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Cedric MacLeod
From the executive director's desk
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Time is flying and the CFGA team is excited to be heading to Guelph, Ontario, in less than a month for the CFGA’s 15th Annual Conference. We are pleased to be working with the Ontario Forage Council on this exciting event taking place Dec. 3 to 6 and I thank those who have joined the organizing committee for all of their hard work as we pulled this event together.
This year’s theme is Roots to Success: The Foundation of Resilient Agriculture and we can’t wait to celebrate the important environmental and economic role forages and grasslands play in Ontario, across the country and around the globe while delivering the practical, grassroots-based agronomic knowledge the CFGA is known for.
We kick the event off on Dec. 3 with two full-day pre-conference workshops followed by the welcome reception in the evening. Then it’s two days of educational sessions covering topics from policies and programming to optimizing production and forage markets. We will once again present the CFGA’s Leadership Award to recognize an individual whose leadership has impact of national and/or international significance to the forage and grassland sector. And, I am looking forward to our always popular post-conference tour which is being held in conjunction with OFC’s Forage Focus this year.
You’ll find more information about these and other great activities taking place at the conference in this newsletter, but I also invite you to check out the conference website where you’ll find the agenda, information on accommodations (book your room today to receive special rates), registration (last day to register is Nov. 22) and more. More information will also be shared on the CFGA’s Facebook and X accounts as it becomes available.
As always, if you have questions or comments, don’t hesitate to reach out to discuss. I hope to see you in Guelph next month!
- Cedric MacLeod
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Registration closes Nov. 22 for CFGA Annual Conference in Guelph, Ontario
Time is running out to register for the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association’s (CFGA) 2024 Annual Conference. The CFGA is working with the Ontario Forage Council (OFC) to bring its 15th annual conference to the Delta Hotel in Guelph, Ontario, Dec. 3 to 6, and the deadline to register is Nov. 22.
With the theme Roots to Success: The Foundation of Resilient Agriculture, this not-to-be-missed, four-day event will focus on a number of themes including policy and programming, grassland and pasture management, forage production and markets and looking to the future. It includes ample networking opportunities, a trade show and a full line-up of expert speakers and panel discussions.
Keynote speakers for this year’s event include University of Guelph’s Dr. Ralph Martin presenting Perennial forages as key contributors to sustainable agriculture and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Martin Chantigny presenting Dipping into perennials to restore soil health, carbon content and resilience of annual cropping systems. The Hon. Senator Robert Black will present on recently released soil study results while producers will gain valuable experience during sessions on grazing tools, tips and new technologies; rotational grazing; optimizing production and more.
Visit the conference agenda for more information on speakers and their presentations and read on for more information on what you can expect at this year’s conference!
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Pre-conference workshops
The CFGA is hosting two full-day pre-conference workshops at its 15th annual conference in Guelph, Ontario, on Tuesday, Dec. 3.
Connections and strategies
A knowledge technology transfer (KTT) communications workshop
The first is an 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 connections 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 the sharing of real-world examples. 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 communications@canadianfga.ca.
Integrating carbon and biodiversity indicators workshop
This free workshop will be offered in hybrid format with both in-person and online participation supported. The agenda is a full day, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern, with presentations from various speakers as well as multiple directed discussion periods incorporated.
This workshop offers a unique opportunity for grassland stakeholders nationwide to provide input into the integration of the Habitat and 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 modelling of biodiversity outcomes from implementing beneficial management practices (BMPs) on-farm that align with accredited biodiversity monitoring requirements.
Those interested in registering should contact Kaylee Healy at communications@canadianfga.ca or John Pattison-Williams at jk.pattisonwilliams@gmail.com for further workshop details.
Additional information about these pre-conference workshops will be posted on the CFGA conference website as they become available.
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Young Farmer Forum Luncheon
The CFGA is holding a Young Farmer Forum Luncheon on Thursday, Dec. 5 from noon to 1:30 p.m. to foster dialogue among young farmers and ranchers about the challenges they face, the strategies they are implementing and the solutions they are calling for. This workshop will consist of facilitated conversation in small groups, culminating in a larger round-table discussion for sharing salient points and identifying common themes. It will be an inviting space to make connections with peers, broaden the CFGA’s vision and build a more unified community.
This luncheon is for anyone under 40 years of age who works in or adjacent to grasslands, forage production or grazing. Lunch will be provided. To attend, participants must register for the CFGA conference but can choose to register for just Day 2 of the conference, or for the whole conference. During registration, simply click “Yes” for “Young Farmer Lunch” to reserve your seat. There is no additional cost to attend the luncheon.
To learn more, visit the CFGA conference website or contact Emma at learning@canadianfga.ca with any questions.
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Hay Exporter and Marketer Social
Also taking place on Dec. 5 is an event dedicated to marketing and exporting. Taking place from 6 to 8 p.m., the Hay Exporter and Marketer Social is for those involved in or interested in getting involved in hay exporting and marketing. This 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.
This event is free to conference registrants, though you must choose yes to attend this event during the registration process for the full conference or Day 2. The cost for non-conference registrants is $30. The ticket price includes the cost of food and drink. A cash bar will also be available.
Visit the CFGA conference registration page to reserve your spot.
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Post-conference tour: Forage Focus 2024
Taking place Thursday, Dec. 6, the CFGA’s popular post-conference tour is joining forces with the OFC’s 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.
The day begins at 9:30 a.m. with a stop at Marcrest Hay Storage in Gorrie to visit their hay dryers and check out an innovative hay-storage facility. Next up is a stop at Marcrest Manufacturing to tour where they manufacture the Bale Baron, a machine that bundles small square bales and virtually eliminates the need to manually handle bales. Lunch will be provided at this location courtesy of Marcrest Manufacturing.
The tour then moves on to Marhaven Agri Service in Drayton. Here attendees will see the Chinook hay dryers and hay press. This stop will also include a trade show and panel discussion about the opportunities that are present for hay producers and what potential buyers may be looking for. Come prepared with your questions.
The cost of this tour is free, but registration is required. Register here. Registrants for the CFGA’s 2024 conference can travel to the stops on a bus leaving from the Delta Hotel in Guelph at 8 a.m. Those not attending the CFGA conference will need to arrange their 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 trade show information, please contact Rebecca at admin@ontarioforagecouncil.com.
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Register today
Producer rate available for ON and QC producers!
The producer rate for producers in Ontario and Quebec is $100/day for Day 1 (Dec. 4) and Day 2 (Dec. 5) of the conference.
To take advantage of this rate, Ontario producers must reach out to the Ontario Forage Council (OFC) at admin@ontarioforagecouncil.com, and Quebec producers must reach out to Conseil québécois des plantes fourragères CQPF at info@cqpf.ca. Producers will receive a special one-time use code for registration.
*Producers are required to provide a copy of their current FBRN card to OFC or NIM card to CQPF. There are limited spots available for this special rate, so reach out soon to take advantage. Learn more here.
Group registration discount available!
Groups of 10 or more receive a 25 per cent discount when at least 10 people register. Gather 10 of your colleagues, association members or neighbours and receive a 25 per cent discount for each registrant.
Registration includes full access to both days of the conference presentations, meals and an option to register for the post-conference tour for free. Students in your group can also join the Young Farmer Forum luncheon and exporters, or those interested in exporting, can attend the Hay Exporters and Marketers Social.
Organizations interested in registering a group of 10 or more can contact info@canadianfga.ca for full details.
Visit the CFGA conference website for more information, to register and to view the agenda.
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Academic posters and infographic showcase
The CFGA is also hosting an academic poster and infographic showcase during the conference.
This showcase provides students and academics at Canadian universities the opportunity to present research they've conducted over the past year on forages and grasslands. This is purely an opportunity for academics to showcase their work. There is no competition.
Submission details are available on the CFGA conference website.
Email info@canadianfga.ca by this Friday, Nov. 8, to express interest in submitting a poster or infographic.
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Check out updated Advanced Grazing Systems course
The Canadian Forage and Grassland Association (CFGA) has launched an updated version of its popular Advanced Grazing Systems (AGS) course. It builds on a course the CFGA developed in 2022 with the help of forage and grazing experts across the country and in partnership with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the On-Farm Climate Action Fund and Farmers for Climate Solutions.
Incorporating a blended-learning model, the course offers a comprehensive learning curriculum that covers common core grazing principles and the development of rotational grazing plans. It also provides in-person and online options to support various learning needs and producer situations and schedules.
Since the spring of 2022, the CFGA has supported over 4,480 producers who have gone through the program either online or in person. Over 1,800 people have attended workshops and the CFGA’s online learning management system (LMS) has had close to 500 individuals finish the self-paced AGS course.
The newly launched version of the AGS course incorporates numerous updates to improve science-based knowledge and peer-to-peer learning. The updates were determined through a mixed-methods research approach to understanding the program’s impact and analyzing data collected in the first 18 months of the program. Case studies featuring producers’ on-the-ground experience with rotational grazing are also one of the new inclusions with the update.
The CFGA is also developing targeted subject matter modules to further round out a producer’s expertise in region- or industry-specific approaches to advanced grazing systems. These will be launched in the coming months.
The updated course is available in English and French through the CFGA’s LMS and can be accessed on a cell phone, tablet, computer desktop or through the Canvas App. People can now access the content as a producer or as a mentor through separate streams, both of which cover the same core concepts.
Producers can enrol and complete the series of modules of the free AGS self-paced learning as an introduction to the foundation of the advanced rotational grazing practices and theory. Proceeding through these modules will help you create a rotational grazing plan suitable for your operation.
The mentor stream focuses on applying rotational grazing concepts in a mentorship context, and adapting management to meet the needs of each unique grazing operation. The AGS for Mentors course is one of the requirements for becoming a recognized mentor with the CFGA. To learn more about becoming a CFGA mentor, contact learning@canadianfga.ca.
For additional information visit the CFGA AGS webpage or email learning@canadianfga.ca.
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Work with a mentor
Producers seeking additional assistance in developing an advanced rotational grazing management plan may do so with the guidance of a grazing mentor. The CFGA has a network of mentors trained to support the development of grazing plans.
Producers can sign up for the AGS course and find links to mentors here. Please contact Travis at travis@canadianfga.ca to find out how to access funding for one-on-one support or if you have any questions.
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CFGA executive director discusses soil health on new ag podcast
The Ag Podcast is a new series that meets farmers where they are — on the cusp of massive changes — with a focus on practical insights for resilience.
Drawing on the perspectives of agricultural innovators, experts (like me) and passionate advocates, The Ag Podcast highlights how farmers are adapting to overlapping waves of change, while providing actionable information and useful guidance for farmers from farmers and those dedicated to supporting them.
Last month, CFGA’s executive director Cedric MacLeod was a guest with Tim Wray, a cattle rancher at Wray Ranch for Episode 6 - Digging Deep on Soil Health. Have a listen as they chat with host Crystal Mackay about why soil health is so important, how farmers can farm with the soil in mind and the opportunity that stakeholders across the agri-food value chain have to support farmers in this work. You can also subscribe to Generate Canada’s YouTube channel to listen to a new episode every Tuesday.
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Commanditaire Or de l'ACPF | |
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News from Dairy Farmers of Canada
Dairy Farmers of Canada advocate for farmers at the 2024 International Dairy Federation’s World Dairy Summit
Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) was on hand advocating for Canada’s farmers at the International Dairy Federation’s (IDF) World Dairy Summit in Paris, October 15 to 18. Here, representatives from the global dairy community gathered to discuss how they could continue offering safe, nutritious, and wholesome products while upholding dairy’s place in sustainable food systems.
On the final day of the Summit, IDF and the Food and Agriculture Organization formally signed the Paris Dairy Declaration on Sustainability; DFC acted as one of the formal supporters. The Declaration was made to “reiterate and reinforce our commitments for a sustainable transformation of the dairy sector.” It recognizes the critical role of dairy in sustainable food systems from socio-economic, environmental and public health perspectives, while calling on the international community to support the wide adoption of dairy practices that reflect local needs and realities.
DFC president David Wiens led the DFC delegation, and he ensured the hard work of Canadian dairy farmers was acknowledged as the force behind our nation’s reputation as a global sustainability leader. In a speech to the Dairy Leaders’ Forum, Wiens hailed Canadian dairy farmers for the progress they’ve already made, as well as the role that economics play in the adoption of more sustainable practices.
“Like all dairy farmers around the globe, we are stewards of the land, and the protection of the environment is something that is at the heart of our industry,” said Wiens. “The challenge ahead of us is not small. That is why I am so inspired to see the full value chain committed to collaboration and shared objectives.”
Wiens asserted the need for collaboration amongst the international dairy community in the interest of reaching shared goals so that no farmer, wherever they are, goes it alone. “We see collaboration as necessary to maintaining and further enhancing not just our own operations, but the sustainable food supply of tomorrow,” he said.
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Nouvelles des Producteurs laitiers du Canada
Les Producteurs laitiers du Canada représentent les producteurs au Sommet mondial du lait de 2024 de la Fédération internationale du lait
Les Producteurs laitiers du Canada (PLC) ont représenté les producteurs canadiens au Sommet mondial du lait de la Fédération internationale du lait (FIL), qui s'est tenu à Paris du 15 au 18 octobre. Des représentants du milieu laitier mondial s'y sont réunis pour discuter de la manière dont ils pourraient continuer à offrir des produits salubres, nutritifs et sains tout en maintenant la place des produits laitiers dans les systèmes alimentaires durables.
Le dernier jour du Sommet, la FIL et l'Organisation des Nations Unies pour l'alimentation et l'agriculture ont officiellement signé la Déclaration de Paris pour un secteur laitier durable, dont les PLC ont été l'un des partisans officiels. La Déclaration a été rédigée pour « réitérer et renforcer nos engagements en faveur d’une transformation durable du secteur laitier ». Elle reconnaît et souligne le rôle essentiel des produits laitiers dans les systèmes alimentaires durables d'un point de vue socioéconomique, environnemental et de santé publique, tout en appelant la communauté internationale à soutenir l'adoption à grande échelle de pratiques laitières qui reflètent les besoins et les réalités locales.
Le président des PLC, David Wiens, qui dirigeait la délégation des PLC, s'est assuré que le travail acharné des producteurs laitiers canadiens soit reconnu comme la force qui sous-tend la réputation de notre pays en tant que leader mondial en matière de développement durable. Dans un discours prononcé au Forum des leaders du secteur laitier, M. Wiens a salué les producteurs laitiers canadiens pour les progrès qu'ils ont déjà accomplis, ainsi que le rôle que joue le contexte économique dans l'adoption de pratiques plus durables.
« Comme tous les producteurs laitiers du monde, nous sommes responsables de la gestion des terres et la protection de l’environnement est au cœur des activités de notre secteur, » a déclaré M. Wiens. « Le défi qui nous attend n’est pas des moindres. C’est pourquoi je me réjouis de voir l’ensemble de la chaîne de valeur s’engager à collaborer et à atteindre des objectifs communs. »
M. Wiens a insisté sur la nécessité de collaborer avec la communauté laitière internationale afin d'atteindre des objectifs communs, de sorte qu'aucun producteur, où qu'il se trouve, ne fasse cavalier seul. « Nous considérons que la collaboration est nécessaire pour maintenir et améliorer non seulement nos propres activités, mais aussi l'approvisionnement alimentaire durable de demain », a-t-il précisé.
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Calendar of Events
At the time this newsletter was distributed, all event times and locations were accurate, but please check event websites for the most current information. Some events may have been postponed or cancelled.
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