2012 OTTAWA VALLEY FARM SHOW
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Bruce Hudson
President, OVSGA
This year marks the 85th anniversary of the Ottawa Valley Farm Show (OVFS) sponsored by the Ottawa Valley Seed Growers Association, a major non-profit agricultural trade show created by farmers for farmers.

The association has been one of the mainstays of Eastern Ontario agriculture, recognizing the annual efforts of seed growers across the region and offering them an opportunity at the Farm Show to showcase those efforts while shopping for the latest in machinery and other products to help them get through the new season in fine style.

This edition of the farm show marks a major milestone ... not only is it the 85th anniversary, but for the first time in more than 50 years, we're changing locations. Our new home is the recently completed CE Centre opposite Ottawa International Airport, a 150,000 square-foot trade show facility featuring the latest in mechanical and technological services.

In addition to the seed component, the association is proud to host more than 350 top quality exhibitors of tools, machinery, livestock accessories, financial and other services and, of course, seeds... everything that will be needed for the upcoming growing season.

As usual this year, we will have an official opening, 12 noon, on the first day of the show. Other highlights are the Seed Growers Hall of Honour in a prominent place in the CE Centre, livestock breed association information booths, and seminars sponsored by exhibitors in the meeting rooms prominently located at the front of the new building.
A feature on day two at 12 noon is the Seed Growers Awards Ceremony which recognizes Eastern Ontario's top seed producers. Day three at 12 noon, we feature our annual Prestigious Pedigreed Seed Sale with proceeds directed to the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario.

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome in advance all of our visitors to the 2012 show from across Ontario, from West Quebec and from Northern New York State. Not only is the farm show a place to shop, it's a place to visit and catch up on the winter's news. We invite you to do plenty of both.

As somebody who has spent a lifetime in the agricultural business with members of my family, active in many farm organizations including 4-H and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, it's a pleasure to serve as president of the Seed Growers. It's a matter of pride for me that my father Graham also held this position.

I am always impressed at how the Ontario agricultural industry and the community it supports continue to show an amazing resiliency, an ability to rebound. The Farm Show is one place where, annually, we witness that ability first hand.

See you at the Show!
Bruce Hudson
President
Ottawa Valley Seed Growers Association