Local farmers are invited to a fun-filled social event featuring live drone technology, a complimentary barbecue, and regional representative elections
The Leeds County Federation of Agriculture (LCFA) and the Leeds Soil & Crop will host an educational and fun-filled day on September 2, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM at the Lombardy Fairgrounds. The community event combines a live Agricultural Drone Demonstration with a social barbecue and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) regional meeting to elect key local leaders.
The demonstration will feature real-time flights showing how advanced drones map fields, monitor crop health, and apply inputs with extreme precision. Following the technology showcase, the LCFA will convene the official OFA regional meeting. Members will vote to elect one Policy Advisory Council (PAC) member and three delegates to represent Leeds at the upcoming OFA Annual General Meeting (AGM) on November 24 and 25, 2026. Again, this year the AGM will also feature the dedicated Young Farmers Forum; to support the next generation of agriculture, the LCFA will sponsor one young farmer from Leeds County to attend. Members who are interested in attending the OFA AGM are asked to notify the LCFA ahead of time if possible.
"This event brings together the best of both worlds—cutting-edge tech that can improve farm margins today, and the vital democratic process that ensures our local voices are heard clearly at the provincial level this November."
In addition to the flights and crucial voting, this serves as a community social event where neighbors can reconnect over a complimentary barbecue lunch featuring hot dogs, hamburgers, and all the fixings. Children are welcome to attend this family-friendly day, and all guests are asked to bring a lawn chair for comfortable viewing. Industry experts will remain on-site to answer technical questions regarding drone regulations, soil software integration, and overall return on investment.
The event and lunch are free to attend for all local farmers and agricultural community members looking for a mix of high-tech education and rural hospitality. To ensure accurate food counts, attendees are asked to RSVP by August 26, 2026. To reserve your spot, please send an email to leedsfederation5@gmail.com or contact the LCFA office at 613-213-2130. You can just show up but you may need to share your burger.
About the Leeds County Federation of Agriculture:
The Leeds County Federation of Agriculture represents the voice of local farmers within Leeds County. Working in partnership with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, the LCFA champions sustainable practices, advocates for rural producers, and delivers innovative educational events to the local community.
Co-hosting with the Leeds County Soil and Crop Improvement Association (LCSCIA) is a great fit, as agricultural drones are heavily used for soil health mapping, precision fertilizing, and cover crop seeding.