2024 Digital Agenda
Agenda 2024
Pre-Conference Extension Workshops
Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024
7:30 - 8:45 a.m. BREAKFAST
Integrating Carbon and Biodiversity Indicators - Flanders Room
9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Led by Dr. John K. Pattison-Williams
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 - John McCrae Room
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].
10:15 – 10:35 a.m. BREAK
12 – 1 p.m. LUNCH
2:30 – 3 p.m. BREAK
6 p.m. Registration desk opens
Conference Welcome Reception - Ballroom A
7 - 10 p.m. Introductions by Cedric McLeod ED of the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association (CFGA)
Food and non-alcoholic beverages are provided, with a cash bar available for attendees. We welcome you to join us for some brief welcome messages and a chance to meet your fellow conference attendees, speakers, and conference sponsors as we launch into our 15th Annual Conference event.
Conference Tradeshow and Exhibits - Gryphon/Ken Danby Room
7-10 p.m.
Agenda subject to change. All times are Eastern Standard Time.
Location, unless otherwise noted, is Ballroom B.
Breakfasts, breaks and lunch served in the Foyer, unless otherwise noted.
CFGA Conference Day 1
Theme: Grassland and Pastures
Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024
7:30 - 8:45 a.m. BREAKFAST
8:30 - 5:30 p.m. Conference Tradeshow and Exhibits - Gryphon/Ken Danby Room
8:30 a.m. Registration desk opens
Policy & Programming - Ballroom B
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. Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry Soil Study Report: Findings and Recommendations
The Honourable Senator Robert Black
Talk Summary: The Senate agriculture committee, led by Senator Rob Black, wrapped its public hearings on soil health and the report was published June 6. Its report is expected to be made public in late spring of 2024. The Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry completed a new study on the status of soil health in Canada, releasing its final report Critical Ground: Why Soil is Essential to Canada’s Economic, Environmental, Human, and Social Health. During his presentation, Rob will discuss the importance of soil, the work that led to this study and the final report, it results and recommendations.
10:30 - 10:45 a.m. Panel Q&A with speakers
10:45 - 11:05 a.m. BREAK
11:05 - 11:25 a.m. Habitat and Biodiversity Assessment Tool for Ontario
Meagan Morey, Blazing Star
Talk Summary: Meagan will provide an insightful session on the customization of the Habitat and Biodiversity Assessment Tool (HBAT) 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 Meagan delves 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 - Future Grassland Learning and Knowledge Collaboration
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 National Grassland Inventory (NGI), provide North American perspectives and link together with forthcoming grassland learning initiatives.
11:45 - 12 p.m. Panel Q&A with speakers
12 - 1 p.m. LUNCH
Producers’ View on the Ground - Ballroom B
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: During his session at the 2024 Annual Conference, 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 Experiences - Getting Started and the Journey
Brenda Hsueh, Farmers for Climate Solutions/Black Sheep Farm
Talk Summary: During her presentation, Brenda will share her rotational grazing experience over 15 years of grazing sheep on pastures in Grey County, Ontario, growing from a flock of three to a breeding ewe flock of 50 on 35 acres of intensively managed pastures.
2:05 - 2:30 p.m. Using Decision Support Tools for Dairy Cow Pasture Management
Francois Labelle, Lactanet
Talk Summary: Lactanet has implemented various decision support tools for pasture management in dairy production. Tools such as the Happy Grass pasture management application, combined with other means such as the pasture plate metre and the analysis of milk fatty acids, allow dairy farmers to improve their pasture management based on their data. During this conference, Francois will present the main results of this approach developed over the last few years.
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. WONDERFULL INC. understands that farmers work hard to navigate unpredictable weather and are always looking for the best tools to manage their farms effectively. The challenges farmers and ranchers face include not only unpredictable weather but also soil degradation, nutrient management, pest and weed control, high machinery and labour costs, lack of sufficient data, as well as market fluctuations and regulatory issues. Jenny will share how drone technology can help address these problems in agriculture and the role of different drone functions in production management. She will 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 (OSCIA) 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 (OFCAF) 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? This talk will explore the opportunities and challenges of Ontario’s suite of programming.
4:50 - 5 p.m. Panel Q&A with speakers
5 - 5:05 p.m. Closing Comments
Conference Dinner (RSVP at registration)
6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Featuring the CFGA Leadership Award
Agenda subject to change. All times are Eastern Standard Time.
Location, unless otherwise noted, is Ballroom B.
Breakfasts, breaks and lunch served in the Foyer, unless otherwise noted.
CFGA Conference Day 2
Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024
Theme: Tame Forages and Markets
7:30 - 8:45 a.m. BREAKFAST
8:30 a.m. Registration desk opens
8:30 - 5:30 p.m. Conference Tradeshow and Exhibits - Gryphon/Ken Danby Room
8 - 8:45 a.m. CFGA Operational Update - Ballroom B
Optimizing Production - Ballroom B
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
Dr. Martin Chantigny, Agriculture and Agri-Foods Canada (AAFC)
Talk Summary: Martin will discuss the numerous advantages of perennial crops to improve soil structure, the formation and stabilization of soil organic matter (carbon capture) and nitrogen use efficiency and their consequences on soil fertility, crop productivity and yield stability under a changing climate.
9:45 - 10:15 a.m. Forage Quality Today: Getting closer to the bullseye!
John Winchell, Alltech
Talk Summary: During his session, John will share his knowledge on advances in forage quality noting that forage quality is more important than ever and has come a long way in recent years. “Especially in the last few years, we have learned more on attaining forage quality and maximizing production,” John says. “Corn silage is very present throughout Ontario and Eastern Canada. We are also seeing the explosion of winter forages such as rye and triticale. Cover crops are more than just a good winter/spring cover. We also are looking at ways to maximize quality on our haylage as well. Combining these forages as a program for on farm success."
10:15 - 10:25 a.m. Panel Q&A with speakers
10:25 - 10:45 a.m. BREAK
10:45 - 11:10 a.m. Advances in Forages Breeding in Canada
Hari Poudel, Agriculture and Agri-Foods Canada
Talk Summary: Dr. Poudel’s talk will provide an overview of progress in breeding tame forages, synthesizing ongoing activities from four major perennial forage breeding programs across Canada. Additionally, he will discuss the importance of regional forage breeding programs, with a particular emphasis on genotype-by-environment (GxE) interactions.
11:10 - 11:15 a.m. Q&A with speaker
11:15 - 12 p.m. Field to Feed Panel: A moderated discussion featuring industry nutrition and agronomy experts on balanced nutrition and forage
Courtney Vriens, Tom Wright and Patrick Lynch, moderated by Christine O’Reilly
12 - 1:15 p.m. LUNCH
Young Farmers Forum Luncheon (RSVP at registration) - Ballroom A
Forage Markets and the Future - Ballroom B
1:30 - 1:50 p.m. Status of Forage Export Markets
Josh Callen, The Hoyt Report
Talk Summary: During his presentation, Josh will provide an update on the status of the forage exports markets. He 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
Talk Summary: During his presentation, Aaron Goertzen, senior economist and director at BMO Capital will discuss markets, take stock of current economic conditions and present the outlook for growth, the labour market, interest rates and the Canadian dollar.
2:10 - 2:30 p.m. Transformational Adaptation in Central and Southern U.S. Agriculture: Identifying Future Challenges and Opportunities
Talk Summary: Producers across North America are facing several challenges including market volatility, new pest pressures, changing climate conditions and demographic shifts. Supporting farmers in the transformative change needed to respond to these challenges requires an integrated approach that centers voices across the agricultural sector. and farmer voices across the agricultural sector. The Thriving Future Cropscape project is an interdisciplinary project that aims to bring together stakeholders across the agricultural sector to explore what future cropping systems could be and how to support transformation in the southern and central US. Integrating key informant interviews, Delphi surveys, data informed Cropscape maps and focus groups, the team aims to support capabilities to predict agricultural system responses, identify opportunities to enhance the resilience of each state’s agricultural sector and generate relevant strategies to support agricultural adoption. Pulling from expert key informant interviews in three agriculturally important states in the US, Georgia, Ohio, and Nebraska and initial environmental modeling results we will discuss what future challenges have been identified, opportunities for transformational adaptation, and open the discussion for what this might mean for Canada’s future agricultural landscapes.
Brooke McWherter, Nebraska University
2:30 - 2:50 p.m. Panel Q&A with speakers
2:50 - 3 p.m. BREAK
3 - 4 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. This presentation 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.
4 - 4:05 p.m. Conference Closing Remarks
Patricia Ellingwood, Ontario Forage Council & Cedric McLeod, CFGA
Hay Exporters Social (RSVP at registration) - Ballroom A
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.
Agenda subject to change. All times are Eastern Standard Time.
Location, unless otherwise noted, is Ballroom B.
Breakfasts, breaks and lunch served in the Foyer, unless otherwise noted.
Post-Conference Tour: Forage Focus (RSVP at registration)
Forage Focus 2024: Hay as a Cash Crop
Friday, Dec. 6, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
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.
7:30 - 8:45 a.m. BREAKFAST
8:15 a.m. Shuttle leaves Delta Hotels Guelph Conference Centre
8:45 - 10:30 a.m. Stop 1: Marcrest Hay Storage in Gorrie
Visit the hay dryers and check out an innovative hay storage facility.
10:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Stop 2: Marcrest Manufacturing ft. Bale Barons
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.
2 - 4 p.m. Stop 3: Marhaven Agri Services 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!
Onsite Marketing Panel - Value of Forages
1:30 - 4 p.m. Tradeshow at Marhaven
4 p.m. Shuttle returns to Delta Hotels Guelph Conference Centre
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.