On September 15th, the County of Grey hosted a tour for members of their Agricultural Advisory Committee, showcasing the Experimental Acre Program.

Now in its third year, the program welcomes innovative ideas to improve soil conservation and soil health.

Those who oppose Industrial Wind Turbines argue that the costs—both hidden and visible—far outweigh the benefits. While proponents often promote turbines as a clean energy solution, the reality is more complicated.

Proverbs 27:17 – “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”

Mentorship has always been a quiet yet powerful force behind the success and sustainability of agriculture. In an industry deeply rooted in tradition but increasingly shaped by innovation and change, the passing of knowledge, values, and experience from one generation to the next is not just helpful — it’s essential.

As many of you reading this know, I am a Christian. I had my “come to Jesus” moment 25 years ago, and since then, I’ve believed every word the Bible has to offer—including the account of creation in Genesis.

For most of my life, I never paid much attention to the climate. In fact, I often argued that the climate hadn’t changed since the beginning of time.

On March 6, 1954, during a meeting in Strathroy, a group of four Dutch immigrant farmers made the significant decision to establish a provincial Christian farmers' organization. The intention was to create an umbrella body to unite several local groups, primarily based in southwestern Ontario.

There’s been a lot of talk lately about “net zero” emissions. Governments, corporations, and advocacy groups are setting bold targets—many with the year 2030 circled in red. And on the surface, who wouldn’t want to reduce emissions and protect the environment? Farmers certainly do. After all, we rely on healthy soil, clean water, and stable weather more than anyone else.

As we close the chapter on another beautiful month, we celebrate the incredible work of our farming community. From seeding to soil prep to tidying up after a long winter, many of you have been hard at it—dedicated, determined, and driven by purpose.

Most farmers will tell you that local abattoirs are disappearing from rural Ontario. They will also mention the important value they provide for them. It’s the ‘why’ for this, that has to concern the animal livestock sector and those who want to make a livelihood in the abattoir business.

Now that the election has passed, it’s no surprise that many are feeling a mix of strong emotions—fear, anxiety, and uncertainty about what lies ahead. Concerns about rising food and gas prices, the state of the economy, housing costs, utilities, healthcare, education, and so many daily necessities weigh heavily on people’s minds. For some, the future feels bleak; for others, there’s hope.

In today's world, society seems to be more divided than ever. Whether it's political ideologies, social issues, or cultural differences, people often find themselves at odds with each other. This division isn't just a surface-level issue—it's deeply ingrained in our communities, our media, and even within families.

Spring has sprung, though it may seem a little optimistic to say so, especially as I write this commentary. There's not only snow on the ground here, but this morning's temperature was -11°C.

It is an unfortunate reality that the various “tit for tat” moves in international trade can pit Canadian agricultural sectors and farming regions against one another. Canada’s farming sector produces high quality goods for Canadian consumers and is one of few nations genuinely capable of producing significant food exports. This means trade is vital to the success of many farming businesses.

The annual Rural Ontario Municipal Association’s (ROMA) 3-day conference was held in Toronto, January 19-21, 2025. Over 2,000 municipal leaders from “rural” municipalities across the length and breadth of Ontario attended. I was fortunate to be a delegate representing the CFFO as I was able to attend numerous workshops and seminars held over the 3-day period.

This year CFFO participated in the 2025 Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference, hosted in Toronto. This brings together leadership from rural municipalities across the province to connect with government and other stakeholders on issues impacting rural communities. On Monday Jan. 20, speakers included Premier Doug Ford, Minister Rob Flack, Minister Paul Calandra, and Leader of the Opposition Marit Stiles.

The Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario (CFFO) is writing this statement today in response to the recent news and events leading up to the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.