Morning, Grower!

Here’s what we got for you today:

• 💰 Ontario Invests In Rural Communities and Agriculture

• 🌾 Grain Farmers of Ontario: 2025 Strategic Plan

• 🏆 Farm Showcase: Good Family Farms

💰 Funding

AgriInvest — Receive up to $10,000 from federal, provincial and territorial governments to match any savings you have set aside to protect your agriculture business from a decline in profits.

Ontario Invests In Rural Communities and Agriculture

Big news from the ladies and gents at the ROMA conference last week.

The Ontario government unveiled a comprehensive plan to strengthen rural communities and drive economic growth. At the heart of this initiative is a focus on supporting the agri-food sector, creating 30,000 new jobs, increasing the province’s GDP by $3 billion, and boosting exports by 65%.

Here are some highlights:

• Ontario is providing nearly $2 billion in total through the various streams and intakes of the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund and the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program to support housing- and community-enabling infrastructure and build more homes across the province.

• With additional funding of $18 million over three years to the Agriculture Drainage Infrastructure Program, more municipalities will be able to ensure adequate drainage, helping increase the productivity of Ontario’s farmlands.

• Ontario is investing an additional $52 million in 2025 to help municipalities address the increasing operational pressures of Ontario Works program delivery so that vulnerable Ontarians can continue to get the financial assistance they need.

Grain Farmers of Ontario: 2025 Strategic Plan

The Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) 2025 Strategic Plan outlines a vision to strengthen the province’s grain industry, which includes barley, corn, oats, soybeans, and wheat.

The plan focuses on three core goals: advocating for policies that improve financial stability for farmers, expanding markets both domestically and internationally, and funding research to improve sustainability and competitiveness.

Report: Strategic Plan 2025

Farm Showcase: Good Family Farms

We wanted to showcase a farm that has skated to where the puck will be (instead of chasing it). Nestled in Grey County, Good Family Farms is rewriting the script for modern farming by embracing regenerative agriculture.

The result? Grass-fed beef, heritage pork, pasture-raised chicken, and organic eggs have turned customers into lifelong fans — including us.

• Regenerative Agriculture: They focus on sustainable farming practices that enhance soil health, biodiversity, and long-term productivity.

• Diverse Product Offering: They produce high-quality grass-fed beef, heritage pork, pasture-raised chicken, lamb, organic free-range eggs, organic produce, and pantry items.

• Direct-to-Consumer Sales: They sell products through their farm store, an online ordering system, and the Collingwood Farmers Market, creating multiple sales channels.

• Exceptional Product Quality: Customers consistently praise the superior quality of their meats, eggs, and produce.

• Community Engagement: They build strong local connections by offering farm tours and fostering trust in their brand.

Good Family Farms is giving the people what they want, where they want.

They are doing it right.

If you’re looking for an example of a farm that sells direct and has done a great job in their agritourism efforts, I recommend you check them them out.

Good Family Farms 

🌱 Seedling Reports

Beef Farmers of Ontario — Is asking its members to approve an increase of $1.50 in its checkoff to fund programs. The vote is happening this February.

EVENT Chatham-Kent Farm Show — Scheduled for January 29-30, 2025, at the John D. Bradley Centre in Chatham, Ontario. This event will feature over 125 exhibitors showcasing the latest agricultural products and services.

EVENT OFA's Cultivating Local Workshops 2025 — On January 30, 2025, will explore agritourism opportunities, offering practical guidance for farmers to develop or expand farm-based tourism ventures.

HomeGrown — OFA is continuing to promote their HomeGrown campaign throughout the winter months. HomeGrown is a public awareness initiative aimed at recognizing the key role of Ontario farms as a source of food, fuel, fibre and flowers.

Mental Health Support for Farmers — The Farmer Wellness Initiative offers farmers, workers, and their families free, 24/7 access to counselling services in English, French, and Spanish.

Micro-Laughs

We’d love your input! If you have a content suggestion or question, reply to this email or email us at [email protected]