Issue 95 - Week of October 20, 2025

Hi Friend

Recent headlines out of the White House about plans to lower beef prices have added uncertainty to cattle markets, a reminder of how quickly things can shift. At Gathering Ground, we’ll be digging into market risk management with Ryan Copithorne of Cows in Control, who’ll share practical tools to help producers stay steady when markets aren’t.

Meanwhile, with the first snowflakes falling across parts of the region, it’s time to start thinking about winter planning. Dini and Jessica are attending EFP Technician Training this week so we can better support members with their Environmental Farm Plans — and we’ve got local workshops lined up for November and December.

Scroll down for event details, early bird reminders, and a few timely reads for the week.

Come for the food. Stay for the ideas.

Gathering Ground | Saturday November 15 | Near Whitecourt

Market Risk in Volatile Times

With cattle markets swinging after recent headlines about beef prices, managing risk has never been more important. Ryan Copithorne of Cows in Control shares practical, real-world tools to help producers stay steady when markets aren’t.

👉Learn more about Ryan’s session

Innovation on the Ground

Technology is reshaping herd management from the ground up. Marissa Lemay of Merck Animal Health introduces the SenseHub® Cow Calf system showing how real-time data on health, breeding, and behaviour can turn insight into action.

👉 Learn more about Marissa’s session

Join us Saturday, November 15 near Whitecourt for a full day of practical ideas, connection, and great food. Early bird rates end this week Friday October 25!

Learn More & Register

RDAR Expands Grazing Program to Include Virtual Fencing

RDAR, one of Farming Forward’s core funders, has expanded its OFCAF rotational grazing program to include support for virtual fencing technology - a GPS-based system helping producers manage pastures more efficiently and sustainably.

Producers can access up to $75,000 in funding (with a 15% cost-share) to adopt GPS-enabled collar systems that let them manage pastures, create temporary paddocks, and move fences virtually from a smartphone or computer.

To help local producers see the technology in action, Farming Forward is purchasing a small number of collars to trial in 2026. The goal is to demonstrate how virtual fencing can support soil health, biodiversity, and flexible grazing management in our region.

Eligible Alberta producers must have at least $25,000 in gross farm income and work with a Professional Agrologist or Certified Crop Advisor to develop a BMP Action Plan.

📅 Funding is limited for 2025, visit rdar.ca for full details.

Environmental Farm Plan Workshops

Get your Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) ready for year-end and upcoming funding programs like AgriInvest, RALP, and new 2026 opportunities. EFPs are valid for 10 years, so if you completed yours long ago, it may be due for renewal.

Join us for a free, hands-on workshop with an EFP technician to create or update your plan. Your information stays confidential — between you and your technician only.

📍 Woodlands County (Whitecourt) – Thursday, November 27, 9:00 AM

Yellowhead County (Wildwood) – Wednesday, December 10, 1:00 PM

💻 Free to attend, registration required.

Can’t make it to a workshop but have questions about your EFP?

📞 Contact us at 780-785-2222 or info@farmingforward.ca for support.

Gathering Ground – Early Bird Ends Friday!

Don’t miss your chance to save $25... Early Bird tickets close this Friday, October 25.

For just $75, you’ll enjoy:

🍽️ Buffet lunch & supper catered by Thymeless Occasions

☕ Coffee, snacks, and good company throughout the day

🎤 A full program with a keynote, 4 breakout workshops, a producer panel, and live country music to wrap it up.

Tickets go up to $100 after Friday, so grab yours now and help us plan catering numbers!

Seeding Innovation: Digital Twin Training for Agri-Food

by Ontario Chamber of Commerce

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce is offering free training to help agri-food businesses explore digital twin technology — virtual 3D tools that simulate real-world operations to boost efficiency, reduce waste, and plan smarter.

Learn More

North America in sights with SwarmFarm’s $30M capital raise

by Grain Central

Australian agtech company SwarmFarm Robotics has secured $30 million to scale its autonomous SwarmBots — versatile robots that reduce herbicide use, emissions, and equipment costs while giving farmers smarter, adaptable tools for field management.

Kids Grazing Plan Challenge

Think you’ve got what it takes to design a great grazing plan? The Canadian Forage and Grassland Association (CFGA) has launched a fun new challenge for youth across Alberta who want to learn more about rotational grazing and pasture management — with some awesome prizes up for grabs!

Participants are invited to:

Design their own grazing plan
Use Google Maps or hand-draw their layout
Include a legend, grazing chart, and three photos
Write a short description of how their plan works

It’s a great way for young people to learn about caring for pastures, livestock, and the environment.

👉 Check out resources and templates here: CFGA Grazing Plan Resources

📧 For details, contact: abgrazing@canadianfga.ca

Talk. Ask. Listen. – Mental Health Workshop

October 27 | 10 AM - 3 PM

Mayerthorpe Legion, 5111 45 Ave, Mayerthorpe

Join The Do More Agriculture Foundation for a free 'Talk. Ask. Listen.' session, an interactive workshop designed to help those in agriculture recognize signs of stress, start conversations, and support mental well-being in their communities.

Learn how to listen, connect, and take action to foster a culture of care in agriculture.

Environmental Farm Plan Workshop

November 5, 2025 | 5:00 – 8:30 PM

The Pointe Agricultural Event Centre, Sherwood Park

Join Strathcona County for a hands-on session with an Environmental Farm Plan technician. Participants will learn how to identify environmental risks, update their EFP, and create a practical improvement plan for their operation.

💻 Please bring a laptop and create your EFP profile ahead of time.

🥪 A light supper will be provided.

Questions or ideas?

We’d love to hear from you!

We’re here to help with anything on your mind — big or small.

📞 Give us a call at +1 780-785-2222 (Mon–Fri, 9am–4pm)

📧 Or reply to this email

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