The main conference will be held Nov. 18 and 19 as planned. However, instead of meeting in Kamloops, B.C., participants will have the opportunity to gather online from across the country and beyond. The move to the virtual event is due to health and safety concerns because of the current COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on travel and large group gatherings.  

Cedric MacLeod, the CFGA's executive director, says the health and safety of conference attendees is paramount, and rather than wait to see what travel restrictions and physical distancing rules may be in place at the time of the conference, the decision was made now to make the switch.  

"We're looking forward to creating an interactive conference where participants will have the chance to stay safe, learn and network with industry leaders," MacLeod says.  

The conference 's theme,  Vision 2020: Growing Forage Opportunities , will  aim  the event on what those in the forage and grassland sector need to know in order to thrive in their environment.  Speakers will address topics such as forested rangelands, the ecological services of grassland ecosystems, and, in the highlight of the conference, present the Canadian Forage School.  Participants will be walked through all angles of forage and grassland production - from the soil, up - by the country's leading experts.  The conference will also include breakout sessions for more focused attention  on  pasture and rangelands or tame forages and hay.  

Woven in to the main virtual conference schedule on Nov. 18 and 19 will be panel discussions, question and answer periods, coffee break "rooms" and networking opportunities. The CFGA conference will also feature the association's first-even virtual trade show, where participating CFGA conference sponsors can showcase their products during the year ahead, not just during the conference.   

New dates for the CFGA technical workshops, originally set for Nov. 16 and 17, will be announced shortly. Technical workshops highlight various national projects in a working group format for researchers, provincial staff and industry representatives.  

Watch the CFGA website CanadianFGA.ca and your inbox for more conference details in the weeks ahead.  

About Canadian Forage and Grassland Association 

Incorporated in 2010, the CFGA provides a national voice for all Canadians who produce hay and forage products and for those whose production is dependent upon forage/grassland production.