about our readers
The Ontario Grain Farmer is distributed to every corn, soybean and wheat farmer in Ontario and, through an agreement with the Manitoba Corn Growers’ Association, all corn farmers in Manitoba.

In total, the magazine is delivered to 28,000 farmers and an additional 2,000 industry representatives. Of the 28,000 farmers, approximately 12,000 grow wheat, 20,000 grow soybeans and 15,000 grow corn.

As our mailing list is based on Grain Farmers of Ontario’s license fee collection, we are the only farm publication that can ensure distribution to every grain farmer in the province.

Feedback from farmers through informal discussions, small-scale focus groups and direction from the Grain Farmers of Ontario board of directors demonstrates that the Ontario Grain Farmer is well read.

A readership survey of the magazine’s predecessor publication, the Ontario Corn producer, shows we have a strong and loyal readership throughout the countryside.

behind the scenes
Production of the Ontario Grain Farmer magazine is a team effort. Operating as one part of Grain Farmers of Ontario’s larger communications department, the magazine is made possible by a team of talented individuals.

Claire Cowan, Editor
As the Editor, Claire Cowan oversees all editorial content development for the Ontario Grain Farmer. She has held the position of editor since the magazine’s inception in 2009. Prior to this post, Claire was the editor of the Ontario Corn Producer magazine. She holds a degree from the University of Guelph and also works on other projects within the communications department at Grain Farmers of Ontario. She can be reached at 519-837-9144 or ccowan@gfo.ca. She is also an avid twitter user and can be found at www.twitter.com/ClaireSCowan.

Kim Ratz, Production Coordinator
Kim Ratz handles all production aspects of the Ontario Grain Farmer from design to layout. With expertise in both Quark and InDesign, Kim creates the clean lines and easy-to-read look of the magazine. She has been in this position since the magazine’s beginning in 2009 and prior to that, she worked on the layout and design of the Ontario Corn Producer. In addition to print production, Kim is also responsible for web production for both www.gfo.ca and www.ontariograinfarmer.ca. Kim’s creativity and her eye-for-detail make her a key member of the Ontario Grain Farmer team. She can be reached at 519-767-4140 or at kratz@gfo.ca.

Erin Fletcher, Communications Manager, Grain Farmers of Ontario
As the Communications Manager for Grain Farmers of Ontario, Erin Fletcher is an integral part of the Ontario Grain Farmer magazine. Erin provides editorial advice and ensures that the magazine complements other Grain Farmers of Ontario communications projects and activities. Managing the government relations and public relations file at Grain Farmers of Ontario, Erin is also a contributor to the magazine providing insight on these topics for our farmer-members.

Meghan Burke, Contributor
Working in the Grain Farmers of Ontario communications department, Meghan Burke is a common contributor to the Ontario Grain Farmer magazine. She often writes about projects she is currently working on such as the successful young farmer training program Grains in Action. Her time spent collecting feedback from farmers at farm shows and events also makes her a valuable team member.

Phaedra McIntosh, Mail List Coordinator
Working on the larger Grain Farmers of Ontario database, Phaedra McIntosh is the woman behind the Ontario Grain Farmer’s impressive mailing list. Phaedra utilizes license fee collection data to build the mail list for the magazine. It is her job to ensure each corn, soybean and wheat farmer in Ontario receives the magazine.  

Don Carruthers, Advertising Sales Rep
With over 25 years experience in the agricultural marketing industry, Don Carruthers is the key point of contact for advertisers interested in what the Ontario Grain Farmer magazine can offer their business. With creative ideas and a no-nonsense attitude, Don has successfully helped grow the magazine from its fledgling status in 2009 to the best grain magazine in the province. Prior to his position with the Ontario Grain Farmer, Don worked as the sales representative for the Ontario Corn Producer and other agricultural mediums. Don can be reached at doncar@ca.inter.net or at (519) 927-5234. •