Wednesday, March 4, 2026: Her Stories, Our Food: Voices from Ontario Food and Farming
In recognition of the International Year of the Woman Farmer, Farm & Food Care Ontario hosted a webinar focused on the women behind Ontario’s food and farming system. This engaging panel brought together women farmers and agricultural leaders to share their stories, day-to-day roles, and career journeys. Panellists discussed innovation on the farm, challenges and opportunities, the value of community, and their perspectives on the future of farming, offering insight and encouragement for women and young people exploring agriculture and ag-adjacent careers.
Panel:
Julie Maw
Julie Maw is a farmer, agri-business owner, and agricultural leader from Lambton County. She was elected Director with Grain Farmers of Ontario in 2023 after five years as a delegate, including serving as district treasurer and on the Research and Innovation Committee. Julie farms soybeans, corn, and wheat with her family, operates a Maizex Seeds dealership, and provides custom farming services. With experience in business and agricultural lending, she brings a strong business perspective to leadership. She is also an active 4-H leader and farms alongside her husband Kyle and their three children.
Andrea Veldhuizen
Andrea Veldhuizen is a second-generation broiler chicken farmer from Wainfleet in the Niagara Region. She serves as 1st Vice Chair of Chicken Farmers of Ontario, represents District 4, and chairs the CFO Cares: Farmers to Foodbanks program. Andrea also serves on several CFO committees and is a Board Director with the Poultry Insurance Exchange Reciprocal of Canada. She farms with her husband Ryan and their four children and is actively involved in church youth programming and local minor hockey and skating organizations.
Amanda Dooney
Amanda Dooney is a first-generation farmer and co-owner of Suncrest Orchards alongside her husband Hayden, raising their two children in the heart of Norfolk County. Her roles on the farm include food safety, HR, payroll, and marketing. She is also co-owner of Ride The Bine, a guided wine, beer, and cider tour company that showcases Ontario producers and supports local businesses. Amanda has built strong agricultural and tourism partnerships in Kenya, reflecting her interest in global agriculture and cross-cultural collaboration.