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Guest column: Why this election matters for farmers, rural communities

Ontarians are in the midst of their second election campaign of 2025, and like all elections, it’s a perfect opportunity to shine a spotlight on the importance of agriculture to our communities, our economy and our country.

In Ontario alone, the agri-food sector contributes over $50 billion to the economy every year — to put that into every day terms, that’s enough to buy 10 billion cups of Tim Hortons coffee.

The sector also employs 11 per cent of Ontario’s workforce by supporting 871,000 jobs and generates $26.2 billion in exports every year.

That’s why food and farming matter — and why, as farmers, we work hard to get that message across to politicians of all parties, both federally and provincially.

I farm with my family near Binbrook in the City of Hamilton growing crops, raising horses and producing high-quality milk and beef.

It’s already been a busy year with the ongoing turmoil of tariffs and cross-border issues with the U.S., but that’s exactly why it’s important to be engaged in this campaign.

This is a pivotal time for Canada and for agriculture, and that’s why the OFA is urging federal election candidates to take clear and decisive stances on critical issues affecting farm businesses, economic competitiveness and food security.

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Trending Video

Turning Better Feed Into Better Herds: Innovation in Forage Harvesting

Video: Turning Better Feed Into Better Herds: Innovation in Forage Harvesting


What happens when a dairy farmer gets frustrated with equipment that isn’t doing its job? In this episode, we sit down with Horning Manufacturing founder Leon Horning to hear how a problem in the feed bunk led to a globally recognized forage equipment company.

Born out of a third-generation dairy operation in Pennsylvania, Horning Manufacturing started with one goal: helping cows get more nutrition from silage. Leon shares how his father, Leon Sr., built the first kernel processor rolls in the family farm shop after seeing whole corn kernels pass through cows undigested — costing valuable feed efficiency and milk production.

We explore the company’s journey from a side project on the farm to an international manufacturer serving dairy farmers, beef operators, and custom harvesters around the world. Along the way, Leon discusses the evolution of pull-type forage harvesters, the engineering behind Horning’s “plug-and-play” kernel processor kits, and why reducing downtime during harvest can make or break a season.

The conversation also dives into Horning’s row-independent corn heads, practical equipment design, real-world customer stories, and how innovations born in the field continue to shape the company today.

Whether you’re a producer, equipment enthusiast, or simply love stories of grassroots innovation, this episode offers a fascinating look at how one farm family turned necessity into industry-changing technology.

Contact Horning Manufacturing today at 717-354-5040
https://www.horningmfg.com/