Serving & Growing

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Board Director Service Is ‘Part Of Our Culture.’

By Emily Mckinlay

Commodity groups have a strong presence in Ontario’s agriculture industry. They represent the interests of the producers while supporting, advocating for, and developing their sectors. Directors who sit on the boards of these organizations are the voices that lead industry growth.

Jim Whitley has been a director for Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) since early 2024 and farms near Creemore. He says that participating in boards is part of the culture of the farm community.

“Why do we do this? It seems like in the farming community, it’s part of our culture,” says Whitley.

“There is a culture within the farming community to give back.”

Why should more farmers consider serving as a board director? Involvement in the governance of a board offers opportunities for personal growth and ensures that farmers have a voice in shaping their industry.

Personal and community growth

As the representative voice of their sector or region, board members give their organization direction and help lead the improvement of their industry. They also broaden their own skills and perspectives.

“Certainly, there’s an element of personal growth. You see different places and meet interesting people and learn about the industry,” says Craig McLaughlin, a farmer from Renfrew County and the president of BFO.

“When I started at BFO, Joe Hill was vice-president and he said to me, ‘If I thought I knew everything, then I probably only know 50 per cent, and if I stick around long enough, I can only hope to learn the rest.’”

McLaughlin has also watched board members hone their skills, like public speaking, as they use them more often in their position.

Whitley says that his role has expanded his perspective and networks.

“It grows your perspective. You get to see programs from the other side and watch how they are built and understand them a bit more. You gain perspective and it helps you make better decisions at home,” says Whitley.

“By networking, you are connecting with other producers. It’s rewarding when you are able to help someone improve their operation or connect them to a contact or resource.”

Enhanced perspective and networks also benefit other farmers in the board member’s community. Community outreach and providing a strong voice for the industry are just two ways that agricultural boards enact external change.

Mike Chromczak is an asparagus farmer in Brownsville. He is the chair of Asparagus Farmers of Ontario and the vice-chair of the Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association. He has been involved with boards for nine years.

“The more input and perspective we have, the better we can represent our growers – and the more prosperous our sectors and industry can be,” says Chromczak.

“Everyone has something to offer. Everyone’s point of view might be slightly different, but that is valuable. I try to be a strong voice as just a regular farmer, and I try to tell our story to those who could potentially influence, help protect, or grow our industry.”

Board members bring an agricultural perspective to their discussions with politicians, helping to build relationships and educate decision-makers.

“Education is part of it,” says Clint Cameron, a farmer near Cardinal and an OFA Zone 11 director since fall of 2023.

“Every issue from land-use to taxation to rural development needs input and needs a voice. I’m appreciative to work with a really solid organization like OFA to help provide that voice for rural Ontario and agriculture.”

There are many reasons to consider getting involved in the industry, but where should farmers start looking for these opportunities?

Getting started

Local agricultural groups are often a good starting point.

Cameron initially connected with other OFA directors through his local involvement.

“I was on the Grenville Federation of Agriculture board, and I stepped away when I joined OFA, but without the support of my local board, I wouldn’t be where I am,” says Cameron.

“Because I was involved locally and had done volunteer work at the Ottawa Valley Farm Show, I had some more exposure to people at OFA who identified some of the skill sets I had. The local federation is a really good entry level for everyone who wants to dip their toes in the water.”

Local boards support neighbours and address issues closest to home, while also growing the skills, knowledge of the industry, and developing the networks of their directors.

When Chromczak first got involved, the support of other directors was essential.

“I started as a young farmer, and there were a lot of people who helped me along the way, and many still help me today,” says Chromczak.

“It was intimidating to start and still is today sometimes. There are some very strong leaders and mentors that I’ve been able to work with to build my skills and confidence. Your network can help you actually accomplish something, and that feels good.”

McLaughlin says that a good board should also always be looking to bring in new voices.

“It’s important to jump in and offer all you can, but there comes a point when you need to move on. You can overextend your stay, and you want the next generation coming in after,” says McLaughlin.

“A good board member puts themselves out of a job. You should find someone to take your place and do a better job than you.”

What makes a good board member?

It can be intimidating to take the first step in joining a board. Do you have the right skills and experience?

Whitley says that this was a concern early in his first year with the BFO.

“When I first got on the board, we were at Queen’s Park, and I was all wigged out about talking right and meeting the politicians on their level,” says Whitley.

“I had an epiphany about being a board member partway through that day. I’m just supposed to be a producer. I still feel a responsibility to represent our producers, because that’s what our role is, but it was still a relief that I didn’t have to be anyone other than who I am.”

McLaughlin adds that the differences in experiences of a board’s members is what makes it stronger.

“At BFO, we have producers who are strong industry leaders because of their operations and agronomy skills, but we also have a lot of directors who have done other things,” says McLaughlin.

“Don’t get too into the silo of just being good at the agronomy part of the role.”

A passion for agriculture and a willingness to engage as a farmer to represent the interests of fellow producers are the main requirements for getting involved.

There are a few other traits that are beneficial for working as a team in a board setting.

McLaughlin says that it is important to learn how to accept the decisions of the entire board, even if you disagree.

“You really learn that consensus is about accepting and not always agreeing.

“Many times, I’m on the losing end of a motion, and that’s part of the personal growth aspect of being on a board. You learn that you have to accept the decision.”

Those contemplating running for a board position should consider the time commitments of meetings, preparation, and other duties.

Potential directors should also be willing to learn, especially in their first few years on the board. While additional time commitment may come along with joining committees and subcommittees, they are a good opportunity to gain more experience.

“Jump in with both feet and figure it out as you go. You do have to have some idea of what the board does, but don’t try to know everything right away,” says Whitley.

“You find out when you get there that everyone is the same when they start. The board doesn’t expect too much in the first year because it’s expected that it takes a year to learn. Join committees so that you do learn.”

Cameron adds that even if you come in with a lot of agriculture experience, there is always more to learn.

“Getting on a local board is a great opportunity to expand your knowledge base and understand agriculture and what makes it up,” says Cameron.

“It’s not just applying N, P, and K. When you get a little outside the farm, there’s a lot that goes into agriculture between economics, regulations, and policy. Just stepping up can make your experience better. You don’t know what you don’t know until you know it.”

If the personal growth and industry advocacy opportunities of becoming involved in an organization sound interesting, start connecting with your board to see where you could get started.

“Don’t be afraid to step up and don’t be afraid to care about what’s important to you,” says Cameron.

“There’s almost always someone to bring you back if you get too off-track.” BF