Agenda 2024

Pre-Conference Extension Workshops

Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024

8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.              Conference Tradeshow and Exhibits 

7:30 - 8:45 a.m.                  BREAKFAST

Integrating Carbon and Biodiversity Indicators

8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.           Dr. John Pattison Williams and Viresco Solutions

The Canadian Forage and Grassland Association (CFGA) is hosting a unique opportunity for grassland stakeholders nationwide to provide input into the integration of the Habitat & Biodiversity Assessment Tool (HBAT) data with existing inventory frameworks and biodiversity tools, including the National Grassland Inventory (NGI). Workshop attendees will learn about different approaches and have opportunities to provide feedback on the best approach for quantification/prediction modeling of biodiversity outcomes from implementing beneficial management practices (BMPs) on-farm that align with accredited biodiversity monitoring requirements. 
 
This workshop will be offered in hybrid format on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, in Guelph, Ontario, with both in-person and online participation supported. The agenda is a full day, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Eastern, with presentations from various speakers as well as multiple directed discussion periods incorporated. Those interested in registering should contact Kaylee Healy at [email protected] or John Pattison-Williams at [email protected] for further workshop details.   

 

Connections and Strategies: A Knowledge Technology Transfer (KTT) Communications Workshop   

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.                         Led by Loft 32, Verdue Media, Farmers for Climate Solutions and Dr. Brooke McWherter

Join the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association (CFGA) on Tuesday, Dec. 3, for a full day in-person-only workshop on using communications strategies and knowledge technology transfer (KTT) techniques to connect with audiences. This workshop for extension professionals, farm advisors, mentors and producers takes attendees on a deep dive into the theory behind establishing connections, learning as an interaction tool and outlining strategies to establish relationships with a desired audience. Featuring noted expert speakers on communications, marketing, and social sciences, this workshop promises to be an engaging experience with hands-on activities, demonstrations and real-world examples shared. Participants will leave with a suite of strategies and tools to immediately use to further connections within their industry or audience. 

This workshop is free of charge.  To register: contact Kaylee Healy at [email protected].  

Conference Welcome Reception

7 - 10 p.m.                               Introductions by Cedric McLeod executive director of the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association (CFGA)

* All times are in Eastern Standard Time. Agenda subject to change.

CFGA Conference Day 1

Theme: Grassland and Pastures

Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024

7:30 - 8:45 a.m.                     BREAKFAST

8:30 - 6 p.m.                           Conference Tradeshow and Exhibits 

Policy & Programming

8:45 - 9 a.m.                           Welcome Messages

Cedric MacLeod and CFGA Board Chair

9 - 10 a.m.                                  Opening Day 1 Keynote: Perennial Forages as Key Contributors to Sustainable Agriculture

Dr. Ralph Martin, retired from University of Guelph

Talk Summary: Across Canada, many farms were mixed crop-livestock farms and included perennial forages in rotations. With specialization, crop farms tended to rely less on forages. However, perennial forages are returning in traditional and unique ways as agronomists and farmers appreciate their potential to restore and maintain soil health and biodiversity.

10 - 10:30 a.m.                          Soil Study Results

Hon. Senator Robert Black

10:30 - 10:40 a.m.                    Panel Q&A with speakers

10:40 - 11:05 a.m.                    BREAK

11:05 - 11:25 a.m.                    Habitat and Biodiversity Assessment Tool for Ontario 

Meagan Morey, Blazing Star

Talk Summary: An insightful session on the customization of the Habitat and Biodiversity Assessment Tool specifically tailored for Ontario’s distinct ecological landscape. This presentation will explore the unique approach taken to adapt the tool for the province’s diverse habitats, which support over 200 species at risk. Discover how this tailored tool can translate into actionable strategies as we delve into the specific challenges and opportunities presented by Ontario’s agricultural landscapes, highlighting practical applications of the tool to foster coexistence between farming practices and biodiversity conservation.

11:25 - 11:45 a.m.                    Integrating Stakeholder Perspectives - the Grassland Learning and Knowledge Hub

 Dr. John K. Pattison-Williams, University of Alberta/Pattison Consulting

Talk summary: This presentation will explore the various work done with stakeholders as part of the NGI, North American perspectives and link together with the forthcoming Grassland Learning and Knowledge Hub. 

11:45 - 12 p.m.                             Panel Q&A with speakers

12 - 1 p.m.                                     LUNCH

Producers’ View on the Ground

1:05 - 1:35 p.m.                          Grazing Tools, Tips and New Technologies - Virtual Cattle Fence (eShepherd)

Tim Prior, Brussels Agri-Services Ltd./Grazing Meadows Wagyu

Talk Summary: Tim will discuss why you should choose to rotational graze. He will also share tools to make grazing easy and efficient and share information about the new e-Shepherd Virtual Fence.

1:35 - 2:05 p.m.                            Rotational Grazing - Getting Started and the Journey

Brenda Hsueh, Farmers for Climate Solutions/Black Sheep Farm

2:05 - 2:30 p.m.                            Grazing in the Dairy Industry

Francois Labelle, Lactanet

2:30 - 2:55 p.m.                            Drones: Sustainable Solutions for Forage and Grassland Agriculture 

Jenny Chen, Wonderfull Inc. 

Talk summary: Agriculture can be quite challenging and often isn’t as idyllic as many people imagine. We understand that farmers work hard to navigate unpredictable weather and are always looking for the best tools to manage their farms effectively. The challenges we face include not only unpredictable weather but also soil degradation, nutrient management, pest and weed control, high machinery and labor costs, lack of sufficient data, as well as market fluctuations and regulatory issues. We will be sharing how drone technology can help address these problems in agriculture and the role of different drone functions in production management. We’ll also share experiences from growers in other countries who are using drones to manage forage. 

2:55 - 3:10 pm                          Panel Q&A with speakers

3:10 - 3:20 p.m.                        BREAK 

3:20 - 3:50 p.m.                        Ten Years of Beef Sustainability Progress and Looking to the Future

Monica Hadarits, Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB)

Talk Summary: This presentation will highlight the key milestones in Canadian beef sustainability over the past 10 years and provide an overview of opportunities for the future.

3:50 - 4:50 p.m.                         Closing Day 1 Keynote:

Advancing Grassland Management through Research and Producer Support: Lessons from Ontario Initiatives

Dr. Angela Straathof, Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA)

Talk Summary: The Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association is uniquely positioned at the interface of on-farm research investigations, incentive program delivery, and farmer-driven knowledge transfer initiatives. As the delivery agent for the Agricultural Climate Solutions’ On-Farm Climate Action Fund and Living Lab programs, OSCIA mobilizes federal funding to incentivize practice change among grazing practitioners, forage-growers, and grassland-managers. These initiatives complement provincially-funded Species at Risk, On-Farm Applied Research and Monitoring, and Resilient Agricultural Landscape Programs - but not without challenges! How do farmers navigate an abundance of programming, and how are their needs and perspectives centered in a performance-measure-driven dynamic? The opportunities and challenges of Ontario’s suite of programming will be explored in this talk by OSCIA’s Director of Research and Knowledge Transfer. 

4:50 - 5 p.m.                                Panel Q&A with speakers

5 - 5:05 p.m.                                Closing Comments

 

Conference Dinner (RSVP at registration)

6 - 8 p.m.                                        Featuring CFGA Leadership Award

                                                            

*Times are in Eastern Standard Time. Agenda Subject to Change.

CFGA Conference Day 2

Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024

Theme: Tame Forages and Markets

7:30 - 8:45 a.m.                    BREAKFAST

8:30 - 5:30 p.m.                   Conference Tradeshow and Exhibits

8 - 8:45 a.m.                          CFGA Operational Update

Optimizing Production

8:45 - 9 a.m.                         Welcome & Ontario Forage Council Update

9 - 9:45 a.m.                         Opening Day 2 Keynote

Dipping into perennials to restore soil health, carbon content, and resilience of annual cropping systems

Martin Chantigny, soil scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Foods Canada (AAFC) 

9:45 - 10:15 a.m.                Advances in Forages Breeding

Annie Classens, Agriculture and Agri-Foods Canada

10:15 - 10:25 a.m.            Panel Q&A with speakers

10:25 - 10:45 a.m.            BREAK

10:50 - 11:15 a.m.            Forage Quality; Optimizing for Nutrition and Animal Health 

John Winchell, AITec

11:15 - 12 p.m.                  Field to Feed Panel: A moderated discussion featuring industry nutrition and agronomy experts on balanced nutrition and forage

Patrick Lynch, Courtney Vriens, Tom Wright and others

12 - 1:15 p.m.                     LUNCH  with the Young Farmers Forum Luncheon (RSVP at registration)

 

Forage Markets and the Future

1:30 - 1:50 p.m.              Status of Forage Export Markets

Josh Callen, The Hoyt Report

Talk Summary: An update on the status of the forage exports markets. Josh will discuss current supply and demand and different market dynamics. Finally, he’ll cover updates on market prices for forage products in the Western United States.

1:50 - 2:10 p.m.              Overall Financial Markets and Projections

Aaron Goertzen, BMO

2:10 - 2:30 p.m.               Prediction Models for Farmers

Brooke McWherter, Nebraska University

2:30 - 2:45 p.m.               Panel Q&A with speakers 

2:45 - 3 p.m.                      BREAK

3 - 3:55  p.m.                       Closing Day 2 Keynote

Build your Farm’s Future WITH the Next Generation 

Maggie van Camp, Loft32 with special guests Marc and Nia Jones

Talk Summary: Succession planning is like building a bridge: It takes effort, time and skilled people working together. The presentations explains how collaborative transition and business planning can help develop needed skills in the next generation and build trust.  Although change is hard for everyone, there’s power in the process that builds better leaders for the future, stronger businesses and closer farm families. 

3:55 - 4 p.m.                      Conference Closing Remarks

Patricia Ellingwood, Ontario Forage Council & Cedric McLeod, CFGA

 

Hay Exporters Social (RSVP at registration)

6 - 8 p.m.      

Join the CFGA for a night dedicated to the marketing and exporting of hay products. The Hay Exporter and Marketer Social is your opportunity to connect with key people with industry knowledge, learn about hay marketing and exports and discuss the opportunities and challenges in the hay marketing sphere. 

*All times are Eastern Standard Time. Agenda subject to change.

Post-Conference Tour: Forage Focus (RSVP at registration)

Forage Focus 2024: Hay as a Cash Crop

Friday, Dec. 6, 2024,

Taking place Friday, Dec. 6, the CFGA’s popular post-conference tour is joining forces with the Ontario Forage Council’s (OFC) successful Forage Focus event. This year’s theme is Hay as a Cash Crop and this day-long tour includes stops at hay production hubs where leaders in the industry will share information about the markets available to Ontario hay producers. This is an excellent opportunity for those looking to expand their operation as well as those thinking about getting started with hay production. 

Stop 1: Marcrest Hay Storage in Gorrie 
Visit the hay dryers and check out an innovative hay storage facility. 

Stop 2: Marcrest Manufacturing 
Get to tour where the Bale Baron is manufactured. The Bale Baron is a machine that bundles small square bales and virtually eliminates the need to manually handle bales. 

Lunch will be provided here, courtesy of Marcrest Manufacturing. 

Stop 3: Marhaven in Drayton 
Here you’ll get to see the Chinook hay dryers and the hay press. There will be a panel discussion about the opportunities that are present for hay producers, and what your potential buyers may be looking for. Come prepared with your questions! 

A tradeshow will also be held at this location.  

Cost: Free! But registration is required. Sign up for "Forage Focus Post Conference Tour" at conference registration (or here).

Please note: If you are registered for the CFGA Conference, you are eligible to ride the bus for the tour. The bus leaves the Delta Hotel in Guelph at 8 a.m. If you are not attending the CFGA Conference, you need to arrange your own transportation to each location. Address and further details will be provided to registered participants by email closer to the date of the event. 

For sponsorship or tradeshow information, please contact Rebecca at [email protected]

For additional information on Forage Focus, visit the OFC website.