With roots deep in agriculture, Haldimand has been home to a wide range of farms, from livestock to crops, for generations of families. While each farm has its own interests and concerns, for the last 85 years, the Haldimand Federation of Agriculture (HFA) has represented and advocated for all, with the men and women of the board coming together as “Farmers Working for Farmers”.
Earlier this summer, former HFA board members shared their experiences working with and for farmers in Haldimand. Some issues, such as gas wells, only affected certain farms, while other issues, such as possible hospital closures, were a concern for all residents. Participation in rallies at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill helped raise awareness of issues impacting farmers across the province and country with higher levels of government.
HFA has also supported the future of agriculture through scholarships promoting the education of young farmers. Support of Agstravaganza, which is held each September at the Caledonia Fairgrounds, promotes the education of future consumers and their families.
Agstravaganza is for Haldimand students in Grades 4 and 5 to raise awareness of agriculture and food production. Former HFA board member Marlene Phibbs, who chaired the Education Committee, says, “If a child gets interested in agriculture, the parents will get interested.”
Current issues the HFA board is concerned with include the development of farmland for residential use (urban sprawl), road safety for farm machinery, and navigating government regulations and policies that are complex and frequently changing.
Helping to guide the response to these and other issues are HFA President Wayne Downie and Vice-President Cody Snyder. Downie has been on the board for nine years and is in his second year as president. He considers the HFA to be the voice of agriculture to government at both the local and provincial levels.
Downie shares, “I have benefitted from the HFA by understanding the current issues in our county and what we can do to help solve the concerns our farmers have … (by) being available to listen to their concerns about issues that affect them and to educate the public about where their food comes from.”
Snyder is in his third year on the board and represents HFA on the Haldimand Agriculture Advisory Committee. He is also a District Committee Representative in District 2 for the Turkey Farmers of Ontario. He views HFA as “a conduit between the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) and local members, providing awareness of the broader agricultural community while relaying our local impacts.”
“I have been fortunate to connect with many farmers across Haldimand, Ontario, and Canada,” Snyder continues. “This networking … has helped to broaden my perspective beyond my family farming business…. I have learned a great deal about the impact of agriculture on the county and how we need to collaborate with Haldimand County to achieve common objectives.”
Collaboration is central to the work of HFA as it represents members in the community, supports local organizations and programs, and advocates on behalf of farmers. Along with Downie and Snyder, the HFA board includes: Bruce Armstrong (Treasurer), Henk Lise (Past President), Charlotte Huitema (Administrator), and Directors Rick Armstrong, Dan Court, Robert Cruickshank, Hayden Fox, Jamie Heaslip, Jeremiah Huitema, Nick Huitema, Dave Link, Taylor Murray, Colin Schaeffer, and Ron Young.
Snyder encourages people to reach out to the HFA board with questions, join them at an event, or consider joining the board.
“Make your voice a part of this representation,” he states. “Our strength and ability to represent Haldimand is based on the diversity of our board members sitting around the table.”
