Santa’s Ag Wishlist

Monday, December 30, 2024

Farm Leaders Share Their Christmas Wishes

By Mary Loggan

As 2024 winds down, farmers across Ontario are taking stock of the year’s highs, lows, and everything in between. It’s that reflective, forward-focused time in the ag community – when challenges get reviewed and big dreams for 2025 start to take shape.

In a landscape that’s constantly evolving, Ontario’s agriculture scene is buzzing with fresh ambitions and big ideas. So, what’s on the ag community’s Christmas wish list for the new year? Better Farming caught up with farmers, industry leaders, and ag experts to find out what they hope for in 2025. From Christmas cheer to crop goals, their responses are as insightful as they are inspiring.

Rob Black, Senator, Ontario

“There is so much I wish for the ag industry in the coming year! From better government assistance while transitioning to carbon-friendly farming techniques, to recognition for past innovations, and more industry input in government policies and decisions!

“We know the ag industry does great work, but they deserve better recognition for all their hard work from coast to coast to coast.”

Rob Flack, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness

“I hope to see more Ontario-grown and produced agri-food products off store shelves and onto tables, counters, and kitchen cupboards in homes across our province.

“Ontario is home to almost 50,000 farms and over 54,000 food retailers, producers, and food service businesses who generate close to $51 billion in GDP while exporting $26.2 billion in agri-food products to consumers all over North America and the world. We have some of the world’s best meat, wine, cider, produce, and finished foods, from honey to jam to sauces.

“Our government will continue to work to promote these products, and our Grow Ontario Strategy aims to increase the amount of food produced and consumed in Ontario by 30 per cent by 2032.”

Mark Hamel, Chair, Dairy Farmers of Ontario

“If there is anything Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) could wish for in our industry, it would be to maximize dairy’s contribution to all Ontarians, and for dairy processing to increase to allow the growing demand of milk and dairy products to be filled. This would help Canadian consumers enjoy all their favourite dairy products and make way for new and innovative ones.

“DFO proudly promotes the nutritious value that milk and dairy products provide consumers, and our marketing efforts are laser-focused on increasing consumption in the province. When we look at our industry, there is high potential for the current dairy market’s many components to create more value in the economy. DFO supports that circular economy to ensure all facets of dairy are leveraged and contributing to the province’s overall GDP.

“DFO also hopes the 3,200-plus dairy farms continue to build a sustainable business for future generations. On the other side, we hope to see more opportunities for new entrants to become dairy farmers.”

Scott Helps, Chair, Egg Farmers of Ontario

“Ontario’s agriculture sector is important – we provide food security for Ontarians and are a significant driver for Ontario’s economy.

“As such, our Christmas wish is continued collaboration across all industry stakeholders to ensure continuous improvement and innovation across our sector. This is essential to ensure we can provide high-quality, safe, and affordable eggs for Ontario consumers from our family farms.”

Cathy Lennon, General Manager, Ontario Federation of Agriculture

“As we look ahead to 2025, I have three wishes for Ontario agriculture.

“First, that every farmer and farm worker enjoys good health and safe conditions while working to raise the food, fuel, fibre, and flowers that feed and support not only Ontario but also Canada and the world. Farming is a physically demanding profession and can be dangerous.

“I hope to see continued improvements in resources and tools that protect farmers in the fields, barns, and on the road, ensuring they can continue their important work without risking their health or safety.

“My second wish is that we continue to break down the barriers and stigma surrounding mental health and wellness in the agricultural sector. Farming can be an isolating and stressful occupation, with unpredictable challenges like weather, market pressures, and long hours.

“In 2025, I hope that mental health support will be readily available, accessible, and normalized for all those working in this sector. By fostering a culture where asking for help is seen as a strength, we can ensure that farmers feel supported in both their personal and professional lives, making it easier for them to reach out when needed.

“And lastly – of course, I wish for good weather and favourable market conditions. Agriculture is deeply tied to environmental and economic factors, and I hope that the coming year brings balanced rainfall, ideal growing conditions, and strong, fair markets.

“May 2025 be a year of stability, growth, and success for all those in Ontario’s agricultural community.”

Craig McLaughlin, President, Beef Farmers of Ontario

“Aside from no frozen water bowls, my holiday wish for Ontario’s beef farmers is for a profitable year with continued strong cattle prices for both our cow-calf producers and feedlots in the province, as well as strong demand for Ontario beef both here at home and in countries around the world.

“One issue the entire Canadian beef sector would like to see resolved is the harmonization of specified risk material (SRM) practices with the United States, an issue that has been a deterrent for our sector since post-BSE.

“Of course, my list wouldn’t be complete without adding our wish for increased investment into Ontario’s Risk Management Program. This program provides many benefits to not only farmers but the entire agri-food sector and our economy.”

Tara Terpstra, Chair, Ontario Pork

“My Christmas wish for the ag industry would be for all sectors to remain resilient and run efficient and competitive family operations. Ontario pork producers have great ideas, foster innovation, and bring energy to their operations and the next generation of farmers.

“Producers are as demanding as anywhere else in the world and have the foundation to be global leaders in their respective sectors. I pay tribute to their hard work, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to feeding the world, and I wish them every success.”

Dr. Wade Wright, President, College of Veterinarians of Ontario

“As a veterinarian, my first instinct is to wish for healthy animals for those in the agriculture industry.

“That can be supported by access to veterinary teams to support livestock production and animal health across Ontario.

“The college recognizes the challenges in accessing veterinary care, particularly in the rural and remote communities.

“I have welcomed opportunities to connect with food animal veterinary teams, agriculture industry leaders and producers to learn about their challenges and identify potential solutions. I look forward to continuing these conversations in the future; best wishes for the coming year!” BF