Gratitude for the local farm community highlights Brant County Federation of Agriculture’s 85th anniversary celebration
- 13 hours ago
- 3 min read
By Diane Baltaz
The 85th anniversary of the Brant County Federation of Agriculture provided an evening of community, conviviality with good food on March 7.
More than 230 farm families, sponsors, friends, politicians and agricultural industry representatives gathered for the sold-out BCFA banquet, held in Burford. The event centred on a catered buffet and multiple speeches which celebrated agriculture and community in Brant County.
BCFA director and evening emcee Angela Leach told the guests that the BCFA directorate compiled a list of its presidents over the past 85 years, including the current and past presidents present: Chris Stuart, Mark Eddy, Colton Oughtred, Sandra Vos, Chris Kyle, Steve Sickle, Larry Davis, Ruth Ann Charlton, Alan Kelley, Tom Pate, Willy Hilgendag and Bob Lock.
Ontario Federation of Agriculture president Drew Spoelstra of Binbrook lauded the BCFA for its continuous commitment to the agricultural industry, as well as for farmers across Ontario. He confirmed that the OFA remains committed to advocating for its 51 Federation of Agriculture affiliates, including Brant.
“There’s a lot going on in the world, a lot of things out of our control, but the OFA is certainly doing our best to stay on top of all the things that are affecting farmers across Ontario,” said Spoelstra. “We’ve been listening and hearing from our membership on everything that’s concerning them: from trade and tariffs to all the other issues that we’re facing. Our board and staff are working hard to advocate on your behalf at all levels of government.”
The county’s two MPs, Larry Brock and Dan Muys, MPP Will Bouma, and County of Brant Mayor David Bailey stated their support for the agricultural community. Four members of Brant County council were also present.
“We’re trying to keep the developers at bay. I know that it’s discouraging to see houses going up,” said Bailey, referring to the county’s urban sprawl during his talk. “We’re trying to hold back development to keep the county as rural as possible.”
The banquet’s apex was the recognition of the 2026 Brant Farm Award recipients, Jay and Sara McLellan and their family who operate JaySar Farms and J&S Grains in the former Onondaga Township. Past-presidents Eddy and Oughtred outlined the McLellans’ excellence in farm management, environmental stewardship, and community involvement, prior to presenting award to the couple and their son, Alex.
Another highlight entailed the presentation of two BCFA scholarships worth $1,500 each to two Brantford students who currently study at the University of Guelph.
The Open Award went to Hannah Coleman who is in her first year of pursuing a Bachelor of Science in chemistry, stated Chris Stuart, BCFA president who presented both scholarships. Coleman’s achievements included 4-H, completing over 30 clubs, playing piano and assisting on her family’s dairy farm with plans to teach some day.
The Agriculture Award went to Sofia Arva, now in her third year of pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce in food and agricultural business.
“She too has been heavily involved in our community with achievements in 4-H, competitive dance, and she served as a senior leader at the after school program for the County of Brant. Sofia also enjoys playing soccer and being involved in the OAC Agribusiness and Farm Management Club, the OAC Soil and Crop Club and recreational dance. She is pursuing a long-term career in the agri-food industry,” said Stuart.
While Coleman was unable to attend the event, her grandfather, Ward 5 County Councilor Brian Coleman accepted the award on her behalf.
The banquet ended with a silent auction of more than 30 donated items, with the funds raised to be split between the Canadian Foodgrains Bank and local food banks.
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