Haldimand Federation of Agriculture

23/10/2026

Haldimand Federation of Agriculture – 2026 Regional AGM!

The Haldimand Federation of Agriculture hosted its Regional Annual General Meeting this week at Beishlag Farms. A big thank you to Matt Beishlag and his family for welcoming us to their farm and providing a wonderful location for our meeting!

Dolly’s food truck served us with some amazing food to start the evening!

We began the evening with guest speakers, starting with Matt Beishlag sharing his family’s history in farming. David Marshall and Regan Robinson from Marshall Law followed with an informative presentation on farm trespassing, and OFA Director Larry Davis provided an update on the Ontario Federation of Agriculture.

Following the presentations, our Membership Service Rep lead our elections, for the 2026–2027 term.

2026–2027 Executive:

* President: Cody Snyder
* 1st Vice President: Adam Young
* 2nd Vice President: Charlotte Huitema
* Past President (acclaimed): Wayne Downie
* Treasurer: Bruce Armstrong
* Administrator: Danielle Vrekalic

Congratulations to our incoming executive and board, and welcome Danielle as our new administrator!

A special thank you to Charlotte Huitema for her six years of dedicated work with the Haldimand Federation of Agriculture. Your hard work, passion, and administrative skills have made a lasting impact on our organization, and your contributions will not be forgotten.

2026–2027 Board Members:

-Nick Huitema
-Hayden Fox
-Ron Young
-Dan Court
-Colin Schaeffer
-Heather McArthur
-Robert Cruickshank
-Bruce Armstrong

We would also like to thank Dave Link and Henk Lise for their years of service on the HFA board. Your time, dedication, and contributions to our farming community are greatly appreciated.

Thank you Don Elfner for looking after our sound for the evening.

Thank you to everyone who attended our meeting, and continues to support the Haldimand Federation of Agriculture. We look forward to the coming year.

Marshall Law Group PC
Beischlag Farms Inc
Haldimand Federation of Agriculture
Ontario Federation of Agriculture

19/10/2026

Harvest Road Safety:

According to federal government data, slow moving vehicles are 3.8 to 4.8 times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision per kilometre on the road than other motor vehicles. OPP statistics show that farm slow moving vehicle injuries and fatalities are mostly related to rollovers and these generally occur while entering, exiting, or crossing roadways, veering off the shoulder and accidents involving a passenger vehicle.

Passenger vehicles incorrectly passing farm equipment can result in serious accidents or death, with statistics showing that eight out of 10 accidents occur during the day and seven out of 10 occur on dry road conditions.

Have a watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3w-qnOQ24o

Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Haldimand Federation of Agriculture

18/10/2026

🗳️ Municipal elections are October 26.

Municipal decisions can have a direct impact on farmland, rural infrastructure, planning and local agriculture. Before you vote, attend an all-candidates meeting, connect with local candidates and ask:

🌱 How will you protect prime farmland?
🚜 How will you support rural infrastructure?
🏘️ How will agriculture be considered in planning decisions?
🥕 How will you strengthen local food and agri-business?

These questions are adapted from OFA's 2026 Municipal Election Kit, which includes additional candidate engagement tips and resources to help farm and agricultural resident voters make their priorities heard.

Learn more and access OFA's municipal election resources: ofa.on.ca/stronger-communities-start-at-the-ballot-box

15/10/2026

TOMORROW is the last day to RSVP if you are attending!
Please email:
[email protected] to reserve your spot!
Great line up of speakers to look forward to!

Marshall Law Group PC
Ontario Federation of Agriculture

08/10/2026

The Haldimand Press put on a wonderful Mayoral Debate last night, and the Haldimand Federation of Agriculture was honoured to sponsor and be a part of the evening.

It was a great opportunity for members of our community to come together, hear from the mayoral candidates, and learn more about the issues and priorities facing Haldimand County.

Thank you to The Haldimand Press for organizing and hosting such an important community event, and to everyone who attended and took the time to participate.

We are proud to support opportunities that encourage informed and engaged communities in Haldimand County.

Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley
Jake Vandendool
Andy Griffin
Jesse Little
Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Haldimand Federation of Agriculture

07/10/2026

Tonight is the night!
Hope to see you out for the Mayoral Debate/Meet & Greet.
Details below:

07/10/2026

05/10/2026

What do you want to know from your mayoral candidates? Let us know below or email [email protected].

Submitted questions will be considered for The Haldimand Press' upcoming Mayoral Debate on Wednesday, October 7 at the Riverside Exhibition Centre, upstairs in the Mutual Room.

The Mayoral Debate kicks off at 7 p.m. for both in-person attendees and virtually on The Haldimand Press Facebook and YouTube pages. All four mayoral candidates are expected, with moderator Connie Smith asking them your questions.

Before the debate kicks off, in-person attendees are welcome to chat directly with candidates during a Meet & Greet beginning at 6 p.m. All candidates on the ballot have been invited to participate. Pre-submitted ward and school board candidate statements will be live-streamed online as well.

This event is in partnership with Windecker Road Films and sponsored by Caledonia Fair, Cornerstone.inc, and Haldimand Haldimand Federation of Agriculture.

04/10/2026

Fair Night!! The farmers are gone for the night but are back tomorrow am!!

02/10/2026

Find your HFA at the Meet Your Local Farmer tomorrow from 10am-4pm! Today we had an action packed day with a lot of school kids! A wonderful day at the Caledonia Fair!!