By Brian Crews, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Ask any farmer about the future of agriculture, and chances are the conversation will quickly turn to the next generation.
Who will be farming our land, caring for our livestock, fixing our equipment, developing new technologies and leading our agricultural organizations in the years ahead?
Those are important questions, and they’re why supporting young people and helping them find their place in this critical industry matters so much.
I’m a farmer just north of Trenton and director with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, the largest farm organization in the province. For us, investing in the next generation has long been an important part of what we do.
One way we put that commitment into action is through our annual scholarship program, which is underway for 2026. OFA and its partners will be awarding a minimum of 11 scholarships worth $2,000 each. The number of scholarships identified within each category represents the minimum number of awards to be granted in that category.
The scholarships support students pursuing a wide range of educational and career pathways linked to agriculture. That includes three undergraduate scholarships, as well as awards for postgraduate studies, apprenticeships, veterinary medicine and veterinary technology, leadership development and, for the first time this year, sustainable energy.
New to the line up this year is a sustainable energy scholarship supported by Hydro One that will go to a student enrolled in agricultural engineering, electrical engineering, bioresource engineering, energy management, renewable energy or environmental sciences with a focus on sustainable energy in agriculture and land use.
It’s a welcome addition to a program that has continued to evolve alongside the changing needs of our sector. Last year, OFA introduced a scholarship for students studying veterinary medicine and veterinary technology, and we were pleased to have Dairy Farmers of Ontario, Beef Farmers of Ontario, Veal Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Sheep Farmers and EastGen join us in supporting scholarships for students in this field.
The shortage of veterinarians, particularly those who work with large animals, has long been a serious concern for farmers across Ontario, making it a priority for our organization’s advocacy efforts.
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