In This Issue

• Vehicle partners supporting FFCO outreach
• Get on the farm this summer: Breakfast on the Farm event line-up for 2026
• FFCO's 2026 annual speakers' program highlights
• FFCO participates in TVO Today Live - hosted by Steve Paikin
• Farm & Food Care receives national investment in expanding outreach
• Tonya Haverkamp awarded 2026 Food & Farming Champion
• 2026 Board of Directors
• Thank you to retiring directors
• Celebrate Local Food Week, June 1-7, 2026
• Order your "Canadian Farmer and Proud of it" T-shirt. Kids' sizing available!
• Want to be FFCO's neighbour - space available?
• Member accolades
• Breakfast on the Farm guest testimonial
• FFCO welcomes new members

Vehicle partners supporting FFCO outreach

Farm & Food Care Ontario extends sincere thanks to Strickland’s Automart / Stratford Toyota and M & T Printing Group for their generous support of Ontario agriculture. Through the donation of a 2026 Toyota Tundra, featuring a custom wrap highlighting FFCO’s projects, this vehicle will support the team throughout the busy summer season.

It will play an important role in advancing FFCO’s outreach efforts, helping connect with communities and share the stories behind Ontario food and farming across the province.

Pictured right (L-R): Elaine McDougall, FFCO Finance Manager, Alicia Becker, FFCO Community Engagement Manager, and Josh Cameron, Strickland's Automart / Stratford Toyota Product Advisor.

Get on the farm this summer: 2026 Breakfast on the Farm line-up

FFCO’s 2026 Breakfast on the Farm events are set to welcome guests for two behind-the-scenes looks at modern Ontario agriculture.

The first event will take place June 13 at Roy-A-Lea Farms Ltd. in Binbrook, a dairy, beef, and grain farm owned by the Spoelstra family. Visitors will have the opportunity to tour a modern dairy barn featuring robotic milking and feeding technology, see beef cattle and other livestock up close, enjoy an all-Ontario breakfast, and take part in family-friendly activities.

The second event will be held July 25 at Cranbrook Farms in Brussels, a progressive dairy operation run by the Terpstra family. Home to 400 Holstein dairy 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 be welcomed to experience firsthand how their food is produced and to connect with the people behind it.

Both events will showcase the diversity of Ontario agriculture through interactive exhibits, equipment displays, and educational experiences highlighting advancements in farming and food production. Knowledgeable farmer volunteers will be on-site to answer questions and share their stories.

To get involved and support this important outreach initiative, contact FFCO to learn more about partnership opportunities.

Volunteer registration is now open. Sign up today at the link below to be part of these engaging community events.

Questions? Reach out to events@farmfoodcare.org.

FFCO's 2026 annual conference highlights

Filmmakers Lindsey Middleton and Katie Uhlmann, creators of Cows Come Home, speak about storytelling as a tool for strengthening public understanding of agriculture.

A panel discussion on agritoursim on farms moderated by Christa Ormiston of FFCO (left) and Kevin Vallier of Agritourism Ontario (second from left), featuring Chris Hiemstra of Clovermead Adventure Farm, Korb Whale of Mapleton’s Organic Dairy Farm and John and Maxine Zekveld of Zekveld’s Garden Market.

Keynote speaker Tyler Heppell, known online as “Potato Ty,” sharing insights on using social media to connect consumers with modern farming practices.

A crowd of FFCO supporters fill the room for the annual conference.

On April 9, 2026, farmers, food industry producers, and agricultural partners gathered in Elora for FFCO's annual conference, with a strong focus on storytelling and public engagement in agriculture.

Conference programming began with filmmakers Lindsey Middleton and Katie Uhlmann, creators of the Cows Come Home TV series, presented by Caldwell Securities. They spoke about the power of storytelling in strengthening public understanding of agriculture and bridging the gap between farmers and consumers.

This was followed by a panel of Ontario farmers, including Chris Hiemstra of Clovermead Adventure Farm, Korb Whale of Mapleton’s Organic Dairy Farm, and John and Maxine Zekveld of Zekveld’s Garden Market. The discussion focused on agricultural outreach, highlighting the growing role of on-farm experiences and direct engagement in building trust with the public.

The event concluded with keynote speaker Tyler Heppell, known as “Potato Ty,” presented by Farm Credit Canada, who shared insights on using social media to connect consumers with modern farming practices and increase transparency in agriculture.

FFCO's 2026 annual Speakers' Conference would not be possible without the generous support of partners including:

FFCO participates in TVO Today Live - hosted by Steve Paikin

Ontario agriculture was front and centre during a recent filming of TVO Today Live – hosted by Steve Paikin. The program focused on Canada’s food self-sufficiency and especially Ontario agriculture’s role in Canada becoming less dependent on imported food in an era of global instability and trade disruption.

About 40 farm and industry leaders from across Ontario met for the taping at the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre with everyone having the chance to weigh in on topics related to "buy local" movements, strategies for building farm-to-table resilience, systemic roadblocks to treating food security discussing whether innovation can ultimately propel Canada to global agricultural superpower status.



The full 90 minute episode is on YouTube and a 60 minute version aired on TVO on April 30.

Pictured above: Nicki Scott, FFCO’s second vice chair and potato farmer, joined farm leaders with TVO host Steve Paikin. 

Farm & Food Care receives national investment in expanding outreach

In a video address to attendees at the FFCO's annual conference, Dominique O’Rourke, Member of Parliament for Guelph, announced funding for the three Farm & Food Care organizations through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership’s AgriCompetitiveness Program. Spanning April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2028, up to $518,210 will support four national initiatives led collaboratively by the Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Prince Edward Island offices.

These initiatives include the Agri-Communicators’ Network, a national hub for industry advocates; expanded digital outreach through Faces Behind Food on Facebook and Instagram; the production of the seventh edition of The Real Dirt on Farming; and the development of four new virtual reality tours through FarmFood360.ca.

“Canadian agriculture is built on the passion and innovation of our farmers and food leaders,” said the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “By supporting initiatives that bring their stories directly to Canadians, we’re connecting consumers and producers and fostering a deeper understanding of where our food comes from.”

Tonya Haverkamp is 2026 Food & Farming Champion

FFCO celebrated Tonya Haverkamp of the Listowel area as the 2026 Food & Farming Champion at its annual Conference on April 9, recognizing her decades of commitment to building public trust in Ontario agriculture.

Tonya was nominated by Donna Lange on behalf of Egg Farmers of Ontario. An egg and pullet farmer, Haverkamp has built a reputation for open, transparent communication, engaging with audiences from local classrooms to international development projects in Nepal.



Throughout her career, she has been a dedicated advocate for agriculture, representing the industry at events such as the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, the Canadian National Exhibition, the International Plowing Match, and Breakfast on the Farm. Beyond public outreach, Haverkamp has played a key role in mentoring the next generation of agricultural ambassadors, helping farmers confidently share their stories and connect with consumers in meaningful ways.

2026 Board of Directors

FFCO's 2026-2027 board executive was chosen on April 30, 2026. Re-elected to the FFCO board executive are the following:

• Janelle Cardiff, nominated by Egg Farmers of Ontario (Chair)
• Nadine Schwandt, nominated by New-Life Mills, a division of Parrish & Heimbecker, Ltd. (Vice Chair)
• Nicki Scott, nominated by Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Growers' Association, and Ontario Potato Board (Second Vice Chair)
• John Taylor, nominated by Ontario Mutual Insurance Association (Treasurer)

This meeting follows the board elections at the organization's AGM and Speakers’ Conference held on April 10. Other members of the Board of Directors include:

• Tracey Arts, nominated by Ontario Federation of Agriculture (Newly elected)
• Bryan Fieldhouse, nominated by Chicken Farmers of Ontario (Newly elected)
• Joe Hickson, nominated by Ontario Seed Growers' Association
• Alan Kruszel, nominated by Grain Farmers of Ontario (Newly elected)
• Quintin McEwen, nominated by Ontario Sheep Farmers
• Jennifer Mitchell, nominated by Ontario Hatcheries Association
• Pete Overdevest, nominated by Dairy Farmers of Ontario (Ex-Officio)
• Joost van der Heiden, nominated by Beef Farmers of Ontario
• Augusta Van Muyen, nominated by Grape Growers of Ontario

Thank you to retiring directors

Retiring directors Crispin Colvin (Ontario Federation of Agriculture), who joined the board in 2018 and served as chair from 2023 to 2025, along with Andrea Veldhuizen (Chicken Farmers of Ontario) and Steve Lake (Grain Farmers of Ontario), both joining in 2022, were sincerely thanked for their contributions at FFCO’s annual conference on April 9.

Pictured above FFCO retiring directors (L-R): Crispin Colvin, Andrea Veldhuizen, and Steve Lake.

Help celebrate Local Food Week, June 1-7, 2026

Mark your calendars! Local Food Week returns June 1 to 7, 2026. This year, we are focusing on the connection between Ontarians and the food grown and made right here at home, highlighting how choosing local supports communities, strengthens the economy, and keeps our food system close and resilient.

Throughout the week, we encourage you to showcase what local looks like to you, from farms and food businesses to meals made with Ontario ingredients. Join the conversation by using #loveONfood across your social media channels.

To support your efforts, an updated library of graphics is available for your organization to use in your Local Food Week promotions.

Order your "Canadian Farmer and Proud of it" T-Shirt

Our new for 2026 Canadian Agriculture t-shirts have arrived! Show your pride in Canadian farming with this heathered red, unisex classic-fit tee featuring a crisp white design that celebrates the hardworking farmers behind Canada’s food system.

Choose from:

• Adult: “Canadian farmer and proud of it”
• Children: “Canadian farmer in training”

Designed for comfort and everyday wear, these tees are perfect for the farm, industry events, or casual outings. Available in a full range of adult and children’s sizes, they’re a meaningful way for the whole family to celebrate agriculture together.

Just $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!

Want to be FFCO's neighbour?

Approximately 1,300 sq. ft. of office space will be available next door to FFCO beginning July 2026, located within the same plaza owned by Lactanet at 660 Speedvale Avenue West in Guelph. This is a great opportunity to be part of a collaborative environment alongside organizations connected to Ontario’s agriculture and food sector.

If you or someone in your network may be interested, please reach out to info@farmfoodcare.org for more details.

Member accolades

Burnbrae Farms, Maple Lodge Farms Ltd., and Maple Leaf Foods named finalists for 33rd Canadian Grand Prix New Product Awards

Congratulations to FFCO members Burnbrae Farms, Maple Lodge Farms Ltd., and Maple Leaf Foods on being named finalists for the 33rd annual Canadian Grand Prix New Product Awards, presented by the Retail Council of Canada. This recognition highlights their continued innovation and excellence in bringing new, high-quality products to Canadian consumers.



Western Fair District receives 2026 Business Achievement Award in Agribusiness

Congratulations to Western Fair District on being named the 2026 Business Achievement Award recipient in Agribusiness by the London Chamber of Commerce. This recognition highlights impactful initiatives like The Grove, an agri-business hub supporting entrepreneurs, along with the AgRobotics Working Group and Innovation Farms Ontario, which bring together farmers, researchers, and technology partners to advance practical, sustainable solutions in the agri-food sector.

Jennifer Haley honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award

Congratulations to Jennifer Haley on receiving the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her 28 years of dedicated leadership and lasting contributions to Ontario’s veal sector.

Presented at Veal Farmers of Ontario's Annual General Meeting and Producer Education Day in Elora, the award recognizes Haley’s 28 years of dedicated leadership and lasting contributions to Ontario’s veal sector as she retired from the organization at the end of March.

Pictured above (L-R): Philip Kroesbergen, Chair; Jennifer Haley, retiring Executive Director; and Dylan Yantzi, Vice Chair, Veal Farmers of Ontario.

Breakfast on the Farm hosts named Ontario's Outstanding Young Farmers for 2026

Congratulations to Drew and Heather Spoelstra of Roy-A-Lea Farms Ltd. in Binbrook, a diverse family operation producing grains, hay, dairy, and beef. Heather leads the renowned Roy-A-Lea Clydesdales, breeding and marketing elite horses across North America. Drew, a graduate of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) and owner of Roy-A-Lea Seeds Ltd., currently serves as the president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA).

Pictured right: Heather and Drew Spolestra of Roy-A-Lea Farms Ltd., with their three daughters; Hadlea, Harper, and Kasey.

Breakfast on the Farm guest testimonial

"This was such a wonderful and affordable day for our family. Everyone had a great time. The kids loved the animals. Bring able to check out the different machinery and vehicles and they really loved going on the bus and getting free ice cream and apples. And it was educational. Great all around, no complaints!"

BOTF attendee

FFCO welcomes new members

FFCO welcomes the following new members:

Silver Member

• Kindred Credit Union

Supporter Members

• Dunchurch Agricultural Society
• Andrew Munro
• Metcalfe Agricultural Society
• North Lanark Agricultural Society (Almonte Fair)
• Zekveld's Garden Market

Individual Members

• Steve Veldman
• Kathy Wade Vlaar

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 ($1800+) can access free training and workshops

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