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Grain Farmers of Ontario is the province’s largest commodity organization,
representing Ontario’s 28,000 barley, corn, oat, soybean and wheat farmers.
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Ontario Grain Farmer Magazine

Grain Farmers of Ontario-Dupont Young Leader Program successful candidates chosen

GUELPH, ON (September 2, 2011) – Grain Farmers of Ontario has selected Dave Park and Christine Russell, from Lambton County, as the Canadian representatives for the 2012 American Soybean Association (ASA) and Dupont Young Leader Program.

This program offers an excellent opportunity to help train Ontario’s future farm leaders. Participants benefit from lessons in public speaking and exposure to other successful farm operations, while the greater agriculture sector will benefit from their personal enhancement.

Several applications were received, all were reviewed by committee and interviews were conducted with a short list of candidates. “We had a great group of applicants this year and were impressed to see such a keen interest from our younger members” says Barry Senft, CEO of Grain Farmers of Ontario. 

Dave and Christine farm near Sarnia with Dave’s father. They have approximately 10,500 acres of corn, soybeans, and wheat.  In addition to farming, they operate a seed business whereby they grow, process, package and store soybean seed. Avid innovators with an eye to the future, they have adopted robotics on their packaging line, creating a more ergonomic work environment, while increasing efficiencies and cutting down on labour costs. “They are ideal candidates for this program,” added Senft.

The 2012 class of Young Leaders will participate in a challenging and educational leadership experience beginning in November 2011 at the Pioneer headquarters in Johnston, Iowa, and then complete training in February 2012 in Nashville, Tennessee in conjunction with the annual Commodity Classic. 

Grain Farmers of Ontario

Grain Farmers of Ontario is the province’s largest commodity organization, representing Ontario’s 28,000 corn, soybean and wheat farmers. The crops they grow cover 6 million acres of farm land across the province, generate over $2.5 billion in farm gate receipts, result in over $9 billion in economic output and are responsible for over 40,000 jobs in the province.

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Grain Farmers of Ontario
Grain Farmers of Ontario is the province’s largest commodity organization, representing Ontario’s 28,000 barley, corn, oat, soybean, and wheat farmers. The crops they grow cover over 6 million acres of farm land across the province, generate over $4.1 billion in production value, result in over $27 billion in economic output and are responsible for over 90,000 jobs in the province.