The Ontario Federation of Agriculture acclaimed Drew Spoelstra to a third term as president.
In line with “Strength in Unity,” the OFA’s annual general meeting theme, Sara Wood and Ethan Wallace return for a second year as Vice-Presidents, and Paul Maurice was re-elected as the Executive Member.
Why it matters: The OFA election results continue to build stability, representation, and a collaborative approach to address the pressing challenges facing the Ontario agricultural sector.
“Over the course of the past year, we’ve seen a huge emphasis on taking a team approach to achieve the best results – from buy Canadian promotions to political leaders working together to tackle issues like tariffs and interprovincial trade barriers and more,” said Spoelstra, in a release. “The work at OFA is also a team approach, from county federations to partners across the sector and beyond, and I appreciate the opportunity to serve as the OFA’s president for another year.”
Spoelstra spent 12 years with the organization, starting as a director overseeing Halton, Hamilton/Wentworth, and Niagara, before becoming vice-president and, in 2023, being elected president.
He and his family operate a mixed farm in Binbrook, including dairy, beef, cash crops, and horses. The Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) graduate also manages a Pride Seeds dealership.
Wood, a Director-at-Large and AALP alumnus, is a fourth-generation farmer from Perth County and a University of Guelph graduate. Wallace farms outside Seaforth and represents farmers from Huron and Perth Counties, while Maurice, who farms with his family near Penetanguishene, represents Peel, Simcoe, and York.
Strathroy livestock and crop farmer Maaike Campbell joined the board as the Zone 6 – Lambton and Middlesex director earlier this fall after Crispin Colvin retired following nine years of board service.
Marnie Wood, a second-generation farmer from Cannington, took on the Zone 10—Durham, Peterborough, and Kawartha Lakes/Haliburton director role following Steve Brackenridge’s retirement after nine years on the board. Dashwood’s Teresa Van Raay is re-elected for a third three-year term as Director-At-Large, and Angela Field from Renfrew was elected to serve a one-year term as Director-At-Large.
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