A former president of the Beef Farmers of Ontario will be running for the Liberals in the next provincial election.

Bob Gordanier was nominated Monday as the Liberal candidate for the southwestern Ontario riding of Dufferin-Caledon, which has been held by Progressive Conservative MPP Sylvia Jones since 2007.

During his farm organization service Gordanier served on the board and as president of the Beef Farmers of Ontario, as an executive member of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, on the board of the Agricultural Adaptation Council and as chair of the Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Coalition (OASC).

He was the president of BFO until the end of 2016. During his time as president, he pushed for the expansion of the Ontario cow herd, which has contracted significantly, especially opening up northern Ontario land for more beef production.

“I look forward to campaigning on a positive vision to protect our natural environment, particularly by focusing on developing transit and supporting our farmers,” said Gordanier.

“I believe in a balanced approach to growth and want to use my expertise in agriculture and my record of service to ensure our communities and our families can thrive.”

Gordanier has farmed in the Orangeville area, north of Guelph, since 1981, but was also a Brampton firefighter for 32 years. He served for several years as a police officer before turning to firefighting.

He and his wife, Elsie, have four adult children and six grandchildren.

A provincial election is due to be held on or before June 7 next year.

— John Greig is a field editor for Glacier FarmMedia based at Ailsa Craig, Ont. Follow him at @jgreig on Twitter.