JEDI’s 2023 Ag Forum
Agriculture enthusiasts and stakeholders gathered at the Lakedell Ag Society Hall on November 30th, 2023, for an informative and engaging Ag Forum. Hosted by the Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) and the County of Wetaskiwin Ag Service Board, the 5th annual event brought together industry experts, government representatives, and farmers from across the region. With a diverse agenda that addressed crucial issues facing the agricultural industry, the forum provided valuable insights and strategies for the future of farming in central Alberta.
The forum began with a warm welcome from Josh Bishop, the County of Wetaskiwin Reeve, and Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations and MLA for Maskwacis-Wetaskiwin. Both leaders emphasized the importance of the agricultural sector in Alberta’s economy and expressed their commitment to supporting local farmers.
The first session of the day lead by the County’s Ag Service Board Foreman, James Albers focused on weed control and identification, a pressing concern for farmers. Experts discussed the latest advancements in weed management techniques, emphasizing the need for sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. Attendees learned about innovative methods for identifying and tackling invasive weed species, helping them safeguard their crops and increase productivity.
Farming can be a physically and mentally demanding profession. In a thought-provoking and engaging session, Dr. Rebecca Purc-Stephenson, Lead Researcher with AgKnow, addressed the warning signs of stress and burnout among farmers and shared coping strategies. The importance of mental health support within the agricultural community was highlighted, encouraging open conversations and access to resources to help farmers manage stress effectively. AgKnow offers a network of therapists that have experience working with farmers and the Ag Industry. Their current Free Sessions Pilot Program covers up to two free counselling sessions for farmers and their families. For more information visit www.agknow.ca.
The aging demographic of farmers is a concern across the agricultural industry. Donna Kirchner, CAREERS Agriculture Lead and Program Coordinator in southern Alberta, discussed strategies for attracting young talent to agriculture, including internship programs, educational initiatives such as the Registered Apprenticeship Program and scholarships as well as working as an industry to promote the diverse career opportunities within the ag sector. Encouraging youth involvement in farming is vital for the industry’s long-term sustainability. Funding is available to ag producer to assist in hiring a student connect with CAREERS www.careersnextgen.ca/connect for more information.
Kim Barkwell, the Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator for Leduc County and County of Wetaskiwin, delivered a presentation highlighting the funding options provided by the ALUS Wetaskiwin-Leduc program. She explained how ALUS initiatives help farmers and ranchers build nature-based solutions on their land. These solutions benefit the environment, community and beyond. For more information contact Kim at kbarkwell@county10.ca.
The Alberta AgriSystems Living Lab is an innovative research initiative, focused on advancing sustainable agricultural practices and technology adoption. Adrienne Herron, Knowledge Transfer & Engagement Lead, explained how the initiative serves as a collaborative platform where farmers, researchers, and industry experts work together to develop and implement cutting-edge solutions for agricultural challenges. Through experimentation and real-world trials, the Living Lab seeks to improve crop yields, reduce environmental impacts, and enhance the overall resilience of Alberta’s agricultural sector. By fostering partnerships and knowledge-sharing, the Alberta AgriSystems Living Lab aims to drive agricultural innovation, benefitting both local communities and the broader agricultural industry. Farmers and ranchers seeking more information can visit www.agrisystemsll.ca.
Advancements in technology are revolutionizing agriculture, and drones have become valuable tools for farmers. With the guidance of Robin Harrison, Head Instructor at Landview Drones, participants explored the various applications of drone technology in agriculture, including crop monitoring, spot-spraying, variable rate seeding/fertilizing, equipment monitoring, 3D modelling, volumetrics, and even counting livestock. The session provided practical insights into how drones can enhance efficiency and yield while reducing environmental impact. Robin’s presentation featured an outdoor drone demonstration, allowing attendees to witness the practical application of drone technology. Landview Drones provides educational spraying clinics tailored to agricultural producers looking to acquire drone operation skills on their farms. For additional details, please visit their website at www.landviewdrones.com.
The forum concluded with a presentation from Ryan Copithorne of Cows in Control Inc. Ryan provided a comprehensive overview of the cattle industry in Alberta and beyond. His presentation delved into the state of the cattle industry, exploring both its potential advantages and challenges. He examined strategies to navigate these challenges successfully and offered insights for cattle producers. Additionally, he addressed industry-related factors that present both opportunities and risks, providing a forward-looking perspective. Drawing comparisons with past markets, he assessed the industry’s robustness and trajectory before concluding with a glimpse into the industry’s future. To explore the services offered by Cows in Control Inc. visit their website at www.cowsincontrol.com.
The annual JEDI Ag Forum provides a platform for knowledge-sharing and networking among the agricultural community, and this year’s event was no exception. Attendees left with a deeper understanding of critical issues and innovative solutions, further strengthening the region’s agricultural industry. As Alberta’s farmers continue to adapt to changing landscapes and embrace technological advancements, events like this forum play a crucial role in shaping the future of agriculture in the province.
The JEDI team & County of Wetaskiwin Ag Service Board expresses sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the 2023 Ag Forum! Planning for the 2024 Ag Forum is already underway, so keep an eye out for updates! If you wish to receive notifications about upcoming events, including the 2024 Ag Forum, kindly email us at cthompson@jedialberta.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn @JEDIAlberta.
Were you unable to attend the Ag Forum this year? Please share your reasons with us. We value any suggestions on how we can enhance our Ag Forum or any other workshops and services you’d like to see from JEDI in the upcoming year.