In This Issue

• Get on the farm this summer: Breakfast on the Farm events for 2026
• Highlights from Local Food Week across Ontario
• Binbrook Breakfast on the Farm recap
• ICYMI: FFCO hosts Toronto Food Industry Professionals tour
• FFCO Member Forum meeting summary
• Ontario Agricultural Communicators' meeting
• The Real Dirt on Farming - free resources for your event
• Wear your Canadian farming pride this summer
• Resource guide and lending library
• Member accolades
• Workplace Safety & Prevention Services update
• FFCO welcomes new members

Get on the farm this summer: Breakfast on the Farm events for 2026

The 2026 Breakfast on the Farm season is off to a fantastic start following a successful event at Roy-A-Lea Farms in Binbrook, where 2600 guests experienced modern Ontario agriculture firsthand.

The excitement continues on July 25 at Cranbrook Farms near Brussels, where the Terpstra family will welcome visitors for a behind-the-scenes look at their dairy farm. Home to 400 Holstein cows milked in a rotary parlour system, the farm was rebuilt following a barn fire in 2023, incorporating new technology to support future growth. Guests will enjoy an all-Ontario breakfast, interactive exhibits, farm tours, family-friendly activities, and the opportunity to connect with the farmers who produce their food.

Finally, on September 26, Breakfast on the Farm heads to River Valley Cattle Co. in Newburgh. Hosted by the Embury family, this beef farm is home to approximately 140 purebred beef cows and has earned national and international recognition for its award-winning Hereford cattle. Visitors will enjoy an all-Ontario breakfast, explore the farm, see farm equipment in action, and learn more about how high-quality Ontario beef is raised.

Each Breakfast on the Farm event showcases the diversity of Ontario agriculture through educational exhibits, equipment displays, and hands-on experiences designed to help visitors better understand how food is grown and raised. Farmer volunteers and industry partners are on hand throughout the day to answer questions and share their stories.

Registration is now open for both the Brussels and Newburgh events. To reserve tickets, volunteer, or learn more about partnership opportunities, visit www.farmfoodcareon.org or contact events@farmfoodcare.org.

Highlights from Local Food Week across Ontario

FFCO celebrated Local Food Week by bringing meaningful conversations about food and farming to communities across Ontario through two screenings of World Without Cows.

More than 200 people attended screenings in Hamilton and Alliston, where the documentary sparked thoughtful discussions about the role of cattle in sustainable food systems, the environment, and society. Following each screening, local dairy and beef farmers joined Alltech representatives for moderated panel discussions, answering audience questions on topics ranging from soil health to meeting the growing demand for protein.

Guests also had the opportunity to connect with local dairy farmers through milk and dairy product sampling provided by Summit Station Dairy & Creamery and Sheldon Creek Dairy. Educational resources from Foodland Ontario and copies of The Real Dirt on Farming were also available for attendees to take home.

The screenings were made possible through the support of Alltech, Beef Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Mutuals, Summit Station Dairy & Creamery, Sheldon Creek Dairy, and Foodland Ontario.

To extend the celebration beyond the theatre, FFCO also created a series of Local Food Week social media graphics highlighting Ontario's diverse agriculture and the people who produce our food. The graphics proved to be a valuable resource, with more than 1,000 downloads by organizations, commodity groups, and supporters across the province.

Above: World Without Cows on June 2 at the Westdale theatre in Hamilton. Following the movie, a panel featured dairy farmer Ben Loewith of Summit Station Dairy & Creamery, beef farmer Steve Sickle and Dr. Kayla Price from Alltech with FFCO Executive Director Kelly Daynard as moderator.

Above: World Without Cows on June 4 at the Circle Theatre in Alliston. Following the film, a panel discussion featuring dairy farmer Emily den Haan of Sheldon Creek Dairy, beef farmer Jim Whitley, and Alltech’s Colin MacNeil with FFCO Communications Manager Christa Ormiston as moderator.

Binbrook Breakfast on the Farm

On June 13, Farm & Food Care Ontario launched its 2026 Breakfast on the Farm season at Roy-A-Lea Farms Ltd. in Binbrook, welcoming more than 2,600 guests for an engaging day of on-farm experiences, meaningful conversations, and a celebration of Ontario food and farming.

Hosted by the Spoelstra family, visitors enjoyed an all-Ontario breakfast before touring the dairy, beef, and grain farm, where they experienced robotic milking and feeding technology, explored interactive exhibits, and connected with the farmers and agri-food professionals behind Ontario's food system. The event also featured 40 different exhibits and displays showcasing the diversity and innovation of Ontario agriculture, along with opportunities to meet a variety of farm animals and see modern farm equipment up close.

The event's success was made possible by the dedication of more than 200 volunteers and exhibit staff, as well as the support of generous event partners and commodity organizations, all of whom helped create an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

FFCO extends its sincere thanks to the Spoelstra family for opening their farm to the public and to everyone who contributed their time, resources, and expertise to make the event a success.

A complete list of event sponsors and partners is available on the FFCO website here: https://www.farmfoodcareon.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Binbrook-Breakfast-on-the-Farm-Partners.pdf

In case you missed it: FFCO hosts tour for Toronto Food Industry Professionals

FFCO continued its work to strengthen understanding of farming practices and food production by hosting a one-day farm tour in York Region on June 23. Thirty-three food industry professionals, including registered dietitians, chefs, bloggers and influencers, professional home economists, Toronto Public Health staff, and nutrition program leads from the Toronto District School Board, spent the day visiting farms, engaging directly with farmers, and gaining firsthand insight into how Ontario food is grown and produced.


The tour began at Haven Greens, where guests received a behind-the-scenes look at one of Ontario's most technologically advanced indoor lettuce farms and learned how automation is helping produce fresh, locally grown greens year-round. Lunch was hosted by FFCO member King Cole Ducks, where attendees enjoyed a duck-inspired meal alongside a presentation highlighting the farm's history, Ontario's duck industry, and the families ongoing commitment to innovation and meeting changing consumer expectations.

The day concluded with a visit to Philip and Elizabeth Smith's sheep farm, giving participants the opportunity to learn more about sheep production and ask questions directly of farmers.



Throughout the day, attendees heard from Canadian Centre for Food Integrity CEO Lisa Bishop-Spencer, who shared insights into public trust research and consumer perceptions of food and farming. FFCO also extends its thanks to Kim Empringham of the York Federation of Agriculture for sharing local agricultural perspectives and helping make the day a success.

Survey feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing the value of bringing trusted food communicators and the agri-food sector together to build understanding and strengthen public trust.

Guests at Haven Greens.

Guests at King Cole Ducks.

FFCO member forum meeting summary

On June 24, FFCO welcomed members from across the province to the GrandWay in Elora for its summer Member Forum meeting.

The Member Forum meetings continue to be one of the most valuable benefits of Farm & Food Care Ontario membership, bringing together representatives from across Ontario's agri-food sector to share information, expand collective knowledge, build connections, and advance conversations about growing confidence in food and farming across the province. Having a diverse cross-section of representatives from across the agri-food sector creates opportunities for meaningful conversations that strengthen collaboration across the industry.

Penny Eaton from Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan and Canadian Food Focus

provided an update on the work being done through Canadian Food Focus to strengthen agriculture's digital presence and ensure Canadian food and farming information is well positioned in the rapidly changing world of generative AI.

Jeff O’Donnell and the Foodland Ontario team shared plans for celebrating 50 years of Foodland Ontario while inviting members to help shape the next chapter of one of Ontario's most recognized food brands.

Shawn Chadwick from Workplace Safety & Prevention Services highlighted resources and free training opportunities available to support a safe and healthy agri-food workforce.

Al Mussell of Agri-Food Systems concluded the day with an insightful look at short and long-term impacts that current geopolitical conflicts and shifts may have on farms and agri-food sector partners.

The member update session remains one of the most valued parts of each forum. Hearing directly from organizations across the sector provides a timely snapshot of what is happening in production, processing, markets, and public trust. These conversations help members identify common challenges, uncover opportunities for collaboration, and leave with new ideas and perspectives they can take back to their own organizations.

Farm & Food Care Ontario hosts Member Forum three times a year, inviting all Silver, Gold, and Platinum members to participate.

Above: Alicia Becker, FFCO Community Engagement Manager with Alice VanVught, retiring Member Forum Co-Chair.

Above: Shawn Chadwick of Workplace Safety & Prevention Services highlighting free safety training opportunities for the agriculture sector.

Above: Jeff O'Donnell from Foodland Ontario sharing plans to celebrate the organization's 50th anniversary.

Above: Al Mussell, agricultural economist shared the geopolitical issues in Ontario's agri-food sector.

Member Forum Leadership Update

FFCO is pleased to welcome Emily Haramule from Turkey Farmers of Ontario as the newly elected Member Forum Co-Chair, joining Dave Stanfield of The Clark Companies in this leadership role.

FFCO extends its sincere thanks to Alice VanVught of Trans Canada Insurance Marketing Inc. – All Farm for her years of service as Member Forum Co-Chair. Alice's leadership, collaboration, and dedication to strengthening member engagement have been greatly appreciated and have helped guide the Member Forum's continued success.

FFCO's next Member Forum will take place on September 23, 2026, and is open to Platinum, Gold, and Silver level members.

Ontario Agricultural Communicators' meeting

FFCO and Egg Farmers of Ontario (EFO) co-hosted the June #OntAg Communicators meeting on June 17 at the EFO office in Mississauga, bringing together 15 communications professionals from FFCO member organizations representing Ontario's commodity groups and general farm organizations. The meeting provided an opportunity to share ideas, strengthen relationships, and collaborate on communications efforts that help build public trust in food and farming.


Guest speaker Emily De Sousa shared practical insights on storytelling, content creation, and consumer engagement, drawing on her experience communicating about Canada's seafood industry. Participants also exchanged updates on current initiatives, discussed emerging communications trends, and explored opportunities to work together on future outreach efforts.


The afternoon concluded with a visit to Country Heritage Park in Milton, where attendees were welcomed by the organization's new Executive Director, Taylor Henderson. The group toured the site, learned about future plans for the space, and explored opportunities to collaborate on agricultural education and public engagement initiatives.



Held quarterly, the #OntAg Communicators meetings continue to strengthen connections among Ontario's agricultural communications professionals while fostering collaboration and the sharing of ideas to help grow public trust in food and farming.

The Real Dirt on Farming — Free resources for your events

FFCO is clearing out inventory of the existing stock of The Real Dirt on Farming magazine to make room for the new edition, arriving in the fall of 2026. 

This award-winning booklet answers common questions Canadians have about food and farming in a simple, easy-to-understand format. This resource explores the roots of Canadian agriculture through farmer and researcher profiles from across the country from the Yukon to Newfoundland and everywhere in between.

Cases can be picked up free of charge from the FFCO office. Shipping is also available at cost, with payment accepted by cheque, e-transfer, or credit card.

Please email admin@farmfoodcare.org to reserve your case today.

Wear your Canadian farming pride this summer

Proud to farm. Proud to wear it.

Available in a heathered red unisex classic-fit design, these shirts celebrate the hardworking farmers behind Canada’s food system and are perfect for summer events, family gatherings, or working on the farm.

Choose from:

• Adult: “Canadian farmer and proud of it”

• Children: “Canadian farmer in training”

These tees are great for the farm, industry events, or casual outings. Available in a full range of adult and children’s sizes, they’re a fun way for the whole family to celebrate Canadian agriculture together.

T-shirts are $25 each. Orders can be picked up at no cost from the Guelph office or shipped for a flat rate of $5.



Order yours today and wear your Canadian farming pride wherever you go.

Resource guide and lending library

Whether you're planning a fair, farm tour, agricultural society event, or community festival, FFCO's Resource Guide can help you create an engaging and memorable experience.

From eye-catching signage and interactive displays to educational activities and conversation starters, FFCO offers a growing collection of resources designed to help you connect with the public and share Ontario agriculture's story with confidence. Members at the Supporter level and above can borrow a wide variety of displays and materials, making it easier than ever to build an informative, professional-looking exhibit.

Explore the lending library, reserve your resources, and let FFCO help make your next event a success.

Member accolades

The Honourable Robert Black, Scott Graham, and Brian O'Connor inducted into Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame

Congratulations to longtime FFCO supporters The Honourable Robert Black, Scott Graham, and Brian O'Connor on their induction into the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame (OAHF) on June 14.


The Honourable Robert Black was recognized for more than 40 years of leadership in Canadian agriculture through his work in the Senate of Canada, 4-H Ontario, the Rural Ontario Institute, and the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program.


Scott Graham, a second-generation egg farmer and former chair of Egg Farmers of Ontario, was honoured for his leadership in innovation, food safety, animal care, supply management, and consumer confidence within Ontario's egg industry.


Brian O'Connor, founding General Manager of EastGen, was recognized for his transformational leadership in Ontario's dairy sector, advancing cattle genetics, collaboration, innovation, and youth development.

Inductees also included the late Percy Hodgetts and the late Dr. Helen Fisher.

Right (top-bottom): family of inductee The Honourable Rob Black, family of inductee Scott Graham, and family of inductee Brian O'Connor.

Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers recognized with major awards

Congratulations to Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG) on receiving two prestigious honours recognizing the organization's leadership in sustainability and communications.


Earlier this month, OGVG received the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award for Sustainability, recognizing the greenhouse sector's commitment to innovation, environmental stewardship, and its positive impact on local communities.


OGVG was also awarded two Platinum Hermes Creative Awards, the highest level of recognition in the international competition, for its Greenhouse Goodness branding campaign and website refresh.

Congratulations to the OGVG team on these well-deserved achievements.

From left to right: Tony Coppola – Chair OGVG Marketing Committee (Coppola Farms), Rachel Boucher (OGVG), Richard Lee (OGVG).

King Cole Ducks celebrates 75 years

Congratulations to FFCO member King Cole Ducks on celebrating 75 years.

Since 1951, King Cole Ducks has been dedicated to producing high-quality Canadian duck while continually evolving through innovation and a commitment to sustainability. This milestone reflects decades of leadership in Ontario's agri-food sector and a lasting commitment to providing consumers with premium duck products.

Workplace Safety & Prevention Services Update

Protect your workers and business: Free health and safety resources from Workplace Safety & Prevention Services

Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) is a not-for-profit occupational health and safety association committed to ensuring every worker goes home healthy and safe at the end of the day. As a proud partner of Farm and Food Care, we are here to help with easy-to-use safety resources and support, at no cost to you.

Since WSPS serves both the hospitality and agriculture sectors, the association is uniquely positioned to serve the agricultural, food processing and agritourism industries and the unique safety considerations for both workers and visitors. Access your free services and get expert help.

• Agriculture & Horticulture Safety Centre - A one-stop hub with free resources and tools, a multilingual Spanish resource hub, training for workers and employers, and expert insights.
• Small Biz Centre - Access free guidance and information for small businesses. Stay on track with our safety checklist and follow our road map to understand your occupational health and safety (OHS) laws and responsibilities.
• Farm Safety Roundup Podcast – With agricultural expertise to help keep farmers, their families and their workers safe, Farm Safety Roundup is a podcast series focused on important conversations with WSPS' team of ag specialists. Tune in for helpful guidance to safeguard farm workers, prevent illness and injury, and meet occupational health and safety responsibilities.
• Join us for free Safety Connection webinars and get expert tips on how to keep your workplace safe.
• Need assistance spotting safety risks in your business? Reach out and a WSPS consultant will visit your workplace (in-person or virtually) to help you identify your hazards and complete a high-level action plan at no cost. Contact us for free hazard identification support.
• If you’re a business with less than 20 employees, you can join the WSPS Small Business Advisory Service. You’ll be matched with a health and safety expert to improve health and safety in your business using simple, easy to implement solutions. The program is completely free and you only need to commit approximately ten hours of your time to work with your expert, at a time that best fits your schedule.

Have health and safety questions? We're here to help. Contact us at 1-877-494-9777 or fill out this form and a member of our team will contact you soon.

FFCO welcomes new members

FFCO welcomes the following new members:

Supporter member(s)

• Delta Agricultural Society 
• The ChangeMakers
• Beaver Valley Agricultural Society 
• Rockton Agricultural Society 
• Lambton Mutual Insurance Company
• Magnetawan Agricultural Society 
• Zurich Agricultural Society

Thank you for your membership and support as we continue to educate and bring awareness of food and farming to consumers in Ontario and across Canada.

Become a Member

Did you know?

• You, your farm or your business can become a member of FFCO
• Your support in membership makes FFCO's work possible
• Corporate members ($1880+) can access free training and workshops

Not a member yet? Learn why others have joined FFCO.