2018 4-H Ontario Ambassadors meet FS System experts face-to-face

As sponsors of the 4-H Ontario Ambassador Program, it has been an annual tradition for GROWMARK to provide Ambassadors with a tour of FS facilities giving them a more hands-on opportunity to get to know their sponsors better. This annual bus tour came together yesterday with stops at the UPI Energy FS Guelph bulk plant, the FS PARTNERS Bringing You What's Next site in Ayr, the FS PARTNERS Agronomy & Great Lakes Grain site in Mitchell and North Wellington Co-operative's headquarters in Harriston. At the end of the day, Ambassadors walked away with a broader understanding of the FS Co-operative System's core businesses, the people that make it happen and the strength behind the co-operative network in Ontario.

Here are some highlights of the day:

Dianne Kennedy, UPI Energy FS Customer Experience Supervisor,

started the day off with a tour of the bulk facility on Hwy 124 just outside of Guelph.  

Ambassadors learned about the large Cardlock network, the growth of FS DEF 

(Diesel Exhaust Fluid) and Dieselex Gold in the province. 

After a quick look at the new FS PARTNERS 15,000 T capacity fertilizer facility at Ayr, 
Sean Chase, FS crop specialist provided Ambassadors with an overview of the Bringing 
You What's Next field plot with lessons and tips on plant health as well as 
an understanding of his role as a crop specialist and the benefits of pursuing 
a career in agriculture.

Third stop - FS PARTNERS Mitchell agronomy and Great Lakes Grain site. 

Mike McCarthy, agronomy/grain supervisor, Brent Nichols, elevator operations 

and Kerry DeJong, administrative assistant showed the group around the site 

and provided good insight into the day-to-day operations at this large FS site. 

After lunch, and final stop of the day, Kelly Boyle, North Wellington Co-operative Services 

general manager and Justine Lennox, marketing and communication specialist 

showcased the almost completed new 2800 T capacity fertilizer facility in Harriston. The tour 

continued on to allow some time for Ambassadors to shop at the Farm Store and Garden 

Centre before boarding the bus to head home.

Congratulations to our 2018 4-H Ambassdors from (L-R) Evan Jenkins-Elgin County, Melissa Brisson-Russell County, Kyle Hussy - Oxford County, Andrea Dohner and Devin Catt of Elgin County. In front is Nicole French - Peel Region.

To learn more about becoming a 4-H Ontario Ambassador, visit 4-H Ontario!