Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

AALP Class 17 begins their leadership journey

A group of 18 agricultural professionals began their leadership journey as part of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) with a three-and-a-half day session in Guelph, Ontario.

The diverse group of leaders-in-training, which includes primary producers as well as those in the banking and insurance industries, regulatory affairs, communications and outreach, among other areas, began their leadership journey with some perspective from previous AALP class members, and a crash course on proper business etiquette with Jodie Beach from The Etiquette Advantage.

On the second day of the session the AALP participants began a two-day workshop on effective leadership and change. The session was led by Gavin Robinson of Robinson Leadership who introduced the class to the concept of GridWorks. This approach to effective change helps to embed mutual trust, respect and candor into an organizational culture.

That evening the AALP participants took part in a Class 17 Opening Banquet, which drew some 50 program alumni, sponsors and supporters to welcome the new class members. Taking the stage as the keynote speaker for the evening was author and performance coach Alan Mallory, who spoke about his journey to the top of Mount Everest with his family. His story highlighted the critical importance of planning, ongoing evaluation and communication, all of which are the difference between failure and success - and in his case, life and death.

On the final day of the session, AALP Class 17 members had the opportunity to visit the Biodiversity Institute of Ontario, housed at the University of Guelph. They learned about the International Barcode of Life project from Dr. Rob Young. This initiative is the largest biodiversity genomics initiative ever undertaken and the students learned about its potential applications in agriculture.

Finally, the students visited Woodrill Farms where owner AALP Alumnus Greg Hannam toured the class through his impressive, multi-faceted operation, which includes a grain elevator, a seed growing operation and a crop input supply business. Greg spoke to the power of innovation in driving his business – and the agriculture industry writ large – forward.

Over the next 19 months, AALP participants will learn about leadership and organizational development theories and practices, government and political processes, economics, trade policy, global affairs, sector and industry related issues in Ontario and globally through North American and international study travel components.

To follow Class 17’s journey, connect on Twitter at @AALPClass or #AALP17.

AALP is delivered by the Rural Ontario Institute (ROI). Established in 1984, the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) has graduated almost 450 leaders who are making a positive difference across Ontario and beyond. For more information visit www.ruralontarioinstitute.ca/aalp.

-30-

For more information, contact: Rob Black Chief Executive Officer Rural Ontario Institute (519) 826-4204 (Ext. 222), rblack@ruralontarioinstitute.ca

Views: 203

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

Alberta Milk launches “Farm to Table” campaign to celebrate local dairy and the people behind it

Alberta Milk is proud to announce the launch of its latest campaign, Farm to Table: a celebration of Alberta’s local food culture and the hardworking dairy farmers who help nourish our province. Amidst a global backdrop of economic uncertainty and shifting trade priorities, Albertans are more focused than ever on supporting local. Farm to Table was created in response to this growing pride in locally produced food, and the people behind it. At the heart of the campaign is a short film following Alberta dairy farmer Jason Crozier and Blair Lebsack, Chef and owner of Edmonton-based restaurant RGE RD. Together, they explore the journey from farm to table, touring Crozier’s farm and connecting over their shared commitment to high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. As they explore the farm , they also enjoy a variety of dishes featuring homegrown ingredients including, of course, local dairy. The spot highlights the pride, care, and community that go into every glass of milk produced i

Major Crop Emergence Ahead of Average in Alberta but Dryness Increasing

With seeding finishing ahead of the average pace, major crop emergence in Alberta is also running ahead despite eroding soil moisture. Friday’s weekly crop report showed that 95% of all major crops had emerged across the province as of Tuesday (spring wheat, oats, barley, canola, peas). That is well ahead of the five-year average of 84% and the 10-year average of 86%. Provincial dry pea emergence and spring wheat emergence are virtually complete compared to a five-year average of 92% and 90%, respectively. Barley emergence, at 96%, is nearing completion, ahead of the 5-year average of 84%. For later seeded crops, canola emergence is at 89%, which leads the 5-year average of 78%, while oat crop emergence is at 85%, ahead of the 5-year average of 71%. Rapid emergence of the 2025 crop has been followed by advanced development of the crop as well. However, the report said that despite the favourable emergence rates and crop development progress, limited soil moisture “is not suppo

OPMA Appoints New Board Chair and New Directors at Annual General Meeting 2025

Toronto, ON - The Ontario Produce Marketing Association (OPMA) announced the appointment of its new Board Chair and two new Directors at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on June 10, 2024 in Toronto. The newly elected Board Chair will serve a one-year term as Chair and the new Directors will each serve threeyear terms from 2025 to 2028.

Emergency use of Allegro 500F registered for field

The Pest Management Regulatory Agency has just approved the Emergency Use registration request for use of Allegro 500F fungicide, effective June 2, 2025, to June 1, 2026, in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta,Québec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador.

SPG Lowers Pulse Crop Levy Rate

Saskatchewan Pulse Growers will reduce the crop levy rate from 0.67% to 0.60% starting August 1, 2025, helping growers save more amid stable revenue and strong markets.

© 2025   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service