Local Journalism Initiative

GREY-BRUCE This year marks the 55th time that Grey Bruce Farmers Week, Jan. 5-12, has offered local producers the opportunity to network, hear expert speakers both local and international, and find out the latest news in agriculture. This year will be no different in the ways that matter. However, the decision was made last summer to make the event completely virtual in fact, the best virtual conference possible. Co-ordinator Lorie Smith said in a press release that the event was in an ideal situation to shift to a virtual format, as a result of livestreaming for the previous three years. They were the dress rehearsal, she said. The shift in format comes with some incredible challenges, Smith said. In essence, it required taking everything learned over the years and throwing it out the window. Running a virtual conference is nothing like running an in-person one. And Smith noted it isnt being done cheaply, something reflected in ticket prices. We will take all of the best features about GBFW, box them up, and create an online experience that mimics all the feels of the live event, she said. An added benefit will be the opportunity for those interested to access additional content. A person with a ticket will also be able to access the recorded presentations for 30 days after the event (items will be posted within 48 hours, said Smith). Having a trade show that allows attendees to interact directly (therell even be door prizes) is crucial to the overall experience, said Smith, but its not easy to do. She encourages everyone in attendance to visit the trade show the best opportunities will be on Jan. 5, 10 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m. Other days, those who wish to interact face-to-face should visit the trade show 9-11 a.m. Fortunately, the sponsors were on board even ones who were unfamiliar with the format. The decision was made to switch over early, and put together a well-organized event rather than wait and cobble together a last-minute plan B. And the conference schedule shows it. The virtual conference will continue to be a seven-day event plus tradeshow a full eight days. Trade Show Day on Tuesday, Jan. 5, opens the conference. Its followed by Beef Day on Jan. 6, Dairy Day Jan. 7, Goat Day Jan. 8, Sheep Day Jan. 9, Horse Day Jan. 10, Ecological Day Jan. 11, and closes with Crops Day on Jan. 12. Each day begins with an 11:15 a.m. welcome and concludes about 4 p.m. There will be over 60 speakers and panelists with presentations, some delivered in real time and others pre-recorded. Special features include the opportunity for audience members to speak directly to speakers and exhibitors, and to mingle with fellow producers. Interaction and networking are vitally important. Our community is feeling the loss of social activities, so it is important that the virtual conference attempt to re-create these opportunities, said Smith. The 2021 format means that organizers will be able to share whats been called a gem of a conference with the rest of the province, country and beyond. Smith said the virtual format has resulted in both attendees and speakers being part of the conference from quite a distance Sheep Day features a speaker from the U.K and another from New Zealand. Attendees include people from across Canada and several from the United States. Therell be one from the U.K. as well. Weve broadened our audience base, Smith said. The format has also expanded support for the conference from sponsors right across the country. When asked about the highlights of this years conference, Smith said the simple fact its happening is the main highlight. And how its happening is another interactive, with the best of the usual conference in a virtual format, and a wider variety of speakers including more from the United States. The conference offers sessions covering a vast array of topics targeting the issues and challenges facing the farming community today. Of note, reflecting a deep concern for the wellness of our farmers, at GBFW21 there will be a daily Mental Health in Agriculture presentation. More details On Beef Day, Anne Wasko, market analyst with Gateway Livestock will provide a Cattle Market Outlook. On Dairy Day, producers will glean significant nuggets to take back to their operations. GBFW welcomes Travis Busman, who will present Modern Hoof Care: A Method for Success. Goat Day welcomes two speakers from Cornell University. Dr. Mary C. Smith will address Goat Udder Health including the diagnosis of mastitis and implementation of control programs. Dr. tatiana Luisa Stanton will delve into Goat Nutrition, and explore the concept of potential fermentable fiber. On Sheep Day, GBFW puts the powers of a virtual conference to great use by live streaming speakers from around the world. Robert Hodgkins from the U.K., and Johanna Scott from New Zealand will dig into Using Genomic Markers in an Ovine Breeding Strategy. Horse Day will deliver an abundance of practical tips and information regarding: Nutritional and Nutraceutical Methods for Maintenance of Joint and Gastrointestinal Health; The Science of Bits, Spurs and Training Tack. How we Choose, Use or Sometimes Abuse Them; and Horse Pasture Management. Ecological Day, has something for everyone. Dr. Scott Weese will address livestock producers as he turns the focus on Emerging, Re-emerging and Changing Infectious Disease Threats. Ellen Polishuk, owner Plant to Profit Maryland will share Improving Soils = Making More Money. The focus on soil continues with Brett Israel, who will dig into Keys to Cover Crops, followed by Janine McGowan who will provide tips on how to nourish pollinators while building your soil with cover crops Cover Crops & Bees. GBFW21 ends with Crops Day on Jan. 12. Crops Day also shines the spotlight on soil with Dr Lee Briese, agronomist, Centrol Ag Consulting, diving into Soil and Crop Management: The Details Matter. Briese attempts to reduce some of the complexity around the topic of soil health and encourages growers to adapt and customize practices to fit their individual farms and needs. Matthew Pot, consultant and economist will dig into 2020 Vision: What Have We Learned? Perennial favourite, Peter Johnson, will wrap up the week with, The Holy Grail: Organic Matter! Visit http://www.gbfw.ca for more information. Pauline Kerr, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Walkerton Herald Times

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