Environmental- and soil-health-based initiatives (like EFAO’s Small Grains Program) are always encouraging farmers to diversify their corn-soy rotations with small grains like wheat, oats, barley and rye. However, many farmers report back that the hardest part of incorporating these grains isn’t growing them – it’s selling them at a profit. We hear that feedback and are investigating some longer-term solutions in the small grains space.

In the meantime, it’s important that growers equip themselves with as much information as possible to market their grain. This event will give a high-level overview about the existing opportunities for Ontario grain growers, and where they can look to get the best return on their effort. Hear from two industry experts, ask questions, and prepare yourself for the season ahead!

This session is supported by EFAO’s Small Grains Program, a project funded by the Weston Family Foundation’s Soil Health Initiative.

Speakers:

Dana Dickerson is Director of Market Development and Sustainability at Grain Farmers of Ontario. She works to build and protect markets for Ontario‑grown grains, both at home and around the world. Working on behalf of 28,000 farmers who grow barley, corn, oats, wheat, and soybeans, Dana focuses on creating new demand and strengthening existing markets across food, feed, fuel, beverage, and bioproduct sectors. She works closely with farmers, processors and government to encourage value‑added processing in Ontario, grow grain exports, and support farmer sustainability.

Coming from a dairy and beef background in Northumberland county, Steve Duff completed a Masters in Ag Economics from the University of Guelph in 1996 focusing on trade liberalization in dairy between the US and Canada. After a year as policy researcher for the Ontario Milk Marketing Board, Steve joined OMAFRA in late 1997. For close to 20 years, Steve was OMAFA’s lead on business risk management programs. Steve is currently OMAFRA’s Chief Economist. Steve is an adjunct professor of agricultural economics at the University of Guelph. Steve and his wife Robyn operate a beef and cash crop operation.