always wanted to let farmers have a vote,” he says. A working group made up of the chairs and general managers from the three organizations will be working with the Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission to ensure all requirements needed for the vote are met. It’s the Commission that will be conducting the vote. Mountjoy estimates the number of farmers eligible to vote to be 20,000. BF Commission supports mandatory fee for floriculture growers Ontario beef producers at a 'disadvantage' says OCA's president
Early Career Research Award supports two Guelph research initiatives Friday, July 4, 2025 The was presented to two University of Guelph researchers at the recently held Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) symposium. Dr. Kelsey Spence received $40,000 towards her work in on-farm biosecurity research, and Dr. Sam Workenhe was awarded $60,000 to further his... Read this article online
Grape Growers 40th Annual Celebrity Luncheon has Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser Friday, July 4, 2025 The Grape Growers of Ontario’s marks the opening of the by showcasing Canadian personalities and celebrating the annual grape harvest. This year, in partnership with Meridian Credit Union, Ontario’s largest credit union and the third largest in Canada, the Grape Growers of Ontario... Read this article online
Ontario crops respond to summer heat Wednesday, July 2, 2025 According to the OMAFA Field Crop News team, Ontario field crops are showing rapid development as summer-like temperatures have dominated late June early July. The warm spell has accelerated growth and helped reduce the heat unit deficit from a cool spring. Corn fields have seen a burst... Read this article online
Canada’s Place in Global Food System Resilience Wednesday, July 2, 2025 Canada’s food system is facing serious pressure due to global supply chain issues, climate change, and rising food prices. According to a KPMG report, bold and united action is needed now to make Canada’s agriculture sector more resilient and self-reliant. With the global population... Read this article online
Calf Auction Raises Funds for Youth Monday, June 30, 2025 Wyatt Westman-Frijters from Milverton won a heifer calf named Ingrid through a World Milk Day promotion by Maplevue Farms and a local Perth, Ontario radio station. Instead of keeping the calf, 22-year-old Westman-Frijters chose to give back to the community. The calf was sent to the... Read this article online