A scene from the 2025 Ottawa Valley Farm Show. (Nelson Zandbergen photo)
The 2025 Ottawa Valley Farm Show wrapped up its three-day event on March 13. Held at the EY Centre in Ottawa, the event drew more than 11,000 people, including farmers, agribusiness leaders, suppliers, and experts from across Canada.
As the longest running agricultural trade show in Ontario, the Ottawa Valley Farm Show has long been a key annual event for the agricultural sector, offering a unique opportunity for networking, knowledge exchange, sales, and exposure to the latest advancements in farming practices and technology.
This year’s show highlighted the growing importance of innovative technology in agriculture, with numerous exhibitors showcasing groundbreaking innovations in automation, precision farming, and sustainable practices. Several exhibitors offered a live demonstration of autonomous farming equipment, which drew significant attention from those eager to explore how these technologies could help increase efficiency and reduce labor costs.
Beyond the exhibits, the show offered a varied lineup of speaker sessions, covering everything from commodity market outlooks and the effects of the U.S. tariffs, to managing employees and HR practices on the farm. Once again, the show hosted the 6th annual Toy Auction, organized by Vintage Iron and Traditions of Eastern Ontario and the award ceremony for the winners in the Championship Seed, Feed and Forage Show.
The Ottawa Valley Seed Growers Association (OVSGA) hosted their 33rd annual Prestigious Pedigreed Seed Auction, with all proceeds going to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO). This auction brought in a record-breaking total of $57,800 this year. CHEO confirmed that this year’s success makes the OVSGA their longest-running external fundraising partner, raising a total of $336,632 since the event’s inception.
New this year was the Next Gen Luncheon, an event created through the collaboration of the OVSGA, Ontario Federation of Agriculture and Farm Credit Canada, to bring young farmers together. The event was a resounding success, drawing a roomful of emerging agricultural leaders eager to connect and learn. The event featured an inspiring presentation from guest speaker, Vicki Brisson, co-founder of the Ontario’s Women in Ag Network, leader with the Canadian Dairy Hub Project, past member of the Canadian Agricultural Youth Council, and current National Knowledge Mobilization Manager of Lactanet. Ms. Brisson’s insightful talk on her journey through the agricultural industry offered inspiring advice about teamwork, adapting, setting goals, and challenging oneself. The lunch provided a valuable opportunity for current and potential farmers to network, share experiences, and gain new perspectives on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of agriculture.
As the curtain falls on the Ottawa Farm Show 2025, organizers are already looking ahead to next year. Early feedback from exhibitors and attendees has been positive, with many expressing eagerness to return in 2026. “We’re committed to continuing to grow the event, expand our exhibitor base, and ensure that the Ottawa Valley Farm Show remains a professional, well-run and welcoming event for the local agricultural community,” said show co-ordinator Lauren Casselman. “Of course, this event wouldn’t be possible without the volunteers who take time from their own farms or businesses to put on the show.”
With its focus on innovation and community, the Ottawa Farm Show 2025 has once again proven to be an essential gathering for farmers, businesses and anyone invested in the future of agriculture.
