[UPDATED: Dec. 7, 2018] Time and again, the past five to 10 years have proved that winter on the farm is no time for hibernating. Instead, winter in farming circles is for learning and for developing new skills. It’s for sharpening pencils on farm management practices, and for opening the door on opportunities, whether that’s fine-tuning something you’re already doing, or starting something brand new.
Once again, Country Guide gives you a summary of meetings, conferences, workshops and farm shows in the first months of 2019. Many of these events create an anticipation all their own, from the Southwest Agricultural Conference that kicks things off to U.S.-based events like the National Farm Equipment Show — also known as “The Louisville Show.” Just be sure to check the web links for more information on advanced registration, admission fees, meeting agendas and accommodations.
December
Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario
Marketing Workshop
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
121 Chisholm Drive, Milton, Ont.
Speakers: Phil Shaw, Pedro Figuereo, Andria Jones-Bitton and Economics of Cover Crops panel.
January
26th Annual Southwest Agricultural Conference
Thursday, January 3 and Friday, January 4, 2019
University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus
Ridgetown, Ont.
The 26th annual Southwest Agricultural Conference will get participants ready for “The Road Ahead.” Speakers will share the latest on nutrient management, marketing, compaction, pest management and precision agriculture. Feature speakers include Dr. Brynn Winegard on the science of motivation and productivity, and a team from the Enactus World Champion “One Seed Project,” bringing sustainable food security to more than 30,000 Zambian farms. Complementing the lineup of speakers will be a trade show and Taste Ontario reception. *New for 2019 — Friday January 4 only — Live stream access to 29 live and pre-recorded sessions. See website link below for registration details.
Salon de l’agriculture
Tuesday, January 15 to Thursday, January 17, 2019
l’Espace Saint-Hyacinthe
Saint-Hyacinthe, Que.
This is the 33rd edition of Salon de l’Agriculture, featuring more than 300 exhibitors, presentations and lots of opportunity to meet and discuss farming matters with those in the know.
Salon de l’Agriculture website
CropSmart
Friday, January 18, 2019
Rozanski Hall
University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus
Ridgetown, Ont.
Ken Ferrie from CropTech Consulting in Illinois returns to pick up from where he left off from the first FarmSmart Friday in 2013. Join Ferrie and some of Ontario’s finest in exploring current thinking on optimizing corn and soybean production and the importance of soils, crop selection, equipment calibration and other topics.
The FarmSmart Agricultural Conference
Saturday, January 19, 2019
Rozanski Hall, University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus
The 20th anniversary of the conference will be held at the University of Guelph main campus. In keeping with tradition, the program will explore crop and livestock production, soil management and health, crop nutrition, and business and marketing topics. Join farmers, agribusiness, extension and academics in discovering what’s new and innovative. Find lectures, seminars, producer and industry panels and workshops of interest to you and set your own program for the day.
Ontario Canola Growers Association annual meeting
Tuesday, January 22, 2019
Nottawasaga Inn
Alliston, Ont.
Feature speaker Dr. Alan Kerr, chair, agricultural risk and policy, University of Guelph will address: Volatile times — how innovation, trade wars and climate change impact risk management programs.
Chatham-Kent Farm Show
Wednesday, January 23 and Thursday, January 24, 2019
Chatham-Kent John D. Bradley Convention Centre
Chatham, Ont.
This is the 6th annual event, featuring more than 130 local exhibitors, with the latest in farm equipment and technology. There are also free seminars on a variety of topics of interest to farmers and agribusiness stakeholders.
Chatham-Kent Farm Show website
Annual Convention of the Land Improvement Contractors of Ontario (LICO)
Wednesday, January 23 and Thursday, January 24, 2019
London, Ont.
The convention brings together those involved in farm drainage in Ontario — drainage contractors, tile and equipment suppliers, engineers and municipal drainage superintendents and agency officials.
Guelph Organic Conference 2019
Thursday, January 24 to Sunday, January 27, 2019
Guelph University Centre
Guelph, Ont.
More than 40 workshops covering topics such as organic cropping strategies, cover crops, crop rotation, soil health, rotational grazing, organic maple syrup production, organic poultry, heirloom vegetables, edible perennials, equipment, on-farm vermi-composting and much more. The free two-day trade show Saturday and Sunday includes more than 150 exhibitors including small equipment suppliers, grain traders, garden supplies and food sampling.
Guelph Organic Conference website
Ontario Processing Vegetable Growers Conference
Wednesday, January 30 to Thursday, January 31
Four Points by Sheraton, 1150 Wellington Road South
London, Ont.
An annual event, bringing processors and growers together, along with industry suppliers and government, to address issues impacting upon the industry. The conference also provides an excellent networking opportunity.
February
Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) Annual Conference
Tuesday, February 5 and Wednesday, February 6, 2019
Four Points by Sheraton
Kingston, Ont.
Two days of dynamic speakers, informative presentations, engaging panel discussions and networking.
2019 Farms.com Precision Agriculture Conference and Ag Technology Showcase
Tuesday, February 5 and Wednesday, February 6, 2019
London Convention Centre
London, Ont.
The popular 6th annual Precision Agriculture conference will be of tremendous value to farmers, ag retailers, agronomists and agri-business professionals interested in new technologies. The conference is moving to a new venue and will have space for more attendees, featuring more information and networking opportunities. The conference will include a trade show with many of the leading precision ag, machinery and service providers.
2019 Eastern Ontario Crops Conference
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
North Grenville Municipal Centre
Kemptville, Ont.
The Eastern Ontario Crop Conference program is designed to provide growers and agribusiness personnel with in-depth crop management information. Participants may select up to eight sessions from more than 20 presented throughout the day. Certified Crop Advisor credits will be available for most sessions. This is a co-operative effort between the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Eastern Ontario Crop Advisory Committee.
2019 World Ag Expo
Tuesday, February 12 to Thursday, February 14, 2019
International Agri-Center
Tulare, California
After more than 50 years, this show continues to set the pace on inventions and innovations in the world of agriculture. This is billed as the world’s largest annual agricultural exposition, with more than 1,500 exhibitors and 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space, plus the latest in farm equipment, communications and technology. It also includes free seminars and daily equipment showcases.
National Farm Machinery Show (“The Louisville Show”)
Wednesday, February 13 to Saturday, February 16, 2019
Kentucky Exposition Center
Louisville, Kentucky
The largest indoor farm show in the U.S. will serve as host to 860 exhibitors, along with new product launches, plus seminars and networking opportunities.
2019 Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention
Wednesday, February 20 and Thursday, February 21, 2019
Scotiabank Convention Centre
Niagara Falls, Ont.
This two-day event brings processors and growers together with industry suppliers and government to address key issues affecting vegetable processors in Ontario. Advanced registration is recommended.
Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario 2019 Conference
Tuesday, February 21 and Wednesday, February 22, 2019
Best Western-Lamplighter Inn
London, Ont.
This year’s lineup features interesting speakers and topics, including nitrogen-fixing corn with University of Wisconsin’s
Dr. Vania Pankievicz, bio-strips and precision farming’s role in boosting soil health, and a new “underground ag” equipment line. Plus lots of breakout sessions to encourage discussions beyond the presentations.
Ontario Bean Growers Annual General Meeting
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
Arden Park Hotel
Stratford, Ont.
2019 Commodity Classic
Tuesday, February 26 to Thursday, February 28, 2019
Orlando, Florida
Farmer-led and farmer-focused, this premier event attracts thousands of farmers and agribusiness representatives. Grower education, innovation and ideas plus a chance to listen and learn from some of the key leaders in the agri-food industry.
March
2019 East Central Farm Show
Wednesday, March 6 and Thursday, March 7, 2019
Commonwell Exhibition Building, Lindsay Fairgrounds
Lindsay, Ont.
The East Central Farm Show is celebrating its 39th annual edition, with nearly 200 exhibitors expected for this year.
2019 Atlantic Farm Mechanization Show
Thursday, March 7 to Saturday, March 9, 2019
Moncton Coliseum Complex
Moncton, New Brunswick
Innovation and adjusting to change are two of the hallmarks of the agri-food industry, and that’s reflected in the “Spotlight on Farm Technology” theme at this year’s showcase. More than 160 exhibitors will play host to attendees from across the Maritimes and Eastern Canada.
Ottawa Valley Farm Show
Tuesday, March 12 to Thursday, March 14, 2019
EY Centre
Ottawa, Ont.
Farm, family, and friends come together at Ontario’s longest running agricultural trade show, hosted by the Ottawa Valley Seed Growers Association. The show offers special events and over 350 exhibitors with the latest in technology, equipment, seed, feed, services and more.
Grain Farmers of Ontario March Classic 2019
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
London Convention Centre
London, Ont.
Grain Farmers of Ontario is happy to announce the speaker lineup for the March Classic — “Growing Momentum.” This conference will showcase how Canada pushes boundaries and attendees will hear from speakers, including Rick Mercer, Jennifer Moss and Peter MacKay, who are building momentum for Canada, its reputation and their own businesses. To sign up for registration notice and for more details please visit:
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