Recognizing a decade of success for the Ontario 4-H Ambassador Program

Ten years ago we were introduced to the new concept of the Ontario 4-H Ambassador Program and approached with the idea of being sole sponsors of the program.

Well, we never looked back! For the tenth year in a row now, UPI Energy LP and GROWMARK, Inc (along with the Ontario FS Co-operatives) are proud sponsors and supporters of these young leaders.

Ambassadors help promote 4-H in Ontario provincially, regionally, locally and at some national events. During their reign they receive training in several areas, such as interview skills, public relations, communication and public speaking. They are also provided with many positive networking opportunities and new experiences.

Congratulations to 2015 Ontario 4-H Ambassadors: (From L-R) Nic Willemsma of Chatham-Kent, Ava Doner of Durham East, Cailen Bromley of Renfrew, Laura Scott of Grenville, Gina Posthumus of Hastings and Olivia Bolender of York Region. 

Over the past ten years the Ambassador program has given more than 50 young people the opportunity to grow in their leadership abilities, become more involved in their communities and spread enthusiasm for 4-H across the province. We are confident these young leaders will continue to contribute to 4-H and their communities for a long time to come.

Let's take a look back through memory lane of past Ambassadors starting from 2005:

2005 Ambassadors heading out on the first tour of
Ontario FS System facilities. 

2006 Ambassadors visit FS agronomy / grain site in Mitchell.

 2007 Ambassadors pose at 1902 Alma train station - now home to 

FAST STOP cardlock location.

2008 Ambassadors visit UPI Energy to learn
more about their sponsors.

2009 Ambassadors sporting new team shirts.

2010 Ambassadors take a moment for a photo opportunity
at North Wellington Co-op.

2011 Ambassadors take a moment to admire baby chicks at
 the FS Store in Harriston.

2012 Ambassadors visit UPI Energy bulk fuel plant.

2013 Ambassadors visit FS agronomy and grain facility in Ayr
and learn about the new seed treater.

2014 Ambassadors in front of 1948 stake truck in Harriston
at North Wellington Co-op

Thank you Ambassadors for your commitment and dedication to the program!

If you would like to learn more about the program, visit 4-H Ontario.

FS brighter than ever at GFO March Classic 2015!

When entering the trade-show room at the London Convention Centre at the Grain Farmers of Ontario March Classic, it was easy to spot the brightly lit FS.

This is the second year in a row for the Ontario FS System's participation with good involvement from several FS Co-operatives throughout the province; along with shared booth space with Great Lakes Grain.

Guests visiting the FS exhibit engaged in a high-tech hands-on precision ag display and received a deck of FS playing cards in exchange for an online gift coupon from their local FS Co-operative. 

Congratulations to all FS co-ops. You were proudly represented!

Hands-on precision ag gadgets on display at FS booth.

This is the fourth year for the GFO March Classic and it has grown rapidly in popularity. This year, the event welcomed more than 700 guests who are members of GFO, delegates, sponsors, or industry folks who all have a common passion for farming.