Time is running out to register for the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association’s (CFGA) 17th Annual Conference taking place in Calgary, Alberta, Nov. 9 to 12, 2026, at the Best Western Calgary Premier Plaza.

Delivered in partnership with the Agriculture Research and Extension Council of Alberta (ARECA), the 2026 event will bring together producers, researchers, industry leaders and policymakers from across Canada to explore the theme Canadian Forage Systems: Designing for Durability.

This year’s conference will focus on building resilient, productive and sustainable forage and grassland systems that can withstand climate pressures, market volatility and evolving landuse demands. The agenda features two full days of educational sessions, cuttingedge research presentations, practical grazing and forage management insights and crosssector discussions linking science, policy and ontheground experience. In addition to the main program, the 2026 conference includes farm tours, handson workshops, a trade show and extensive networking opportunities.

Farm tour showcases innovation from pasture to global markets

As part of CFGA’s conference program in Calgary, attendees with one day and full conference registrations have the opportunity to see Alberta’s forage sector in action through a special pre-conference farm tour on Nov. 9. The tour features visits to two outstanding operations that highlight different but equally important parts of the forage value chain.

• Wray Ranch – At Wray Ranch, attendees will experience firsthand how innovative grazing management and environmental stewardship work together to build a resilient beef operation. Recognized as Alberta’s 2023 Environmental Stewardship Award recipient, the Wray family has transformed former cropland into productive perennial pastures, utilizes rotational grazing across carefully managed paddocks and focuses on improving soil health, water management and biodiversity. Visitors will see how sustainable forage production supports both cattle performance and long-term landscape health.

• Barr-Ag - The tour continues in the afternoon at Barr-Ag, where attendees will discover how Alberta-grown forage and crops reach customers around the world. As one of Canada’s leading exporters of timothy hay, non-GMO alfalfa, mixed hay, grains, oilseeds and pulse crops, Barr-Ag connects local producers to international markets through specialized processing, marketing and containerized shipping programs. This stop will showcase the vital link between forage production in Alberta and the global demand for high-quality Canadian agricultural products.
 

Agenda highlights

Two days of thought-provoking presentations will showcase innovations, success stories and practical tools for Canadian producers.

Nov. 10 focuses on Durable Systems, examining the foundations of resilient agriculture and successful farm businesses. Attendees will hear keynote perspectives on building agricultural systems that stand the test of time, alongside presentations from Farm Management Canada, CanFax and industry leaders exploring farm profitability, forage markets, export opportunities and the vital role of Canada’s forage seed industry.

Sessions will also highlight Indigenous stewardship and partnerships, while a Canadian land systems management panel will bring together provincial representatives to discuss landscape management approaches from across the country. The day concludes with a roundtable discussion on policy changes that affect grazing and forage landscapes, followed by the CFGA Leadership Award Dinner featuring Tess Ryder’s reflections from the Global Gathering of Pastoralist Women.

Nov. 11 shifts the focus to Durable Environment and Durable Futures, exploring the science, people and innovations shaping tomorrow’s grasslands. Presentations will examine soil biology, forage productivity, economic trends and the future of forage crops, with speakers from the University of Alberta, BMO and UC Davis.

Afternoon concurrent sessions will give delegates the choice of exploring emerging ag technologies and grassland conservation tools or diving into producer leadership, human dimensions of resilience and international perspectives from Mongolia. The conference closes with insights into Canadian agricultural research and an evening social designed to connect the people making an impact on forage, pasture and grasslands across the country.

Post-conference workshops

The CFGA is pleased to offer two engaging, fullday workshops on Thursday, Nov. 12, at this year’s conference. Both sessions run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with breaks and lunch provided. Participants can choose between the inperson, handson Technology Tinder Workshop or the hybrid Advancing Canada’s Grasslands Together Workshop.

• Technology Tinder Workshop – This is a new, inperson learning opportunity offering a fastpaced, practical way for producers and extension advisors to explore emerging forage and grazing technologies using a playful “matchmaking” format. Participants will compare tools, test practicality and identify technologies that best fit their realworld grazing challenges. Registration is free for all conference participants, with a $25 workshoponly fee for those attending just the workshop. Attendees can view the full agenda and register online.

• Advancing Canada’s Grasslands Together Workshop – This workshop will bring together participants from policy, extension, conservation, industry and research to strengthen shared understanding of Canada’s grassland systems and help shape coordinated national pathways forward. This hybrid workshop is free to attend but pre-registration is required. For online and in-person participation, register here.

Trade show opportunity for industry partners

The CFGA invites businesses, industry organizations and nonprofits to showcase their products, services and expertise in the conference trade show. Exhibitors are invited to showcase their products, services and expertise at the 2026 rate of $2,000, with a special nonprofit rate of $1,500. Each package includes booth space, one full conference registration and promotion through CFGA social media channels.

This is a prime opportunity to connect directly with conference participants, build new business relationships and demonstrate how your organization contributes to durable, productive and sustainable forage and grassland systems.

Contact Trudy Kelly Forsythe at [email protected] for more information or to reserve your trade show space.

More information

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