Webinars

Canada’s agricultural industry is embracing digital advancements, driven by innovation and technology. In this webinar, we’ll explore the latest agtech innovations in Canada’s crop sector. From artificial intelligence and machine learning to robotics and sensor technology, our expert speakers will showcase groundbreaking research and emerging trends shaping the future of agriculture.

In this unique 75-minute webinar, we will connect researchers and producers by incorporating commentary and questions from the field. Gain valuable insights as Canadian producers share their experiences with AI, robotics, drones, and sensor technology. This interactive session promises to provide valuable insights into the benefits and challenges of adopting agtech in Canada, offering perspectives both from reports and from the field. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation shaping the future of agriculture in Canada.

Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Ever wonder what factors affect the availability and pricing of our food? From the impact of weather and climate patterns to the influence of government policies and subsidies, there are multiple factors at play that impact the financial sustainability of farms in Canada – and your grocery bills. Join us for an exploration into farm production costs affecting raw food products, such as apples and grapes, as well as the wheat that you find in your pasta or bread. Discover what truly goes into running a farm operation in Canada and the factors influencing its financial sustainability.

Whether you’re a farmer, industry professional, or simply curious about the forces shaping our food system, this webinar promises valuable insights. Don’t miss the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of agricultural management and the challenges faced by today’s farmers.

Thursday, May 16, 2024

What are the fundamentals of food production costs and their impact on both farmers and consumers? Join us for an insightful webinar delving into the cost of production for the food we enjoy at our tables. Producers face unique challenges for each type of commodity they grow or raise. We’ll explore the variability in production costs for beef, pork, and bison, as well as grains and oilseeds. Discover what truly goes into running a farm operation in Canada and the factors influencing its financial sustainability.

Raw foods or foods that are minimally processed, like beef and flour, often have a higher proportion of farm-related costs compared to those involving multiple processing stages, such as beer and bread. The larger portion of total cost comes from farm-level activities. Through a straightforward scorecard analysis, we’ll compare variable costs impacting farm operations, including land prices, fuel, labour, inputs (e.g., seeds, crop protection, antibiotics), and weather conditions. We’ll also tackle important questions about farm ownership. Since 2000, farm debt in Canada has nearly doubled. This begs the question: Is the financial sustainability of Canadian farms at stake?

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into agricultural management, the challenges faced by today’s farmers and the realities of agriculture in our country.

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Regenerative Agriculture (RA) has garnered significant attention as a promising solution to combat climate change, bolster biodiversity, and enhance farm economics. Yet, amidst this buzz, a clear and unified definition of Regenerative Agriculture remains elusive.

In this webinar, we delve into the myriad definitions of RA found in literature and publications. Additionally, we invite a seasoned, award-winning producer to provide firsthand insights into how Regenerative Agriculture is expressed on their farm, as well as the operational impacts resulting from ongoing discussions about this concept.

As discussions surrounding RA continue to evolve, how do these concepts resonate with farmers and sometimes translate into practical applications? Join us as we explore this question and uncover how diverse perspectives on RA translate between different actors within the sector.

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

This discussion encompasses a broader vision for agricultural waste management, spotlighting the emerging concept of biomass value webs. The implementation of this concept would require advances in data collection, the monitoring of biomass production and flows, and a commitment to circularity for waste and agricultural by-products. Additionally, we’ll delve into the current state of biotechnology and biomanufacturing in Canada, identifying opportunities for investment, resource efficiency and waste reduction, as well as the diversification of revenue streams. We’ll consider a case study of a biodigester recently approved for construction near a High River feedlot, after intense community pushback and extended legal proceedings. Ultimately, our goal is to explore the possibility of an agricultural sector that not only boosts agri-food productivity but also supplies nutrients for a bioeconomy beyond food, leveraging biotechnology and a strategic approach to advance Canada’s bioeconomy.

Thursday, February 15, 2024

What is the dynamic relationship between bioecology and agriculture? This hour-long session promises to offer insights into the transformative changes and policy shifts driving innovation through the lens of bioecology as we consider the future of sustainable agriculture.

The bioeconomy, characterized by its focus on renewable resources, bioenergy, and sustainable policies, stands as a cornerstone of evolving industrial landscapes. This discussion aims to unravel how the sector is redefining economic models through its eco-friendly approach. Central to this exploration is the bioecology perspective, emphasizing the intricate balance of ecological processes that optimize energy and nutrient utilization. Participants will gain an understanding of the significance of ecosystem services like pest control and pollination and their impact on agricultural productivity. The discussion aims to propose ‘win-win’ strategies that support sustainability while maintaining producer livelihoods.

How do different policy rationales contend in the transition towards the bioeconomy? Some policies emphasize directionality, aiming to steer industries towards renewable resources, reducing reliance on non-renewable inputs, and mitigating environmental impacts. Other, diversity-focused policies prioritize a range of bio-based sectors and applications, fostering innovation across multiple domains, from agriculture and energy to healthcare and materials science. What are some of the innovative policy approaches being introduced in Europe to unleash the transformative potentials of the bioeconomy? Who are the policy entrepreneurs in the bioeconomy? What is the role of regional ecosystems in these policy innovations?

Wednesday, January 17, 2024