From compaction to weed control: 25th annual SWAC offers over 40 unique sessions

Nov 06, 2017

Farmers have until mid-December to register for the conference

Staff Reporter

Farms.com

For the 25^th year, farmers and members of the agricultural industry are looking forward to the annual Southwest Agricultural Conference (SWAC) in Ridgetown, Ont. on Jan. 3 and 4, 2018.

This year’s conference, which consists of over 40 sessions presented by industry experts, features guest speakers such as Canadian Olympian Jon Montgomery and the Honourable Roméo Dallaire, Lieutenant General.

Attendees will be able to participate in sessions such as: Energy Efficiency on the Farm, Dicamba Dilemma, Glyphosate Resistant Weeds, Escaping Herbicide Injury, Precision Farming Realities, Profitability Mapping, Drying and Storage Pitfalls, Disease Defence, Managing Phosphorus, Corn 101, Weeds to Watch, Conquering Compaction, Soil Organic Matter, and Cover Crop Risks and Benefits.

Steve Duff, chief economist with OMAFRA, will lead the "Ag Census 2016: Reflections" session.

"My presentation will shed light on how farmland usage is changing across Ontario and what that means for the sector," Duff told Farms.com today.

Adam Hayes, a field crops soil management specialist with OMAFRA, will co-lead the "Building Soils" session.

"The topic will give the attendees an understanding of how soil management practices affect soil health and, in particular, soil organic matter," Hayes said to Farms.com.

"Which practices maintain or reduce organic matter levels? We will take a look at the practices that can build soils/improve soil health and how best to implement them in a cropping system."

A full program schedule can be found online.

Individuals who register before the following dates will be entered into weekly draws:

Nov. 10, 2017

- A Sunday brunch for two at the Country View Golf Course in Chatham

- Overnight accommodation at the Comfort Inn in Chatham

Nov. 17, 2017

- A Makita 12-volt cordless drill from Carter’s Home Hardware in Ridgetown

- Dinner for two at Glitters Fun Eatery in Chatham

Nov. 24, 2017

- A soil probe from SGS Agri Food Laboratories in Guelph

- A Sunday brunch for two at the Country View Golf Course in Chatham

CFCO 92.9 FM or 630 AM radio will announce the weekly winners, according to the SWAC website.

Those who wish to attend must register by Dec. 15, according to a release.

Interested in registering for SWAC? Sign up here.

Video: Georgia Farm Bureau Launches 2024 "I Farm. I Vote." Campaign

The mission of the "I Farm. I Vote." campaign is to ensure the voices of farmers and rural communities are heard and provide them with the legislative support they need to continue to feed and clothe our state and nation. Take a listen as we discuss an array of topics in regard to agriculture and agriculture policy and why it's crucial to get out and make an informed and educated decision this November.