One Voice?

Sitting here at my desk, I won't begin to speculate on the decision-making process or politics that led to the disintegration of the agreement to bring Ontario's wheat, corn, and soybean producer boards together under one umbrella.

At the same time, I find it both interesting and sad that at the groups' joint annual meetings last year, the keynote speaker, Heather Hiscox of CBC's Morning News, was asked to advise the attendees on methods to get agriculture's many important messages to the rest of society. From this discussion, two points stuck in my mind:

1. Agriculture has too many groups / opinions that muddle the message.


2. When the media is looking for a contact to give a sound-bite to the media, they do not know who to go to.

It seems to me that by not merging their operations, has not learned from their advisors but ignored them.

Meeting of The Minds

Shawn Brenneman (L), Agronomist with Syngenta Seeds, Jason Crandall, Salesman with Sylvite Agri-Service, and Scott Ruppert of the Norfolk Soil & Crop Improvement Association discuss the results of the corn hybrid comparison trial they are harvesting.

Toyota at the Gate

Visitors to this year's COFS were greeted by a 2008 Toyota Tundra. As part of its campaign to increase its presence in the North American truck market, Toyota became the Official Truck of Canada's Outdoor Farm Show.

Sitting in the Shade

Dan Murray, age 5, finds a cool spot in the shade while his father, Darren, has a discussion at COFS.

One Last Look

A young beef farmer who provided cattle for a local fence manufacturer's OFS display, takes one last confirming look at his cattle before leaving the OFS for the night.

Talking Business

Keith Brimner, District Sales Manager with Syngenta Seeds, and Doan McIntyre, a cash crop farmer from Belmont, ON discuss McIntyre's seed requirements for 2008 at this fall's Outdoor Farm Show. At the same time, an Agri-Food Labs salesman talks to a customer in the background.

Changing of the Guard

While some 'traditional' agricultural companies, such as BASF, no longer exhibit at Canada's Outdoor Farm Show (COFS) because of questions regarding return on investment, a new group of suppliers, including Peterbilt, believes COFS creates an excellent opportunity to promote their products and interact with customers.
Peterbilt trucks and large trailers have replaced tractors and wagons as the preferred means of grain transportation for farmers.

Fruit of his Labours

Stefan DeWaele, agronomist with Norfolk FS, does a pre-harvest inspection of his customer's field to evaluate the results of his fertilizer, hybrid and weed control recommendations.

Up-and-Comers

Rob Miller and Katie Savage catch up with former classmate and current dairy farmer Jeff Crowley of St. Marys. Miller and Savage visited the Canadian Outdoor Farm Show to network with their new colleauges in the agricultural industry.

Light at the End of the Tunnel

Patrons pass by the General Tire exhibit at the Canadian Outdoor Farm Show in September.

Strategy Session

Sheep farmers Peter (L) and John Weaver of Weavercroft Farms in Dorchester, ON discuss work yet-to-be-done while looking over their herd during afternoon chores. The Weavers entered the sheep business two years ago and are now proudly producing high-quality, consistent lamb for their local market as well as several area restaurants, including Tru Restaurant and Lounge.