31 It’s Farming. And It’s Better. Better Farming | January 2024 FIELD TRIP Ontario’s farmers have placed in me and of being chosen by my peers to lead this organization.” Binbrook’s Drew Spoelstra was elected president at the AGM. Spoelstra, a crop and dairy farmer, was formerly the vice president of the organisation and has been on the OFA board representing Halton, Hamilton/Wentworth, and Niagara since 2013. He is a Pride Seeds dealer and frequent volunteer for agricultural causes. “I’m honoured to serve Ontario farmers as the president of the OFA,” Spoelstra said in a release. “Agriculture, as one of the largest sectors in the provincial economy, plays a key role in issues that matter to all Ontarians, from food security and climate change to housing and healthcare, making it critical that our voice is heard by decision-makers.” Sara Wood (Perth County) and Paul Vickers (Meaford) join Spoelstra on the OFA executive as vice-presidents, while Ethan Wallace (Seaforth) was elected as an executive member. Other directors include Brian Crews, elected in Zone 12 to represent farmers in Hastings, Lennox & Addington, Northumberland, and Prince Edward; Clint Cameron in Zone 11, representing Dundas, Frontenac, Grenville, and Leeds; and Andrea McCoy-Naperstkow in Zone 8, representing Arnprior, Lanark, Ottawa and Renfrew. Elgin County’s Angela Cammaert was elected to the board as a new director-at-large. “We welcome all new directors to the OFA board and look forward to working with you. “We’d also like to thank the candidates who let their names stand for a director position this year, and to all of our members who took the time to vote and participate in the democratic process of electing the leaders of our organization. “We appreciate the high level of engagement and interest in the future of the OFA,” Spoelstra said. BF John Gillespie from Bruce County speaks to a resolution while other delegates wait their turn.
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