After another tumultuous year in global geopolitics, leadership with the Grain Farmers of Ontario painted a picture of an industry still very much concerned about the near future, but one that has also experienced a few key wins in the past 12 months.

If failing seven out of 10 times is enough to punch a baseball player’s ticket to the hall of fame in Cooperstown, a mistaken weather forecast here or there can be forgiven.

The most important place for a horticultural farmer to spend their time is in the fields and orchards. But a close second might be the annual Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention.

The tables are adorned with green table cloths, the stage is lined with awards and trophies. The Community Hall of the West Niagara Agricultural Society is ready for the annual Niagara 4-H awards night. Members of the Lincoln Dairy Club are the hosts, while MCs Simon Heeringa and Janna Furry will welcome guests, sponsors and members to the podium.

The connection between California and Niagara that most people traditionally make is through their respective wine industries. But if a project being organized by a Niagara-on-the-Lake group gets the funding and support it needs, the two regions could share another similarity.

The holidays bring with it many traditions. Some remain constant over the years, others get tweaked and evolve, and still more sometimes crop up out of nowhere. But for Diana Tracey, while the traditions may be great, Christmas means one thing above all.