The Canadian Forage and Grassland Association (CFGA) highlights Gathering Ground – A Producer Development Day, hosted by Farming Forward on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the Westward Community Center in Alberta. This full-day event offers producers a unique opportunity to connect, learn and take home practical tools to strengthen their farm businesses.

Gathering Ground is designed for all types of producers, including cattle, crop and mixed enterprises. Attendees will gain fresh ideas, hands-on learning experiences and inspiration from a community of peers.

The day features a keynote presentation, Boots on the Ground: Succession at the Ground Level, led by Annessa Good-Hassard of Peak Heritage Consulting Ltd. Drawing from her experience as both a consultant and farm successor, Annessa provides actionable strategies for succession planning, estate management and business transitions. Topics include family dynamics, operational clarity, compensation, land transfer strategies, estate planning and fiscal considerations; helping producers approach succession discussions with clarity and confidence.

Hands-on breakout sessions will take place in the heated Arena and Round Cabin, offering demonstrations, workshops and discussions on risk management, innovative technologies and practical skills that producers can immediately apply on their farms.

The event also features a Producer Panel: Groundbreakers: Cultivating New Paths in Agriculture, where agricultural leaders share experiences building businesses beyond traditional farming, including direct marketing, value-added ventures and online engagement.

Throughout the day, participants can network and visit a mini trade show featuring industry partners and service providers. The day concludes with a community supper and live country music performance by Dusty Golden.

Funding for this project in part has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Agricultural Climate Solutions – On-Farm Climate Action Fund.