Reviews mixed on OFA restructuring Thursday, February 5, 2009 Photo: Bette Jean Crews© AgMedia Inc.by GEOFF DALEIt’s early days yet but the recent restructuring of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture –including reducing its board of directors to 18 – is getting mixed reviews at the provincial and regional levels.While stressing she doesn’t to view the process with “rose-coloured glasses,” OFA president Bette Jean Crews says, “this is something we should have done years ago.”“We’ve got the right people in the right places,” she says. “The 18 directors from the different regions are already thinking like a team.”But Nancy Walther, a former president of the Oxford County Federation of Agriculture and currently on the OFA’s 100-member Policy Advisory Council, says the first meeting of the council, held Jan. 20, was a disappointment in some respects.“I wanted to see more teeth in terms of policy,” she says. “There was more of an overview of protocol, which may be necessary for new members but it was just too long.”Adding she was willing to give the process a chance, she says a major concern is there may be only four meetings held a year.“With only four or maybe more, we need more emphasis on policy and better preparation prior to the meeting,” she says.Crews says the process is already working, pointing out preparations for a new communications approach are in full swing – which will mean structured agendas, more focus and members that are in touch with all issues. BF Board considers extra credit for milk producers Milk trial wraps up
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