The election for the director-at-large position at the Ontario Federation of Agriculture will take place during the annual general meeting in November; nominations are open from Oct. 15 to 26.
This message is brought to you by the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, shared on behalf of director Teresa Van Raay.
Even though farmers represent a small fraction of Ontario’s population, decisions made by governments at all levels can greatly affect our farms, businesses, and communities.
Having strong agricultural voices involved is crucial, which is why leadership in organizations like the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) holds such significance.
Nominations for OFA’s director-at-large position are coming up soon, providing members throughout the province a chance to influence OFA’s path, shape policy, and advocate for farmers in Ontario. This role has become very important to me since I joined the OFA board as a director-at-large seven years ago.
Sometimes, stepping into a leadership role starts with someone encouraging you to consider it. That’s what motivated me to run for director-at-large myself.
My family and I raise pigs and grow garlic and grain crops; we also had a direct-to-consumer business until recently. Sharing farming stories with anyone who’ll listen has always been essential to me, and being on the OFA board gives me another way to support our industry.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned since being elected is just how much I didn’t know about OFA and all that it does. We represent farmers across Ontario who grow various crops and raise different livestock, each with unique priorities based on their location and farming methods.
This diversity is one of OFA’s strengths. Farming looks quite different in eastern Ontario compared to southwestern or northern regions. The knowledge my fellow directors bring helps us all understand these differences better so we can make informed decisions.
I’ve also gained a deeper appreciation for the policy work that happens behind closed doors. OFA develops policy positions and submits them to government while policies and legislation are crafted, often guided by feedback from our members and local federations.
These grassroots connections enable us to incorporate real farm experiences into our advocacy efforts.
This highlights why local leadership matters too. Local federations are holding their annual general meetings this fall and they need farmers ready to step up. Getting involved locally provides valuable leadership experience while addressing issues important in your community-whether it’s about grain terminals in Lambton or road safety concerns in northern Ontario. Local leaders help ensure regional viewpoints are acknowledged and communicated effectively.
Serving as a director requires commitment; anyone thinking about this role should recognize that responsibility. We’re active farmers managing businesses and families back home, so their support is vital when events or meetings pull us away from our farms.
If you’re considering running for this position, I recommend speaking with current or former directors about their journeys. Discuss it with your family or colleagues too because you’ll need their backing when you’re not around as often. Virtual meetings have eased some parts of the workload but being a director still demands time investment and seriousness.
The election for director-at-large will be held during OFA’s annual general meeting in November where delegates will have an opportunity to vote for their preferred candidate; nominations will be accepted from Oct. 15-26.
This brings me back to that gentle nudge toward leadership roles. If you’ve ever thought about taking this step forward, consider putting your name out there! You don’t need all the answers right away-what really counts is having relevant experience, being eager to learn, and being ready to advocate for your fellow farmers.
If running isn’t appealing for you personally, think about someone else who could add value on the board-and give them that nudge!
Ontario agriculture needs individuals with diverse backgrounds willing to step up into leadership roles.
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