2026 Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program Dream Gala Summer Event Unveiled

Jan 28, 2026

The Rural Ontario Institute (ROI) is pleased to announce this year’s Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) Dream Gala and Auction will be held on June 19, 2026, at The GrandWay Events Centre in Elora.

The AALP Dream Gala is a biennial event that brings together close to 300 Ontario agriculture leaders in support of ROI and AALP with an emphasis on the current class. This year, AALP Class 20 and Class 21 invite guests to experience “A Night at the Races.” The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will feature live and silent auctions, horse racing, and a variety of games. Auction items will be curated by past and present AALP Classes and will showcase a wide variety of distinctive experiences and unique items for bidding.

“The 2026 Dream Gala will be a night to celebrate and champion the future of Ontario agriculture,” says Tyler Denham, Chair of the 2026 AALP Dream Gala and Merchandising Manager at Snobelen Farms Ltd. “Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy the thrill of live racing, bid on auction items, and experience a night of FUN-draising all while supporting the emerging leaders of Class 21.”

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Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.