Blog

For our final tour day, we began at the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority, where we guided through the behind-the-scenes logistics that keep our agriculture exports moving. From container management to shipping timelines, the tour underscored just how connected rural production is to the urban, and global, economy.

We then joined Ontario Federation of Agriculture Chair, and AALP Class 13 Alumni Drew Spoelstra to celebrate the opening of his newly constructed dairy barn. Designed with both cow comfort and labor efficiency in mind, the facility showed how thoughtful infrastructure can improve both animal welfare and farm viability. Seeing robotic milkers in action highlighted the innovative practices that farmers continue to implement on their farms.  

From there, we headed to Beverly Greenhouses, hosted by Jan Vander Hout and classmate Daniel Vander Hout. Towering rows of vines climbed toward the ceiling under controlled climate conditions. Jan and Daniel spoke about integrated pest management, efficient water use, and how their operation supplies fresh produce year-round. This innovation in action, sparked plenty of questions from our group. 

We closed the seminar with a reflection circle, an honest, open conversation about what we’d learned throughout our 18-month journey and what it meant to each of us. Some spoke of pride. Others shared new goals or ideas. Everyone left feeling a little more connected—to the industry, to each other, and to the future we’re helping shape. 

Finally, we celebrated our graduation. With family, friends, alumni, and members of the agriculture community beside us, over 80 of us marked the culmination of hard work, long days, and countless shared miles. Thank you to everyone who supported us along the way. Class 20 will carry this experience forward with purpose, pride, and a deep commitment to leadership in agriculture.