29 The Business of Ontario Agriculture Better Farming | December 2024 Learn more at ontariofarmlandtrust.ca Mark your calendar for the Farmland Forum! Thursday, March 20, 2025 Elora, ON & Online Sponsorship inquiries welcome! Contact us at: info@ontariofarmlandtrust.ca Working Together to Protect Ontario Farmland Farmland is one of Ontario’s most vital resources, yet it's under severe threat. At the Ontario Farmland Trust, we’re committed to protecting the land that feeds us, ensuring resilient and thriving communities for generations to come. Join us in safeguarding Ontario's farmland. Reach out today to learn how your support can help accelerate our mission. Carson Wagner was elected the 81st president of the Junior Farmers’ Association of Ontario (JFAO) in March. As he heads into the final months in his current role, the sixth-generation farmer says he’s been proud to have taken on the leadership role and help grow and promote the agricultural industry. In fact, growth and diversity were key goals last spring when he was elected. Where it started Growing up on a farm, Carson graduated from Ridgetown College in 2015 with an Associate Diploma in Agriculture. He and his parents operate a 55 dairy-cow herd in New Hamburg. They also crop 170 acres of beans, corn, hay, and rye. Carson plays an active role in farm maintenance and decision-making when managing the farm. “My dad and I split the decision- making and work as a team,” he says. It’s a skill he says he acquired through participating in JFAO. “Being part of the association has greatly impacted my role on the farm. I have developed skills I wouldn’t have gained otherwise, especially when it comes to time management. “I learned a lot about leadership and getting out of my comfort zone by taking on different roles. “I don’t think I would be as confident in my leadership today if I hadn’t been involved with the association.” The 29-year-old hopes to eventually take over the farm from his parents and keep it running for generations to come. Carson also points out that his parents are JFAO alumni, so joining felt like a natural decision. “It’s great to see the lifelong connections made through the association. My parents still get together once or twice a year with friends they met through JFAO. There’s always a large group of them – so it is interesting to see how those friendships have lasted over the years.” Active roles Before becoming president, Carson also participated in other leadership roles within JFAO. In his second year of membership, he became president of his local (Oxford) Junior Farmers’ Club and was treasurer for five years afterward. “These roles gave me more confidence, pushing me to take on bigger responsibilities. “From there, I became a member of the executive committee, which eventually led to my decision to run for president,” he says. “My official duties as president are to attend meetings with our executive, try to make it out for other club meetings, and attend provincial events. “I have also had the opportunity to get to know people at the OFA quite well. I was previously the OFA reprePROFILE: CARSON WAGNER
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