In Sudbury, ON on February 12 & 13, 2024, the Northern Ontario Ag Conference brought together a diverse community of farmers, agri-business professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts for two days of insightful discussions and collaborative opportunities. With an average of 150 attendees, the event not only showcased the region’s commitment to agricultural development but also provided a unique platform for networking and knowledge sharing.
The conference, held at Science North, surpassed expectations, underscoring the vitality and innovation embedded in Northern Ontario’s agricultural landscape. One of the highlights of the event was the diverse array of topics covered by expert speakers, reflecting the multifaceted nature of modern agriculture.
The opening day commenced with an engaging session on “Changing Agri-food in Northern Ontario” by Stephen Duff. The presentation provided a detailed analysis of the agri-food sector with valuable insights into adapting and thriving in the ever-changing agri-food landscape.
Canada’s role in global agriculture took the stage, emphasizing the nation’s impact on international markets and unseized opportunities that can drive us forward in the global markets. Participants gained a comprehensive understanding of the global interconnectedness of agriculture and explored potential avenues for sustainable collaboration and growth.
RealAg Podcast, a prominent voice in the agriculture broadcasting community, captivated the audience with a discussion on Opportunities in Forages with Markus Wand and Mark Kunkel, both producers in the Northeast region. The session not only highlighted the importance of forages in livestock nutrition but also shed light on innovative practices in extended grazing and grass fed dairy.
The event hosted two speakers on Indigenous agriculture, recognizing and celebrating the rich heritage and knowledge that Indigenous communities bring to the field. The Wild Basket processes foraged local foods and sells them to the local region. They have developed a place in the market in a unique niche of pairing traditional foraging with mainstream processing and distribution. Victoria Smelko presented on the Three Sister’s Project. As a master’s student at University of Manitoba, her master’s project coordinated a three sisters trails at the Ontario Crops Research Centre – Emo, New Liskeard, and at the Lakehead University Agricultural Research Centre. The Three Sisters is an intercropping method of planting corn, pole beans, and squash or pumpkins together in hills. When planted together, these three crops help each other during growth, resulting in better yields at harvest. Victoria’s presentation overviewed the findings of entomological data surrounding the Indigenous agricultural practice.
Mark Kean, President of Mikrotek, spoke on Carbon Sequestration and its application to agriculture in reducing climate impacts. Discussions centered on sequestering carbon in soil and crops, aligning farming practices with environmental stewardship. Mycorrhizae and genomic research were also on the agenda, showcasing the importance of cutting-edge science in optimizing agricultural progress and practices. Attendees gained insights into how advancements in genetics and soil biology can contribute to improved crop yields and environmental sustainability.
The final sessions of day one explored the opportunities in malting barley and hops in Northern Ontario. Kim Jo Bliss, from Ontario Crops Research Centre – Emo, spoke on her experience with the successful hopyard in Emo, followed by Fang So, from Canada Malt, who touched on malt barley production and best practices to branch into this crop.
On day two, as agricultural communities face the challenges of rising prices, a panel of speakers provided insights from on-farm implementation of proper nutrition and crop health to financial planning and risk management, to calculating your cost of production, the panel dove into education on combating and managing the rising prices in the current economy.
Canadian Mental Health Association and Agriculture Wellness Ontario spoke on the importance of building your mental health toolbox. With staggering statistics for farmer mental health, this is a crucial topic to speak on and be knowledgeable about where and how to seek help and resources.
The final session focused on technology’s role in agriculture, reflecting the industry’s increasing reliance on innovation. Attendees explored the latest advancements and applications, gaining valuable insights into how technology can enhance efficiency, productivity, and sustainability in farming practices.
In addition to the rich content, the conference provided a vital gathering place for the Northern Ontario agricultural and horticultural community. Networking facilitated connections among attendees, fostering a sense of community and a shared commitment to regional growth.
The Northern Ontario Ag Conference of 2024 was not merely an event; it was a testament to the resilience, innovation, and collaborative spirit of the region’s agricultural community. As attendees departed with newfound knowledge and connections, the echoes of the conference promised a brighter, more sustainable future for Northern Ontario’s agricultural landscape.