MARCH CLASSIC 2019 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Jan 09, 2019

Register Today and Qualify for an Early Bird Draw

Grain Farmers of Ontario, the province‘s largest commodity organization, representing Ontario‘s 28,000 barley, corn, oat, soybean and wheat farmers, has opened registration for the 2019 March Classic – Growing momentum, Grain Farmers of Ontario's annual conference for farmers and industry.

The March Classic is the largest grain-focused conference in Eastern Canada, bringing together more than 700 farmers, government and agriculture industry leaders from across Ontario. The conference will be held Tuesday, March 19, 2019. Anyone who pre-registers by Thursday, January 31, will be entered into an early bird draw.

2019‘s theme is Growing momentum and this year’s conference will feature speakers who are growing momentum for their own businesses and who celebrate Canada‘s growth, its unique identity and its global reputation.

Speakers at this year‘s March Classic include:

Rick Mercer, Host of the Canadian Iconic television show, The Rick Mercer Report for 15 years and author of Rick Mercer Final Report. (Keynote session hosted in partnership with Corteva Agriscience ™, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont)

The Honourable Peter MacKay, Canada‘s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of National Defense, Minister of Justice and Attorney General

Jennifer Moss, Co-founder of Plasticity Labs, Author, and 2016 Canadian Business Innovator of the Year

The March Classic features over 70 exhibitors from across Ontario, including equipment, seed, and agriculture retail companies. This year, evening entertainment will be provided by The Painchaud Family Show, a family of multi-instrumentalists that deliver a highly creative and talented performance.

The 2019 conference will be held at the London Convention Centre in London, Ontario. Those that pre-register by Thursday, January 31 will be entered to win an early bird draw for a Good in Every Grain prize. For more information and to register, please visit: http://gfo.ca/marchclassic.

To skip lines at the conference, pre-registered attendees can pick up name tags and meal tickets on the 2nd floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton on Monday, March 18 from 7 to 9 pm during the Welcome Reception, sponsored by SGS Agriculture and Food.

Source:GFO

Video: Why Seed Analysts are Thriving Under Seeds Canada

Last month in Edmonton, Alta., industry leaders and stakeholders gathered to discuss the evolving landscape of the seed industry at Seeds Canada’s annual conference. Among them was Sarah Foster, president of 2020 Seed Labs and the new vice-president of Seeds Canada.

Foster, who has been on the board of Seeds Canada for over a year, has witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with the formation of the organization. Seeds Canada was established just over three years ago through the merger of multiple seed industry groups, including the Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada (CSAAC). Since then, the organization has been working to define its priorities and solidify its role in the industry.

“The challenge has been allowing the dust to settle after the merger,” Foster explained. “We’ve been focused on identifying what our priorities should be and ensuring that our members, especially the seed analysts, are getting what they need to continue their professional work.”

One of the recent highlights was a pre-conference event where the three major seed labs in Alberta — 20/20 Seed Labs, SGS Canada and Seed Check — opened their doors to members. The event saw a record number of seed analysts and business professionals in attendance. Foster emphasized the importance of this transparency, stating, “It’s crucial for people to see what goes on behind the scenes. We’re an open book now, and that openness helps build trust and understanding within the industry.”

The event also featured an environmental scan and a series of discussions that fostered strong communication among attendees. According to Foster, the dialogue was both encouraging and inspiring.

“A lot of people were really inspired by the fact that Seeds Canada is moving ahead with its agenda. The seed analysts, who have always worked diligently in the background, are now being recognized more prominently,” she said.

Before the merger, seed analysts were represented by CSAAC. Now, as part of Seeds Canada, they are finding their place within the larger organization. Foster believes that the integration has been successful, noting, “I think we’re thriving. You only need to look south of the border, where similar consolidations are happening.”

As Seeds Canada continues to evolve, Foster remains optimistic about the future. “I want to be totally transparent with anyone who is a seed analyst — I’ve got your back. We’re moving in a positive direction, and we’ll do everything we can to meet the needs of our members,” she said.