Wrapping up another year at the Ontario Farmland Trust

Nov 28, 2023

As the year draws to a close, the barns have been stocked with hay, and the quiet winter months are upon us. Yet the tranquil, snow-blanketed fields are still full of life as creatures find their homes in the healthy soil of Ontario’s farmland.

As we wrap up another year in Ontario, we at the Ontario Farmland Trust (OFT) are reminded of the resilience and persistent vitality of our province’s farmland—much like our unwavering commitment to its protection.

Bringing About Change

This year, the power of collective action was unmistakably clear. Together, we witnessed the strength of our community as we joined forces to defend the Greenbelt, a testament to what we can accomplish with shared resolve. OFT emerged as a guiding force, as we were sought after for our expertise in safeguarding these precious lands. Our message for farmland protection was picked up by over 100 news outlets, and OFT spoke at Queen’s Park and at the announcement of the Rouge Urban National Park study (Note: video starts at 44:05). We also partnered countless times with a variety of organizations to bring awareness to the concerns over farmland loss in the province.

Source : Ontario Farmland Trust

Video: Jim Smalley: The Voice That Defined Saskatchewan Agriculture Journalism | CKRM 100th Anniversary

Our next 620 CKRM Icon is Jim Smalley. Jim reflects on his remarkable career, from his early days in Ontario and his first steps into news, to his move west and his lasting impact on Saskatchewan’s airwaves.

After joining CKRM in 1982, Jim spent more than four decades as one of the province’s most trusted and recognizable voices. Jim defined agricultural journalism — not just in Saskatchewan, but across Canada. His commitment to telling the stories of farmers, rural communities, and the people behind the headlines set the standard. Now retired from the newsroom that proudly bears his name, Jim shares memorable stories from his time on air. A broadcaster, a storyteller, and a true voice of Saskatchewan — Jim Smalley’s legacy continues to resonate at CKRM and beyond.