Hamilton-Wentworth
Federation of Agriculture
Rooted in Agriculture, Sustaining Our Communities
Agriculture in Hamilton-Wentworth At A Glance
118,070 acres of farmland
26,005 people employed in 2,675 local agri-food businesses
Top Commodities -Floriculture & Sod, Grains & Oilseed, Greenhouse Vegetables, Animal Production
About Us
The Hamilton-Wentworth Federation of Agriculture (HWFA) represents over 550 farm families who live and work in the City of Hamilton. These are the people who grow the food we eat, the flowers we enjoy, and produce the fibre and fuel that helps move our province forward. Our farmers support local jobs, strengthen our economy, and take care of the land, water and natural resources with long-term sustainability in mind.
Hamilton is home to more than 118,000 acres of farmland and nearly 3,000 agri-food businesses. Together they employ more than 26,000 people and produce more than a third of the food Hamiltonians eat every day. The Hamilton agri-food sector contributes approximately $580 million to Ontario's GDP.
The HWFA supports our members and the agri-food industry on issues, legislation and regulations managed by all levels of government.
Our Board of Directors
EXECUTIVE
President - Jennifer Peart
Vice-President - Daniel VanderHout
Past-President - Melvin Switzer
Secretary/Treasurer - Michelle Spoelstra
DIRECTORS
Robert Alblas
Gerald Bruulsema
Clint Burrows
Lucas Catalfamo
Darcy Flanagan
Larry Freeman
Nancy Mills
Jennifer Peart
Gavin Smuk
Drew Spoelstra
Michelle Spoelstra
Melvin Switzer
Daniel VanderHout
OFA ZONE 5 DIRECTOR
Drew Spoelstra
OFA ZONE 5 MEMBER SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE
Kate Belbeck
Farm & Road Safety is Everyone's Responsibility
Ontario’s rural roads are shared every day by farmers moving equipment and motorists travelling at highway speeds. When large farm equipment is on the road with passenger vehicles, the risks increase. Every year, too many serious and preventable accidents occur on rural roads.
Road safety is a shared responsibility between farmers and motorists. That means slowing down, staying alert, and taking the time to pass safely – and making sure you’re very visible.
Tips for Farmers When Equipment is on the Road
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Drive on the roadway: Staying on your side of the road discourages unsafe passing and is safer than relying on soft shoulders.
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Circle check: Perform a daily 360-degree inspection before leaving the farm. Ensure brakes, hitches, tires, mirrors, and lights are in good working order.
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Avoid distractions: Stay focused on the road — avoid phone use, eating, or other distractions while operating equipment.
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Be prepared: Plan ahead for breaks, hydration, and nutrition to maintain alertness.
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Keep lights on: Leave equipment lights on at all times, not just during the required sunrise and sunset periods.
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Make it visible: Ensure every qualifying piece of equipment displays a clean, clearly visible SMV sign.
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Be patient: When entering or crossing a main road, wait until there is enough time and space to do so safely.
You can’t eliminate every risk, but small, consistent actions go a long way.
Tips for Motorists Sharing the Road
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Know the slow-moving-vehicle sign: The orange triangle indicates a vehicle travelling 40 km/hour or less.
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Slow down early: Closing speeds are faster than they appear so reduce speed as soon as you spot farm equipment.
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Watch for signals: Farm equipment may need extra space to turn or swing wide.
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Pass with care: Only pass when it is legal, safe, and you have a clear line of sight.
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Be patient: A short delay is far better than a life-altering collision.
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Be respectful: Farmers use public roads because they have to — courtesy goes a long way.