Drew Spoelstra acclaimed for third term as OFA president

Annual meeting highlights “Strength in Unity” as OFA welcomes new directors and celebrates long-standing contributions.

Drew Spoelstra of Binbrook will serve a third consecutive one-year term as president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA). The association represents 38,000 farm families across the province. Spoelstra was acclaimed during OFA’s annual general meeting (held under the theme: “Strength in Unity”), which concluded on November 26, 2025.

Returning to the executive team alongside Spoelstra are Vice Presidents Sara Wood and Ethan Wallace, both entering their second year in the role. Paul Maurice was also re-elected as an Executive Member.

“Over the course of the past year, we’ve seen a huge emphasis on taking a team approach to achieve the best results—from Buy Canadian promotions to political leaders working together to tackle issues like tariffs and interprovincial trade barriers and more,” stated Spoelstra. “The work at OFA is also a team approach, from county federations to partners across the sector and beyond, and I appreciate the opportunity to serve as the OFA’s president for another year.”

Spoelstra first assumed the presidency in 2023 after serving as vice president and has been an OFA board director since 2013, representing farmers in Halton, Hamilton/Wentworth, and Niagara. He farms with his family, producing crops, milk, beef, and raising horses, and also operates a Pride Seeds dealership. A graduate of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program, Spoelstra brings extensive experience to the role.

The meeting also marked changes within the board.

Steve Brackenridge retired after nine years representing Zone 10 (Durham, Peterborough, and Kawartha Lakes/Haliburton), with Marnie Wood stepping into the position.

New director Maaike Campbell of Strathroy will represent Zone 6 (Lambton and Middlesex), succeeding Crispin Colvin.

Delegates also re-elected Teresa Van Raay to a third three-year term as Director-at-Large and voted Angela Field to a one-year Director-at-Large position.

The OFA continues to advocate for Ontario farmers through policy development, government relations, and community engagement, ensuring a strong voice for agriculture across the province. https://ofa.on.ca