Canadian Forage and Grassland Association conference Nov. 14-15

The Canadian Forage and Grassland Association (CFGA), in conjunction with the Alberta Forage Industry Network (AFIN), is pleased to host its 9th annual conference in Calgary, Nov. 14-15.

Registration is open for this exciting annual event that will highlight how the Canadian forage and grassland sector is a critical foundation for sustainable growth and development throughout the Canadian agricultural industry.

This year's theme is Foundation Forage: Built from the Ground Up, recognizing the importance of a complete forage cropping system, from soil health through to export opportunities.

"Forage and grasslands are an important component of Canadian agriculture," says Cedric MacLeod, CFGA's executive director. "There are 72 million acres of forage and grassland in production in Canada and the direct economic value is $5.09 billion. It's critical that we learn as much as we can about nurturing this critical resource through events like the CFGA conference."

The conference begins with an optional preconference tour on Tuesday, Nov. 13 which will feature visits to Namaka Farms, a large-scale, family-owned feedlot, the Arrowwood Hutterite Colony and Waldron Grazing Co-op.

The main conference will include an exhibition of businesses and organizations that provide products or services to forage producers and grassland managers, or represent a conservation or land stewardship-based organization concerned with the continued loss of Canada's grasslands; a full line-up of speakers on such topics as soil carbon storage, forage exports, soil health enhancement and profitable forage systems; and virtual farm tours that feature innovative producers across the country.

A highlight of the conference is the CFGA awards luncheon on Nov. 15 when the New Holland-sponsored CFGA Leadership Award will be presented.

This award recognizes an individual, group or organization that exemplifies or enhances the goals of the CFGA and whose leadership in the forage and grassland sector has impact of national and/or international significance.

Nominations of candidates for the 2018 CFGA Leadership Award are due Oct. 1. Nomination forms are available on the CFGA website. Just click the "Nomination CFGA Leadership Award" button on the right.

"This conference is an excellent platform for learning, networking, exchanging ideas and strengthening the Canadian forage industry through hands-on learning during the pre-conference tour and learning events with the industry's top players," says MacLeod.

Canadian Forage and Grassland Association was incorporated in 2010, the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association provides a national voice for all Canadians who produce hay and forage products and for those whose production is dependent upon forage/grassland production.