Seed Show

The Seed Show has deep roots in the farming communities of Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec. It began in 1927, when a group of Ottawa Valley farmers united after the First World War to support one another in merchandising their field crops. With the formation of the Ottawa Valley Seed Growers Association (OVSGA) and under the leadership of its first president, J.H. Findlay of Arnprior, the inaugural seed fair was held at Renfrew Collegiate.

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The Seed Fair was built on three founding goals: introducing improved crop varieties, increasing production through better merchandising, and sharing up-to-date agricultural knowledge. These same goals continue to guide the show today.

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What started as a local gathering soon grew into a rotating annual event, travelling through agricultural towns like Almonte, Pembroke, Kemptville, Cornwall, and Perth. Over time, it evolved into the Championship Seed, Feed, and Forage Show, where only the top entries from county-level competitions advanced to compete.

Today’s Seed Show remains a proud tradition, showcasing the best in regional crop production and celebrating the dedication, skill, and innovation of local farmers.