Farm Management Canada Celebrates Achievements and Ambitions at Annual Meeting

Farm Management Canada extends heartfelt appreciation to its members, partners and supporters who participated in this year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held virtually on July 10. The AGM was a great success, welcoming farm business management champions from across Canada to Farm Management Canada’s 2024-25 accomplishments and future plans, including the results of Director elections.

The AGM kicked off with an engaging discussion titled Reframing Risk: Rethinking Canada’s Business Risk Management Approach, led by our very own risk management lead Mathieu Lipari, who was joined by Nuffield Scholar, Amy Cronin of Cronin Farms Ltd. and Cedar Grove Pork, and Tyler McCann, Managing Director of the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI). The panel discussed the use and effectiveness of the risk management programming, practices and tools available to farmers in Canada and elsewhere. Key questions arising from the discussion included whether Canada has a clearly articulated and shared vision for managing agricultural risk including what the business risk management (BRM) programs are meant to achieve, the difference between proactive and reactive risk management and whether Canada has the right balance, and whether or not incentives would help encourage increased risk management on farms. The lively and honest conversation underscored the importance of planning for risk – not just to manage it, but to seize the opportunities it presents. To watch the recording of the discussion, visit www.Agriwebinar.com.

Farm Management Canada highlighted its accomplishments within its four strategic priorities: providing industry leadership, advancing industry knowledge, promoting industry success, and enhancing strategic partnerships. Thanks to the dedication of Board, staff and partners, the organization has cultivated a stronger, more sustainable future, including expanded delivery of timely training and tools to support farm management excellence including dedicated programming to support Canada’s young farmers.

“It was wonderful to connect with so many fellow farm business management advocates during our Annual General Meeting,” says Heather Watson, Executive Director, “We are extremely proud of our accomplishments throughout the year, and the partnerships we fostered and grew to help maintain a strong organization and expand our offerings to reach farmers from coast to coast.”

Farm Management Canada’s Annual Report detailing the organization’s accomplishments is available online at www.fmc-gac.com.

This year, Farm Management Canada received six nominations for the 3 open Board positions.

Jason Fiske, representing FCC was newly elected to the Board, while Stuart Person, representing MNP was re-elected to the Board for a second term, and Derek Brewin, representing the University of Manitoba, was re-elected to the Board for a third term.

Farm Management Canada, its members and Board extended a sincere thank you to its outgoing Board member Jim Selman who served on the Board for the past three years.

Following the Annual Meeting, Steve Duff was re-elected Chair; Andrea Gal was re-elected Vice-Chair, and Stuart Person was re-elected Secretary/Treasurer.

“I am excited and honoured to continue to serve as Chair this great organization,” says Steve Duff. “Along with our incredible Board for the coming year, and our amazing staff, I am confident that we can continue to move excellence in farm business management forward across Canada.”

To learn more about our Board of Directors and staff, visit fmc-gac.com/who-we-are/.

Stay tuned for announcements regarding Farm Management Canada’s fall and winter programming, including the 2025 Agricultural Excellence Conference, National Farm Leadership Program, and custom workshops, webinars, resources and tools focused on developing the business skills that matter most. Whether you’re looking to grow your business, prepare for the future, or strengthen your decision-making, we’ve got something for you, including plenty of opportunities to sponsor and host custom offerings for your clients, members and community.

Visit www.fmc-gac.com to explore the full lineup of opportunities available.

A national umbrella and champion for Canadian farm business management, Farm Management Canada is the only organization devoted exclusively to the development and delivery of advanced business management information, tools and resources to position Canada’s farmers for success – made possible through the support of generous sponsors and partners including the Government of Canada, private industry, the non-profit sector, and academia.

For more information contact:

Heather Watson, Executive Director
Email: Heather.Watson(at)fmc-gac.com

Steve Duff, Chair
Email: Steve.Duff(at)fmc-gac.com