Ag Days unveils lineup of key speakers, topics

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 04/01/2025 (353 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Speakers at this year’s three-day Manitoba Ag Days event will touch upon a range of issues relevant to the local agricultural technology and research sectors, including canola and livestock farming, and a multitude of topics related to this year’s theme of “Produced on the Prairies.”

Ag Days media co-ordinator Teresa Hildebrand told the Sun on Friday that more than 30 speakers are slated to attend the annual event this year, which will be held from Jan. 21-23.

She added that agricultural producers will share their views on how their produce can be marketed and businesses successfully diversified, which should be of interest to the farming community in Westman.

“The biggest benefit is listening to stories from people who have been there and done that,” said Hildebrand. “To learn what worked well for them, and what things were challenges they had to think about overcoming.”

The sessions focused on canola farming have been scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 21, and will be held at the FCC theatre.

Hildebrand also pointed out that talks on canola farming will be focused on farming the crop and promoting business growth. That will include sessions on how to choose canola varieties that are best suited for individual farms, as well as reviews of canola prices, compared with other oils and how the canola market is impacted by developments in the agricultural sector. Issues relevant to the global market for canola will also be discussed by speakers.

Sessions on Wednesday, Jan. 22, will be held at the MNP theatre. Hildebrand said Ag Days organizers have made efforts to invite speakers who can share their relatable and concrete experiences.

Livestock, especially beef, will be the focus of the sessions scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 23, and can be attended at the MNP theatre. Speakers will delve on a variety of topics relating to livestock management practices, using cattle market data for business management, as well as livestock marketing.

“We are excited to invite everyone to the Keystone Centre,” said Hildebrand. “This is where the ag year begins. Everyone is positive and looking forward to what’s coming up in the growing season, and it’s a great time of the year for the show. Because you have time to plan, and put those things in motion (for) when the growing season starts.”

Ag Days also said in a press release on Friday that attendance at the sessions mentioned above would help attendees garner credits awarded towards continuing education, which could add up to 33.5 credits and would carry a citation mentioning certified crop advisers.

Attendees can pick from among five professional subjects — nutrient management, soil and water management, integrated pest management, crop management and professional development.

Hildebrand said the group of speakers will also focus on issues, such as pest and fungal control. Fungus, such as Verticillium, was a particular issue of interest for farmers last year and a speaker has been invited to deliver a talk on the subject this year, she added.

For more information on the list of speakers and topics covered during the event, visit agdays.com/speakers.

» cmcdowell@brandonsun.com