OCGA names new executive director

Ryan Koeslag of Koeslag Consulting Inc. has been named the new Executive Director of the Ontario Canola Growers Association (OCGA).  He replaces Carrie James, who retired last month after serving as OCGA executive director for more than 17 years.

Koeslag Consulting Inc. (KCI) will manage the organization from Harriston, Ont. KCI manages several non-profit farm organizations including: Mushrooms Canada, Ontario Bean Growers, Ontario Institute of Agrologists and the Ontario Agricultural Commodity Council. “I’m excited to work with the OCGA and help keep the momentum Carrie and the Board have created as well as bring efficiencies through our collaborative office,” said Koeslag in a news release.

Hubert Beaudry, OCGA chairman said the Board of Directors hopes that collaboration via the KCI partnership will bring more value to license fees provided by farmers to further benefit and improve the crop and industry.

The OCGA board thanked Carrie for her hard work and her efforts at keeping the organization moving forward “during difficult times” and her work in growing the winter canola acreage in southern Ontario. “She has been a great asset to the organization and her wealth of experience will be missed by our Board of Directors,” said Beaudry.  Carrie also managed the Ontario Innovative Farmers Association and is planning to relocate to Saskatchewan to be closer to family and enjoy her retirement.

The OCGA coordinates canola related research, producer knowledge transfer of the research results and advocates on behalf of canola farmers to the government. In 2020 Ontario grew over 30,000 acres of canola with the majority grown in Timiskaming, Rainy River, Nipissing, Grey and Simcoe counties.