Hensall Co-op, a Canadian farmer-owned, fully independent agricultural cooperative renowned for its commitment to innovation, proudly announces the strategic acquisition of Gentec Inc., a dry bean seed and research enterprise located in Idaho, USA. This strategic move underscores Hensall Co-op’s dedication to expanding its value-added product portfolio while diversifying its growing areas, solidifying its members and customers access to premium, high quality seed offerings.

For the past four decades, Gentec Inc., under the steadfast stewardship of the Butcher family, has exemplified a commitment to providing top-tier dry bean seed products and fostering ground-breaking varietal developments. A cornerstone of their mission has been cultivating enduring relationships with growers and seed clients, coupled with a pledge to deliver the highest quality seed with unmatched service. Tracey Butcher, reflecting on this transformative transition, remarked, "We firmly believe this transition will greatly benefit our existing growers and customers, offering them an even broader spectrum of seed selections."

The integration of Gentec Inc. fortifies a strategic alignment between two leaders in the dry bean agricultural sector, both driven by a shared vision of agricultural excellence. Hensall Co-op has a long-standing reputation for creating value for its members through its value-added food contracts, diversified agricultural products and services, which complements Gentec Inc.'s sterling reputation for producing top-quality dry bean seeds.

Brad Chandler, CEO of Hensall Co-op, commented, "This strategic acquisition solidifies Hensall Co-op's position as the trusted partner for both our farm members and global end-use customers involved in the dry bean industry. The addition of Gentec Inc.’s business to our portfolio enhances our ability to meet the evolving traceability, disease free and seed purity required in today’s value-added dry bean supply chain.”

Jim Barclay, General Manager of Crop Services at Hensall Co-op, added, "With this acquisition, Hensall Co-op remains steadfast in its commitment to provide farmers with best-in-class seed products and services. We eagerly anticipate continuing our support for the success of our members, customers, and the broader agricultural community."

The acquisition is poised to generate synergies that will mutually benefit both Gentec Inc. and Hensall Co-op's valued growers and clients. Gentec Inc. growers and customers can anticipate a seamless transition and gain access to an expanded spectrum of agricultural solutions. Meanwhile, Hensall Co-op's growers and customers will enjoy an even wider selection of the highest quality, premium-grade dry bean seeds.

Hensall Co-op remains firmly anchored in its core values of innovation, integrity, and collaboration. The acquisition of Gentec Inc’s. business underscores Hensall Co-op's enduring commitment to these principles and to the continued prosperity of its long-term partnerships with its members, farm businesses, and end-use customers.

For more comprehensive information regarding Hensall Co-op and the acquisition of Gentec Inc., please visit our website at www.hensallco-op.ca or contact us at 519-262-3511 ext. 320.

About Hensall Co-op:
Founded in 1937, Hensall Co-op stands as the 8th largest non-financial cooperative in Canada, with over 6,000 member-owners operating across 30 locations in Ontario and Manitoba. Serving end-use customers in more than 45 countries, Hensall Co-op excels in Food Products (Dry Beans and Food Grade Soybeans), Crop Services, Grain and Ingredient Marketing, Energy (Fuel and Propane), Animal Nutrition, Member Investments and Global Freight Forwarding and Logistics.

Hensall Co-op and its employees are thrilled to announce the recipients of the third annual Hensall Co-op Strong Communities Initiative, a program dedicated to supporting initiatives that make a positive impact on rural communities. This year, two exceptional organizations have been chosen to receive the top grants totaling $20,000, with an additional $10,000 being split between 5 well deserving organizations.

The Portage District General Hospital Foundation, located in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, has been selected as one of the grant recipients. They will receive $10,000 in funding to aid in the ongoing development of a state-of-the-art hospital. This initiative will bring much-needed high-quality healthcare services to the residents of Portage la Prairie and the surrounding communities, ensuring that they have access to healthcare of the highest standard.

Additionally, the Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health, based in Goderich, Ontario, has been granted $10,000 to support Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training. MHFA equips individuals with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to promote a better understanding of mental health. This training will empower community members to effectively respond to mental health crises, fostering a healthier and more supportive environment for all.

Brad Chandler, CEO of Hensall Co-op, expressed his enthusiasm for these grants: "We received an overwhelming number of applications that highlighted the pressing need for funding in rural communities. Hensall Co-op is both proud and honoured to give back to organizations that play a vital role in supporting our members, customers, and communities."

With the strong need in the community, Hensall Co-op has also awarded each of the following organizations with a $2,000 grant:

• Palmerston and District Hospital Foundation – MRI Campaign (Palmerston, ON)
• Municipality of Arran-Elderslie – New Paisley Firehall (Chelsey, ON)
• Tanner Steffler Foundation – TSF Youth Hub (Clinton, ON)
• Koko Platz Recreation Club – Clubhouse Rebuild (Portage la Prairie, MB)
• Seaforth Community Hospital Foundation – StepOne machine (Seaforth, ON)

The Hensall Co-op Strong Communities Initiative seeks to provide one-time grants to projects that address critical needs within communities, with a particular focus on initiatives aligned with Community Health and Healthy Living. Grants of $10,000 are awarded to projects completed by not-for-profit entities that are registered with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) as charities and have been in operation for over 12 months.

Hensall Co-op remains committed to strengthening rural communities across Canada and looks forward to witnessing the positive impact of these grants on the Portage la Prairie and Goderich communities.

HURON PERTH AG SCIENCE CENTRE ANNOUNCES 1st ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 

Virtual Meeting Scheduled for March 29, 2023 

North Perth, ON – The Board of Directors of the Huron Perth Ag Science Centre is pleased to announce the first ever Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, March 29th, 2023 starting at 7pm. All interested in learning more about our plans to bring Canada’s first Ag Science Centre to North Perth are welcome. You must register in advance to receive the link to our Annual Meeting.

Participants of the AGM are welcome to view the presentations, but only those with valid memberships are able to vote during the AGM. Please consider joining our not-for-profit, Charitable status organization. Cost of membership is $20 annually and will help cover our very modest administrative costs. If you are interested in membership or donating towards this exciting project, please contact us by email at huronperthagsciencecentre@gmail.com. 

Press Release

Hensall, Ontario, Canada - February 7th, 2023

Hensall Co-op Enters New Seed Distribution Agreement with

Syngenta Seeds

Hensall Co-op has entered into a new agreement with Syngenta Seeds IP high-protein soybean distribution. This agreement, which is effective beginning the 2024 growing season, offers benefits directly to IP soybean growers as well as global end use customers. This agreement will give the entire supply chain the tools needed to achieve a higher level of success as a food ingredient industry. Put simply, it offers a full, value-added supply chain of growing, processing, marketing, and distributing Syngenta high-protein soybean varieties in conjunction with grower and end-use customer communications, seed forecasting and traceability for farm members and the end-use markets served by Hensall Co-op.

Read Full Press Release

The Board of Directors and staff are pleased to announce the recipients of the second annual Hensall Co-op Bright Futures Scholarship.

Speaking with Brad Chandler, CEO, Hensall Co-op: “We would like to congratulate the winners of the Bright Futures Scholarships. The youth have a passion for our rural communities and supporting our rural economies. The Bright Futures Scholarship allows us to directly impact and support the education of our members’ families.” Hensall Co-op is Proud to be Farmer Owned and proud to support education.

Jennifer Barclay from Lambton Shores is enrolled at Western University in the Bachelor of Medical Sciences program. With her education path Barclay says: “I hope to start a pediatric medical clinic in my community in order to bring higher quality care to rural communities.”

Attending University of Guelph (Ridgetown Campus) is Ericka Van Dongen, who is from Comber, ON. Working towards an Associate Diploma in Agriculture Van Dongen has future career goals of becoming an agronomist to “help farmers efficiently grow the best quality of crops using relevant knowledge and research.” She also wishes to “combine my interest in science, with my passion for agriculture.”

The third recipient is Shawna Terpstra from Huron East, ON, who is attending the University of Guelph for the Bachelor of Commerce (Food and Agricultural Business co-op) program. With her degree, Terpstra hopes “to become a finance manager working in agricultural finance and advisory.”

The Hensall Co-op Bright Futures Scholarship provides post-secondary scholarships to students who are entering their first year of post-secondary education and have shown a career interest in agriculture or a field or trade that will advance rural communities and economies. Up to three $2,500 scholarships are awarded to students who are children or grandchildren of individuals who were a member of Hensall Co-op or employee as of March 1 of the year of application.

In 2021 Hensall Co-op launched the Strong Communities Initiative to support projects that help to protect and build the strength of rural communities. Now in its second-year, applications were open to registered charities and the winners were selected by Hensall Co-op. Selection criteria was used to measure the impact the project would have on the local community and the sustainability of the project.

Speaking with Brad Chandler, CEO of Hensall Co-op: “We were extremely pleased with the number of submissions we received this year, including projects from across southwestern Ontario and parts of Manitoba. While this did make the selection process difficult for our team, it indicates the need for funding in rural communities. Hensall Co-op is dedicated to the communities we serve and will continue to direct sponsorship funds into rural healthcare and healthy living initiatives, agricultural societies and the education of rural youth.”

Two projects were selected as the winners of the 2022 Strong Communities Initiative, and both will receive a $10,000 grant towards their projects. One of the winning projects support healthcare in our community while the other helps to promote a healthy lifestyle and providing family activities, which were important criteria for the selection committee.

The Stratford General Hospital Foundation (Stratford, Ontario) will receive $10,000 towards their Hospital Beds for Surgery Unit program, which is working towards replacing the beds within the surgery unit. This grant will cover the cost of one state-of-the-art Hill-Rom bed. The Tiger Mountain Pool Inc. (Treherne, Manitoba) will receive $10,000 towards their Treherne Aquatic Centre Shade Structures project, which will allow for an additional shade sail and awnings to be added. This is a busy community aquatic centre that swimming lessons, public swimming, aquafit, and coordinates a youth Swim Club.

Several runner ups were selected and will receive a $1,000 grant towards their project. These include:

• North Huron Community Food Share, Wingham, Ontario
• YMCA SW Ontario (Thriving Kids and Youth Community Partnership), Goderich, Ontario
• Community Centre of Reinland, Reinland, Manitoba
• South Huron Hospital Foundation, Exeter, Ontario
• Huron Hospice, Clinton, Ontario

Applications for the 2023 Strong Communities Initiative will be available in April 2023.

EXETER, Ontario — February 14, 2022. Hensall District Co-operative, Inc. (Hensall Co-op), a leading independent farmer-owned co-operative in the Canadian agricultural sector, today announced its subsidiary, Hensall Foods Inc. (Hensall Foods) has begun manufacturing of convenient ready-to-eat meals at its Exeter, Ontario facility.

Selling under the brand name The Screaming Chef ™, Hensall Foods is the first to bring an innovative, in-pack steam cooking technology to consumers in Canada. The proprietary production process means a longer shelf life with no added preservatives. The meals are not frozen and can be enjoyed in under four minutes. Another exciting and unique feature of the meals is that they “scream” when they are done. Hensall Foods currently offers seven meals including the “Here’s the Beef” fajita bowl and “Lip Smackin” chicken and noodles.

The meals are manufactured at 210 Wellington Drive in Exeter, Ontario. This location is well known in the area as it was a cannery for over 100 years; last operated by Cangro until it was closed in 2008. Hensall Co-op acquired the property in 2010 and uses the location as a multi-purpose facility.

“We are extremely excited to bring food manufacturing back to Exeter. Our local communities have been critical to our success and we are committed to continuing to invest in rural Canada.” said Brad Chandler, CEO of Hensall Co-op. He continued “This is the first project in a strategy to bring more value-added food processing to Canada. In addition to creating jobs, our goal is to provide Canadian producers with more channels for their products.”

“Hensall Foods was established last year with a vision of launching innovative food products for both retail and industrial consumers in Canada and abroad” said Amir Naveed, General Manager of Hensall Foods. He continued “Our team is incredibly proud of what has been achieved with the successful launch of an entirely new product for the Hensall organization. We look forward to continuing to expand our product portfolio.”

The product is currently available in over 30 retail outlets in southwestern Ontario with more locations being added weekly.

More information, including locations where you can find The Screaming Chef ™ products can be found at www.thescreamingchef.ca.

Manufacturing plant in Exeter, ON          Steam cooking container

The Board of Directors and staff are pleased to announce the recipients of the inaugural Hensall Co-op Bright Futures Scholarship.

Jill Ohm and Ryan Dinsmore are both enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture program at Guelph. “My work as an agronomist will allow me to assist farmers to grow the crops that are best for their land to produce the highest yield” says Ohm, who hails from Monkton, ON.

Dinsmore hopes to learn “new and innovative ways to increase crop productivity and food animal farming to help increase yield and profitability for farmers.”

Niklas Juhnke from South Huron received the third scholarship. His plan is to become a Chartered Professional Accountant after completing his Bachelor of Commerce at Carleton University. “My goal is to move back to the countryside to help individual farmers or work for a local business as an accountant” says Juhnke.

The Hensall Co-op Bright Futures Scholarship provides post-secondary scholarships to students who are entering their first year of post-secondary education and have shown a career interest in agriculture or a field or trade that will advance rural communities and economies. Up to three $2,500 scholarships are awarded to students who are children or grandchildren of individuals who were a member of Hensall Co-op or an employee as of March 1 of the year of application.

From left: Jill Ohm, Ryan Dinsmore, Niklas Juhnke

Today we have a special video recapping the October 12th USDA WASDE Report.

Watch as Brian Basting, Michael Reginelli, and Drew Moore unpack the details of today’s report here.

The Strong Communities Initiative was launched in 2021 to support projects that boost the resilience of rural communities. Projects were open to registered charities and were judged by Hensall Co-op on specific criteria that measured the impact on the local community and the sustainability of the project.

Speaking about the initiative, Brad Chandler, CEO of Hensall Co-op, stated “We are passionate about protecting our local communities which is why we direct the bulk of our sponsorship investment to supporting rural healthcare and healthy living initiatives, agricultural societies and the education of rural youth. The Strong Communities Initiative grew out of our commitment to the communities we serve. We were extremely pleased with the quality of the submissions we received
although it made selecting a winner very difficult for our team.”

Two projects were selected as winners in the inaugural year of the initiative. The winners will receive $10,000 towards their projects. Both projects support wellness and family activities. The selections committee considered this to be vitally important as we rebound from the COVID restrictions. Applications for the 2022 Strong Communities Initiative will be available in April 2022.

The Miami Parks Board in Miami, Manitoba will receive $10,000 to build a pavilion in their camping park. The Optimist Club of Moorefield in Moorefield, Ontario will
receive $10,000 towards their project to build a roof over their outdoor rink and recreation pad.

Read the full article on page 26 here.