A special presentation was made to Front of Yonge Mayor Roger Haley for his many years of support to the agriculture and farming community in his township and beyond. From left: MPP Steve Clark, LCFA President Cornelia Danis, LCFA Secretary Treasurer Eleanor Renaud and Front of Yonge Mayor Roger Haley. Courtesy Photo
By Ruth Vogel
Special to the AgriNews
ELGIN – A bright and sunny morning on Sat., March 28, greeted farmers and their families from Leeds County as they gathered to enjoy a delicious breakfast prepared by Amy’s Country Catering. The occasion was the Membership Appreciation breakfast hosted by the Leeds County Federation of Agriculture (LCFA).
It was a morning of fellowship, networking and catching up with fellow farmers to discuss the trials and tribulations over the past year and discuss plans for 2026. After a long cold winter, it was an opportunity to rejuvenate our mental health while visiting with neighbours. Kids and adults alike played a variety of games, and several donated door prizes were available to be won.
The LCFA decided to host this event to show their appreciation and thanks to our farmers who work hard all year providing food for our communities and country. This event was funded in part by the OFA (Ontario Federation of Agriculture) revive fund. The overwhelming response from the attendees would seem to indicate that they would like to see LCFA organize this again next year.
A special presentation was made to Front of Yonge Mayor Roger Haley for his many years of support to the agriculture and farming community in his township and beyond. Approximately six years ago, he initiated an annual Agriculture Celebration event with a hearty breakfast and showcasing a variety of agriculture commodities. This event is supported by a group of volunteers and costs are covered by several donations.
The presentation was a complete and pleasant, surprise for Mayor Haley, who commented “Our agricultural communities everywhere deserve recognition and our utmost gratitude and respect. Whether it be livestock or working the soil; without farmers no one eats. It’s an honour for me as mayor to do my small part in promoting the work they do and helping people learn about the farming community.”
LCFA was very pleased to welcome several politicians to the event. Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MP Michael Barrett, MPP Steve Clark as well as local Mayors Arie Hoogenboom (Rideau Lakes), Herb Scott (Athens), Brant Burrow (Elizabethtown-Kitley) and Roger Haley (Front of Yonge) all attended.
Rideau Lakes Mayor Arie Hoogenboom welcomed everyone to his township and spoke about the importance of Agriculture to his township.
MPP Clark echoed the sentiment that the breakfast should become an annual event. “Congratulations to the Leeds Federation of Agriculture on an excellent Members Appreciation Breakfast,” said MPP Clark. “It was great to join in celebrating and thanking families who feed our communities. I hope the breakfast becomes an annual event to bring everyone together after the winter.”
MP Michael Barrett welcomed the opportunity to offer his thanks to the farming community. “Thank you to the Leeds County Federation of Agriculture for bringing us together to celebrate the incredible farm families who feed our community and our country,” said MP Barrett. “I am grateful to be able to share my appreciation of our farming community and to recognize their dedication and way of life that supports many jobs in our community while providing safe and reliable food for their fellow Canadians.”
Congratulations to Deb and Blair MacDonald who won the grand door prize of a battery-operated grease gun valued at $450. They were very excited to win this exceptional prize. It will help keeping their farm equipment maintained. “It was an excellent event, having received a warm welcome when we arrived to enjoying a great breakfast. Winning the grease gun was a bonus which was very much appreciated. Thank you again for delivering the grease gun in a very timely manner.”
Other prize winners were as follows:
- Weagants Farm Supply Easter basket: Levi Ferguson
- Bakers Feed Calf Blanket: Shirley Whitmore
- Ray Korten 1 net wrap: Don Gordon
- Harvex Notebook & pen: Brian Bracken
- Harvex Cap & gloves: Braxton Halladay
- Harvex Touque with light: Mike Kelly
