Inspiring and Supporting Ontario Agricultural Societies
The OAAS provides leadership, guidance, education, and resources for its member Agricultural Societies.
Building Community Leaders
Gain hands-on experience and governance training, connect with like-minded professionals, and leave with actionable insights that can be immediately applied to communities. Learn More >
About Us
The OAAS is the provincial association representing over 210 Agricultural Societies from across the province. The OAAS provides leadership, guidance, education, and resources for its member Agricultural Societies.
Building Community Leaders
“OAAS (Building community leaders) is one of the best workshops I’ve ever experienced. It was a captivating event with presenters that were very confident and inspiring The dialogue between members of various societies made this event a tremendous success. This workshop is a must for every member of our society It will bring unity and clarity to our board with the wealth of knowledge it offers At our next meeting, I would like to have a few moments to express what I have gained from this workshop to the members of our society and the importance of attending future workshops.”
OAAS
Fairs and Activities
Explore Our Fairs
Discover all the fun, food and festivities agricultural fairs in your community have to offer. Shop local artisan wares and crafts. Enjoy the thrills of tractor pulls and derby mash ups. Delight in the tastes of your local community.
Society Info
Everything you are looking for all in one place! Find helpful information about resources, awards, programs, conventions, district events, competitions and judging, services, youth, shopping and more.
Building Community Leaders
Whether a current or emerging leader in your agricultural society, the Building Community Leaders program, in partnership with the Rural Ontario Institute, will empower you to navigate Ag sector challenges & opportunities.
Discover our Building Community Leaders(BCL) Events
Upcoming BCL Events
Building Community Leaders – Community of Practice Webinar
Building Community Leaders - Community of Practice Webinar
Building Community Leaders’ graduates are invited to join us for an exclusive Community of Practice webinar on March 25th, featuring renowned speaker and motivator Chris Cummins.
Building Community Leaders Workshop – Barrie
Building Community Leaders Workshop - Barrie
Each 2-day Building Community Leaders Workshop - in partnership with the Rural Ontario Institute and Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies, will provide hands-on learning about leadership, governance, risk management practices, and community engagement skills.
Building Community Leaders – Kingston Workshop
Building Community Leaders - Kingston Workshop
Each 2-day Building Community Leaders Workshop – in partnership with the Rural Ontario Institute and Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies, will provide hands-on learning about leadership, governance, risk management practices, and community engagement skil...
How You Can Get Involved
Getting Involved
Join the Community
Join your local Agricultural Society and help lead the future of agriculture while celebrating rural lifestyles.
Become a Volunteer
Get involved in your local fair and welcome visitors, neighbours, friends and family to the richness, history and festivities of your local agricultural community.
Become a Leader
Building Community Leaders Program
Gain hands-on experience and governance training, connect with like-minded professionals, and leave with actionable insights that can immediately apply to your community! Whether you are a current or an emerging leader in your agricultural society, this program will empower you to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the agricultural food sector.
Agricultural Fairs
Connecting Communities
Guests
Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies annual conventions welcome thousands of guests and members from across the country.
Ag Societies
Did you know Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies represents over 210 agricultural societies from across the province!
Years
In Canada, the first agricultural society was formed in 1765 in Nova Scotia. Ontario followed suit in 1792 with the Agricultural Society of Upper Canada based at Niagara on the Lake.
In Partnership with the Rural Ontario Institute and OAAS
Building Community Leaders
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Felt Inspired to Apply New Governance Tools
All participants of the Building Community Leaders Program felt inspired to apply what they learned, and 97% reported leaving with new leadership tools.
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Increased Governance Knowledge
96% of agricultural society volunteers and leaders said they increased their knowledge of good governance through Build Community Leaders training.
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Made and Strengthened Connections
94% of Agricultural Society leaders and volunteers said they made new connections or strengthened existing connections through the Building Community Leaders Program.
DIscover our community
Community News
Building Community Leaders – Being a Leader People Want to Follow
Becoming a leader that people want to follow in a volunteer organization is a unique challenge that requires a blend of personal qualities, skills, and actions. In a volunteer setting, where passion and commitment are key motivators, it's essential for leaders to...
Building Community Leaders – The Power of DiSC: Understanding People and Building Stronger Teams
What is DiSC©? Have you ever wondered why some people focus on results and action, while others prioritize building strong relationships? And why certain people are motivated by challenges, while others thrive in steady, predictable environments? It all comes down to...
Building Community Leaders – Perth
Over our 2 day workshop we used an experiential approach to deliver leadership, governance, risk management practices, and community engagement skills training to participants.Workshop SessionsStart with the end in mindStart with the end in mind – Participants...
