Another new year is within sight, and turning the calendar to 2018 promises to bring a wealth of opportunity for learning and discussion — maybe even a friendly debate or two.
Every meeting and conference season brings something new, whether it’s the latest innovations in precision ag or data management, or fresh insights into fertility or cover crops. No matter if it’s the Southwest Agricultural Conference, the International Potato Expo or the Precision Ag Conference, in agriculture it’s never “the same old-same old.”
Below, Country Guide brings you thumbnails of meetings, conferences and farm shows from now through late winter. Keep in mind that many of the events require advanced registration or admission fees, with details available via the supplied web links.
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January
25th Annual Southwest Agricultural Conference
Wednesday, January 3 and Thursday, January 4, 2018
Ridgetown Campus
Ridgetown Ont.
The Southwest Agricultural Conference returns in January to celebrate its 25th anniversary of delivering outstanding educational and networking opportunities. Feature speakers include Jon Montgomery, celebrated Canadian Olympian and host of the “Amazing Race Canada,” and Lieutenant-General, the Honourable Roméo Dallaire (retired), Canadian hero and humanitarian. More than 40 sessions will cover topics from precision agriculture to maximizing yield, and from nutrient management to cover crops and pest management. The event will also offer great networking opportunities through the traditional trade show and Taste of Ontario reception.
Salon de l’agriculture
Tuesday, January 16 to Thursday, January 18, 2018
Espace Saint-Hyacinthe
Saint-Hyacinthe, Que.
This is the 32nd edition of the Agricultural Centre, featuring more than 300 exhibitors, presentations and lots of opportunities to meet and discuss farming matters with those in the know.
Ontario Canola Growers Association Annual Meeting
Wednesday, January 24, 2018
Nottawasaga Inn
Alliston, Ont.
For full agenda and to register go to: www.ontariocanolagrowers.ca
Annual Convention of the Land Improvement Contractors of Ontario (LICO)
Wednesday, January 24 and Thursday, January 25, 2018
Best Western-Lamplighter Inn
London, Ont.
The convention brings together drainage contractors, tile and equipment suppliers, engineers and municipal drainage superintendents and agency officials. Conference details and registration are available at the LICO website.
Chatham-Kent Farm Show
Wednesday, January 24 and Thursday, January 25, 2018
Chatham-Kent Convention Centre
Chatham, Ont.
This is the fifth 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 agri-business stakeholders.
www.ontariotradeshows.com/shows/chatham-kent-farm-show
Guelph Organic Conference 2018
Thursday, January 25 to Sunday, January 28, 2018
University of Guelph University Centre
Guelph, Ont.
More than 40 workshops covering topics such as soil fertility management, oat production, large-scale organic grain production, weed control, herd health, poultry husbandry, market gardening and water management. The free two-day trade show Saturday and Sunday brings more than 150 exhibitors including small equipment suppliers, grain traders, garden supplies and food sampling.
2018 Farms.com Eastern Precision Agriculture Conference & Ag Technology Showcase
Tuesday, January 30 and Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Best Western-Lamplighter Inn
London, Ont.
The fifth annual Precision Agriculture conference is an opportunity for farmers, ag retailers, agronomists and agri-business professionals to learn more about new technologies, with expert speakers from across North America and a panel of precision ag farmers who will share their experiences. Conference includes tradeshow.
www.Farms.com/PrecisionAgriculture
Ontario Processing Vegetable Growers Conference
Tuesday, January 30 and Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Four Points Sheraton
London, Ont.
Bringing processors and growers together with industry suppliers and government to address key issues affecting vegetable processors in Ontario. Advance registration is recommended.
February
2018 Eastern Ontario Crops Conference
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
North Grenville Municipal Centre
Kemptville, Ont.
This co-operative effort of OMAFRA and the Eastern Ontario Crop Advisory Committee provides in-depth crop management information. Select up to eight sessions from more than 20 presented throughout the day. Certified Crop Advisor credits will be available for most sessions.
Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) Annual Conference
Tuesday, February 13 and Wednesday, February 14, 2018
Best Western-Lamplighter Inn
London, Ont.
Two full days of dynamic speakers, informative presentations, engaging panel discussions and networking. For information on how to register and updates on the agenda, visit the website.
www.ontariosoilcrop.org/association/annual-general-meeting/
2018 World Ag Expo
Tuesday, February 13 to Thursday, February 15, 2018
International Agri-Center
Tulare, California
After 50 years, the goals of the organizers remain the same — to encourage conversations about the newest inventions and innovations in the world of agriculture. This is billed as the world’s largest annual agricultural exposition, with more than 15,00 exhibitors and 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 14 to Saturday, February 17, 2018
Kentucky Exposition Center
Louisville, Kentucky
The largest indoor farm show in America will cover more than 1.2 million square feet and serve as host to 860 exhibitors. Look for new product launches, plus a full slate of seminars, workshops and networking opportunities.
Ontario Bean Growers Annual General Meeting
Thursday, February 22, 2018
Festival Inn
Stratford, Ont.
For more details, go to: www.ontariobeans.on.ca/
International Potato Technology Expo
Friday, February 23 and Saturday, February 24, 2018
Charlottetown, P.E.I.
Billed as North America’s leading potato event, this international showcase focuses on all aspects of the industry — from seed to soil preparation to harvest and storage, with a full lineup of equipment, exhibitors and expert presentations.
Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario 2018 Conference
Tuesday, February 27 and Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Best Western-Lamplighter Inn
London, Ont.
Among the speakers are Dr. Robert Barr of Purdue University, Dr. Kris Nichols of the Rodale Institute, Tannis and Derek Axten speaking on “Farmers Using Microbes,” North Dakota farmer Rick Bieber, and Ole Green from Denmark speaking on “Farming Into the Future.”
For full agenda and to register go to: www.ifao.com
2018 Commodity Classic
Tuesday, February 27 to Thursday, March 1, 2018
Anaheim, California
Farmer-led and farmer-focused, this premier event attracts thousands of farmers and agri-business representatives. The show features innovations and new ideas plus a chance to learn from key change-makers.
March
2018 East Central Farm Show
Wednesday, March 7 and Thursday, March 8, 2018
Lindsay Fairgrounds
Lindsay, Ont.
The East Central Farm Show is celebrating its 38th annual edition, with 190 exhibitors in 2017 and 15 to 20 new exhibitors expected for this year.
www.regionalscia.org/ECFS.html
Western Fair (London) Farm Show
Wednesday, March 7 to Friday, March 9, 2018
Western Fair District
London, Ont.
A highly anticipated event for southern Ontario and beyond. Showcased this year will be more than 300,000 square feet of exhibits with products, services and equipment demonstrations, plus expert advice on farm challenges and opportunities.
Ottawa Valley Farm Show
Tuesday, March 13 to Thursday, March 15, 2018
EY Centre
Ottawa, Ont.
Celebrating more than 90 years, the Ottawa Valley Seed Growers Association proudly hosts Eastern Ontario’s spring farm show with more than 360 exhibitors and special events all under one roof. Free parking, free wifi, $9 online tickets and children under 12 are admitted free.
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