Haldimand Federation of Agriculture celebrates 85 years

by Rachel Vaarkamp

August 21, 2025

CALEDONIA—On Wednesday, August 13, 2025, the Haldimand Federation of Agriculture (HFA) proudly marked its 85th anniversary with an evening of fellowship, food, and reflection on the strength of the local farming community. 

CALEDONIA—The Haldimand Federation of Agriculture’s current directors are (back row, l-r) Hayden Fox, Robert Cruickshank, Colin Schaeffer, Jeremiah Huitema, Henk Lise, Cody Snyder, Taylor Murray, (front row, l-r) Ron Young, Charlotte Huitema, Wayne Downie, Nick Huitema and Bruce Armstrong. Absent: Jamie Heaslip, Rick Armstrong, Dave Link, and Dan Court.

The celebration, hosted at the Caledonia Riverside Exhibition Centre, brought together members, partners, and supporters to recognize the federation’s long-standing role in advocating for and supporting agriculture in Haldimand County.

Greetings were shared by several special guests, including OFA President Drew Spoelstra, Haldimand-Norfolk MP Leslyn Lewis, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady, and Haldimand County Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley, each recognizing the dedication of local farmers and the importance of agriculture. 

The evening also celebrated the future of agriculture, with the HFA Frank Sommer Memorial Scholarship being presented to Jenessa Lise, who will be attending Lakeland College in Vermillion, AB for Livestock Science, and Matthew Petheram, who will be attending University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus for the Associate Diploma in Agriculture.

  • ong-time HFA member Nick Huitema and his daughter Charlotte, the current secretary.
  • Current HFA director Wayne Downie, past HFA president Wayne Nyomtato and past Ontario Federation of Agriculture member service representative Janet Lisckai.
  • Matthew Petherman was presented with the HFA Frank Sommer Memorial Scholarship.
  • HFA Frank Sommer Memorial Scholarship winner Jenessa Lise and HFA secretary Charlotte Huitema.
  • Members Bruce Armstrong and Colin Schaeffer at the celebration. —Haldimand Press photos by Rachel Vaarkamp.

Guests heard from Kim Glenney, who gave a practical presentation on grain entrapment and farm safety. Her talk emphasized the importance of awareness, preparedness, and preventative measures to protect lives on the farm.

The evening was a meaningful celebration of the past 85 years, while also looking forward to the continued growth, resilience, and innovation of Haldimand’s farm community. 

The HFA wished to thank all those who donated door prizes for this event, and all of the sponsors who helped make this event happen.