Ontario Federation of Agriculture
200 Hanlon Creek Boulevard N1C 0A1 Guelph, ON, Canada

We are excited to officially launch OFA Viewpoint - our new weekly communication providing you with quality content & information on key issues & priorities in #ontag. The inaugural Viewpoint is focused on protecting and preserving agricultural land: https://bit.ly/38wLMRE

#OFAshoutout the Renfrew Federation of Agriculture donated $1,000 to Renfrew County 4-H to help keep their members safe during COVID by sponsoring the purchase of branded masks. These masks were made and delivered to every one of the 140 4-H members in the county #staysafe

When your fleet is ready to take on jobs that require something more, the Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD are built to get them done. OFA partners with @GMcanada to offer exclusive fleet vehicle discounts to OFA members. For more info, https://ofa.on.ca/benefit/gm-canada/

OFA is excited to announce that we will be rebranding our commentaries and the weekly e-newsletter, beginning Monday, January 11. We are going to be introducing a whole new look and feel but carrying on the same message. We hope this rebranding will kickstart an exciting year for Ontario agriculture, while continuing to keep our high-quality communications, our continued collaboration with industry partners and stakeholders, and our desire to engage and hear from you, our members. Together, we hope that 2021 is an exciting year of growth and opportunity for you and Ontario’s dynamic agri-food sector. For more information, check out our website at https://ofa.on.ca/ofa-announces-a-new-rebranding-of-the-we/

Let's meet our next Director-at-Large candidate, Barclay Nap. Barclay is a third-generation farmer in Puslinch and currently runs a Market Garden where he grows produce, flowers, and herbs. Check out his candidate profile at #OFAgm20 https://ofa.on.ca/ofas-2020-agm-director-at-large-candidat/

The 2021 growing season is fast-approaching! Do you have COVID-19 related safety concerns? Does your farm business have a plan to ensure the safety of your employees? The federal and provincial governments are providing financial support to farm businesses wanting to implement preventative COVID-19 measures. For eligibility criteria visit https://bit.ly/2VMTLmD.

OFA members now have access to the second @FarmsMarketing energy & fertilizer outlook report for 2020/2021. Check it out, here https://bit.ly/2I0Ofnn #ofabenefits #riskmanagement #energy

Canada is on the road to recovery and farmers will drive our country's growth. With a few simple steps you can show your support for Canada's agri-food sector. Click the link below to send a letter directly to your MP. www.supportcanadianfood.ca

Have a question for Brent Butt? Now's your chance! Brent will be the keynote speaker at OFA's Annual General Meeting this year, and he wants to hear from you. Members can submit their questions for Brent by emailing us at [email protected]. #OFAgm20

OFA has created a survey for crop producers in order to assess and quantify the economic damage to Ontario crops caused by wildlife for the 2019 growing season. The deadline to fill out the survey is December 2. https://ofa.on.ca/res/ontario-wildlife-damage-compensation/

OFA and our food literacy initiative, Six by Sixteen, are excited to take part in The Royal Agricultural Virtual Experience. Visit our booth November 10-14 to learn more about Ontario's agriculture sector through interactive quizzes and games! Want to improve your cooking skills? Download our recipe guide, or take the VIRTUAL Six by Sixteen food literacy challenge (visit our booth for more details). There's tons of fun in store at this free and educational virtual event. Register here https://royalfair.vfairs.com/en/registration.

The agri-food sector has played a vital part in keeping our province and food chain afloat during COVID-19. Business Risk Management programs for farm businesses need to remain a priority so farmers can continue producing food and fuel for the province https://bit.ly/3nTw6gc

OFA is proud to share a visual summary of this year's accomplishments. 2020 has been a challenging year, but "We're still soliciting member input and serving members in all corners of the province"- OFA General Manager, Cathy Lennon. The video highlights advocacy efforts, key issue and priority wins with government, COVID-19 response and resources, mental health and farm safety campaigns, introduction of new board members and food literacy initiatives. Watch it below. https://www.youtube.com/watch

OFA members: there's only two days left to enter the OFA Honda Member Draw for your chance to win 1 of 3 great prizes provided by Honda Outdoors. Win a brand new 2020 Side-by-Side, electric start generator or outdoor power tool. Fill out an entry form today at http://ofa.on.ca/hondadraw.

#DYK you can protect your farm and family with individual and group plans through OFA's AgriHealth Insurance Program. Plans can include health, dental, drug, vision & out-of-country coverage and more https://ofa.on.ca/benefit/agrihealth-insurance-program/ #OFAbenefits

OFA would like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to our 32nd president, Peggy Brekveld. Over her 6 terms as vice president, Peggy has proven to be a dedicated, passionate and tireless advocate for Ontario’s agri-food sector. We look forward to pursuing Farms and Food Forever with Peggy at the organization’s helm.

Let's meet our first Director-at-Large candidate, Peggy Brekveld. Peggy is a northern Ontario dairy farmer and currently holds the position of Vice President and Director-at-Large it OFA. Check out her candidate profile at #OFAgm20 https://ofa.on.ca/ofas-2020-agm-director-at-large-candidat/

As COVID-19 numbers continue to rise, OFA wants to ensure our farm families have the resources and tools needed to keep themselves safe when selling direct to consumers. If this applies to your business, please read our guide below. https://ofa.on.ca//a-guide-for-direct-sales-to-consumers-/.

#DYK OFA members can save thousands on the purchase of their next vehicle through the OFA Chrysler Fleet Discount Program. Choose from select new 2021 and 2020 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Fiat fleet vehicles https://t.co/jLVgX8Mesr #OFAbenefits

Today is a beautiful day to admire the changing fall colours and soak up some sunshine. This #WellnessWednesday try your best to take a break from the stressors of everyday life to do something that you enjoy. Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup.

Join the OFA and the Ontario Disability Employment Network tonight for a live webinar discussing myths and possibilities for linking people with disabilities to careers in agriculture. This event features a presentation by Chris Koch, a well-known prairie farmer that was born with a physical disability https://twitter.com/i/status/1327699110070087682 . Register for tonight's 7:30pm session at the link below. https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/cultivating-non-traditional-tal

Ontario farmers using a personal bank account can now apply for the Canadian Emergency Business Account (CEBA) program. OFA advocated to the federal government multiple times on behalf of our members addressing eligibility requirements. We encourage anyone who was ineligible to contact their bank today and consider reapplying. Application deadline is December 31.

Turn on your volume It's time to meet Crispin Colvin, OFA's Zone 6 Director representing counties in Lambton-Middlesex. Previously serving as Director-at-Large, Crispin has been an OFA board member since 2016. Crispin has lived in Middlesex county since 1971 and currently farms cash crops, soybeans, corn and wheat. Crispin is an active advocate of our OFA's producing prosperity project and is a part of various OFA liaison commodity groups #meetourboard

Are you in the market for a new truck? The next generation Sierra Heavy Duty may be the right fit for you! Check our website to see how you can use your OFA membership to access deep discounts & save thousands on select 2020 @GMcanada vehicles https://bit.ly/2EV8MwN #ofabenefits

In an effort to rally Ontarians to support local during these challenging times, the government of Ontario has created a virtual and interactive marketplace that connects consumers to local food, drink, experiences, and more. Learn more, at https://ontario.live/

After several months of enduring the effects of COVID-19, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) reached out to our members to gather valuable input on how their farm businesses have fared, both positively and negatively, through the pandemic. To learn more about the results of the survey, read our commentary at https://bit.ly/31KeNFQ #covid19 #ontag

Last week's poll results: Has your small business been affected by COVID-19? 62% of our respondents answered yes, while 38% said no. This week's www.ofa.on.ca poll question asks: ... Has your farm business pivoted to new marketing strategies during COVID-19?

Great opportunity alert! Are you looking to pursue a rewarding career in agriculture? Conestoga College is currently accepting applications for the Agricultural Equipment Operator Pilot program. The course will begin January 2021 and is offered through Conestoga's Brantford Aviation campus. Interested individuals are encouraged to attend one of several upcoming virtual info sessions. October 27... November 3 November 12 November 18 November 26 December 2 December 10 To register for a virtual info session click http://blogs1.conestogac.on.ca//applications_open_for_agri.

Have you submitted your testimonial yet? We want to hear about your positive experiences with our benefit partners. Click the following link to fill out our benefits form https://bit.ly/35mpNtW We can't wait to hear from you! #ofabenefits

Thank you to everyone that completed our recent survey. Congratulations to the draw winners, Stephen Herlihey, Pius Egger and Ian McKillop. Enjoy your OFA branded YETI tumbler!