Posted
December 3, 2025

2025 JEDI Ag Forum a success!

The Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI), in partnership with the County of Wetaskiwin’s Agricultural Service Board (ASB), hosted the 2025 Ag Forum on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Wetaskiwin Ag Society Hall. This annual event, offered free of charge and including lunch, brought together agricultural producers, ag-sector partners, and local organizations to explore current industry trends, succession planning, mental health in agriculture, financial outlooks, and sustainable land management.

This year’s forum continued JEDI’s commitment to providing practical, relevant content that supports producer success and strengthens collaboration across the agricultural community.

The event opened with welcoming remarks from Honorable Rick Wilson, MLA for Maskwacis-Wetaskiwin, County officials and Reeve/JEDI Chairperson, Josh Bishop, followed by a full day of expert presentations, including:

  • Lowell Befus, ATB, who provided a detailed agricultural financial and economic outlook, offering producers insights into current markets, interest-rate trends, and strategies for navigating farm financing.
  • Kim Barkwell, Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator for the County of Wetaskiwin, who highlighted local ALUS programming.
  • Shelby Loomis, who delivered a powerful discussion on mental health in agriculture, emphasizing early recognition, reducing stigma, and the importance of community-supported wellbeing.
  • Geoff Stewart, Owner of Rig Hand Distillery, who shared his story of agricultural innovation and diversification, demonstrating how value-added processing and entrepreneurship can expand opportunities for producers.
  • Annessa Good-Hassard, Farm Family Coach and Agriculture Transition Specialist, who provided practical guidance on succession planning, communication strategies, and preparing multi-generation farm families for successful transitions.

Attendees also participated in draws for door prizes purchased from local businesses, further demonstrating JEDI’s commitment to support the local economy.

Planning is already underway for the 2026 event. If you’d like to be added to a mailing list to receive updates please contact us.

Read the Pipestone Flyer Article here.