This August, Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) Class 21 spent time in Thunder Bay, where one of the highlights of our seminar was a full day of site and farm tours with people who share a deep passion for Northern Ontario and agriculture.

Throughout the day, we visited businesses, farms and organizations that each told a different story, but one common lesson continued to emerge: when you help your neighbour succeed, you strengthen your entire community.

At the Regional Food Distribution Association, we learned more about the realities of food security in Northern Ontario and the importance of partnerships in supporting communities across a large and complex region. At Hill’s Greenhouses, we saw firsthand the innovation, resilience and ingenuity required to build a successful agricultural business in the North.

Our visit to Thunder Oak Cheese Farm offered another important perspective. Learning about the growth of a family business, the craft of cheese making and the role of the next generation demonstrated how leadership can evolve while still respecting the work that came before.

A particularly special stop was Woodstar Farm, home of our AALP Leadership Program Director, Peggy Brekveld, and her husband, Gert. Their beautiful farm was a real treat to experience. We had the opportunity to see their dairy herd, learn more about their family’s agricultural story and enjoy the hospitality of their home. Peggy’s passion for agriculture was evident throughout the visit.

What made Woodstar Farm even more meaningful was the sense of community surrounding it. We also heard from neighbouring farmers Jason Reid of Reidridge Farm and Mike Visser of My Pride Farm. Their stories reinforced how important it is to be involved, share knowledge, represent your region and support the people farming alongside you.

Across every stop, success was not presented as something achieved alone. It was built through relationships, collaboration, perseverance and a willingness to help others succeed too.

That may have been the strongest leadership lesson of the day: a successful farm or business can make an impact, but when neighbours support neighbours, the whole community becomes stronger.

For AALP Class 21, our Thunder Bay site tour was much more than a day of farm visits. It was an opportunity to experience the strength, pride and community spirit that continue to drive agriculture in Northern Ontario.

In addition to AALP Class 21 participants and leaders, special guests Gert Brekveld of Woodstar Farm, Jason Reid of Reidridge Farm, and Mike Visser of My Pride Farm are pictured above. A great day of learning, agriculture and community in Thunder Bay, Ontario!