I’m reading my old report for November… last year we were harvesting 19%. This year not so nice… 26-32% …at least in my area. It seems that the drought has played havoc on our corn physiology.

The good news is that test weights are good. Harvest on! Every year is different, and this one is no exception!

Looking back on our year in Provincial Office, there have been many challenges and many successes. We have completed our 5-year strategic planning process. I hope that we all view it on the OSICIA website. https://www.ontariosoilcrop.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Strategic-Plan-2025-2027.pdf It forms the basis of all our decision making. Strategic direction #1: “Continuing our Organizational Transition” as well as Strategic Direction #2 “Grow our Governance” helps guide us.

To enable this organizational transition, we want:

• To get the right people in place. (fit)
• A collaborative environment between staff, our senior management team and our partners.
• Transparency in our governance. We have employed the help of an independent HR firm

We recognize that what might appear to be illogical and frustrating, we feel is progress towards our Strategic Plan. We recognize that we have challenged the limits of new ED hires, but we want to get the right person in place (1). Our Staff and Senior Management Team are committed to a collaborative management style. With independent Human Resources as well as our continuing audit partners, we are on our way to fulfilling our second and third direction.

We are now able to send broad emails to our membership about happenings in the Provincial Office. If you did not receive an email about our recent ED change, please ensure that your correct email address is entered in OSCIA’s database. Also ensure that your membership is up to date.

We continue to receive strong applicants for our recent recruitment postings. There is an increasing number of inquiries and interest in the new Collaborative Management style that has been adopted. The work is getting done with the help of some very dedicated and hardworking staff. We feel confident about the future of OSCIA.

Please mark your calendars for the Provincial AGM Feb 3, 2026, and the Education Day “Residue Smart” on February 4, 2025. All in Elora (nice and close). 😊

I look forward to seeing everyone at your local AGM’s.

As always, please stay safe to finish off this crop season.

Andy van Niekerk, P.Ag.

Provincial Director, Georgian Central