Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

AALP Class 16 Plunges into Conflict Resolution at Seminar 7

The seventh seminar stop on the AALP Class 16 leadership journey took place from January 15 to 17th 2017 at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Niagara Falls. Located on the bustling Fallsview Avenue, the hotel overlooked the breathtaking Canadian and American Falls, and provided a great setting for the full seminar agenda.


Julie Westeinde, from Breakthrough Learning Associates in Ottawa, led the group of twenty-six participants through an all-day workshop on conflict resolution that included role plays, group discussions, individual reflection, and the implementation of a new communication model entitled “OFNR.” This acronym “OFNR” stands for Observation, Feeling, Need, and Request, and uses four steps to calmly navigate a breakdown in communication between two parties. By sharing thoughts through factual “observations,” then declaring “feelings” whether good or bad, followed by articulating what you “need” from the other person, and then delivering a clear and concise “request,” these four steps can effectively diffuse conflict.


AALP Class 16 also had the opportunity to “tiptoe through the tulips” at the large family-owned floral greenhouse operation – Pioneer Flower Farms Limited – in Jordan, Ontario, to see budding varieties of tulips, lilies, and other flower varieties being grown, packaged, and shipped to retail stores all over North America. This family business started in 1971 and has grown to employ over 100 local and off-shore workers.


This seminar marked the conclusion of the year-long independent group study Issues Analysis Projects with formal presentations to the industry stakeholders, who submitted request for proposals for consulting work fifteen months ago. The presentations were a huge success and the six consulting teams shared the main highlights from their projects, as well as their key learnings from working with a unique group of people over the course of the year. Thank you once again to everyone involved in the AALP Issues Analysis Projects for Class 16.


The seminar also included a number of orientation sessions geared at preparing the group for the upcoming International Study Tour. Stay tuned for the upcoming blog posts on the Rural Ontario Institute website beginning February 14th 2017 as AALP Class 16 departs for their tour of the scenic and historically rich countries of Vietnam and Thailand.

Views: 172

Comment

You need to be a member of Ontario Agriculture to add comments!

Join Ontario Agriculture

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Maizex Seeds is Making a Bold Move into Canola with a 2026 Hybrid Launch

In a move that signals its growing ambitions in Western Canada, Maizex Seeds has announced the launch of its first canola hybrids under the Maizex brand, starting with the 2026 growing season. The Canadian farmer-owned seed brand, already known for its strong presence in seed corn, is aiming to bring that same level of performance and service to hybrid canola. “Maizex has a history of product performance and outstanding customer service in crops that include seed corn,” says Blake Ashton, general manager for Maizex Seeds. “We have grown our presence across the country by first and foremost meeting the yield and agronomic needs of our customers. Our goal is to do the same in hybrid canola, where Maizex offers a new option for performance on the farm starting with the 2026 growing season.” Ashton confirms that the company will leverage its existing dealer network to roll out the new hybrids, while also looking to expand into regions not currently served. “We are very excited about th

A New Option for Canola Performance: Maizex Seeds Entering Hybrid Canola Seed Market in Western Canada

Maizex Seeds, a Canadian farmer-owned national seed brand focused on the needs of Canadian farmers, has announced the launch of Maizexbrand canola hybrids for farmers across Western Canada. “Maizex has a history of product performance and outstanding customer service in crops that include seed corn,” notes Blake Ashton, General Manager with Maizex Seeds. “We have grown our presence across the country by first and foremost meeting the yield and agronomic needs of our customers. Our goal is to do the same in hybrid canola, where Maizex offers a new option for performance on the farm starting with the 2026 growing season.” Ashton notes that Maizex will be working with their current dealer network to position Maizex canola hybrids and will also be looking to add dealers in areas not serviced by the company today. “We are very excited about the potential our initial hybrid offering provides farmers,”notes Jeremy Visser, Oilseed Product Manager with Maizex Seeds. “They combine outstanding

Canadian Pork Council rejoins Canadian Federation of Agriculture

The Canadian Pork Council rejoined the CFA after more than 10 years

Confusion, Questions Largely Settled with Claas Announcement for N.D.

Confusion, Questions Largely Settled with Claas Announcement for N.D.

Woods CRW and Merlo Announce Northeast Strategic Dealer Partnership

Merlo America has announced its newest partnership with Woods CRW, officially welcoming the dealership into its growing U.S. network.

© 2025   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service