The 37th annual Guelph Organic Conference offers seminars for all producers

Jan 10, 2018

The event runs from Jan. 25 – 28

Farmers attending the 37^th annual Guelph Organic Conference will have no shortage of opportunities to learn and network during the four-day event, according to Susan Ratz, communications manager for the conference.

“There are over 40 workshops farmers can choose from and there are a number that would be of interest to farmers,” she told Farms.com. “We’ll have workshops on fertility management, oat production, weed control and soil management.”

In addition to the workshops and seminars, more than 100 exhibitors will showcase their latest products and be available to connect with attendees.

“Farmers will get to hear a number of different perspectives on things,” Ratz said. “They can hear from people representing academics, OMAFRA and of course other farmers themselves. Attendees will also have the opportunity to speak with a number of organic grain traders, certification bodies and some farm equipment dealers.”

Just because the conference has an organic theme doesn’t mean other producers should shy away from attending.

Farmers involved in conventional agriculture are more than welcome to attend and trade ideas with their peers.

“We welcome people of all interests and from all aspects of agriculture,” Ratz said. “Information from many of the workshops can be used in a conventional or an organic crop system.”

Ontario producers interested in attending the Guelph Organic Conference between Jan. 25 and 28 at the Guelph University Centre should register by Jan. 17 if registering online.

Registrations will also be accepted at the door during the conference.

Video: Women in Ag. The Promotion of Female Farmers through Social Media | Madalyn Thayer | TEDxBGSU

Less than 1% of Americans are farmers. The majority of those farmers are men. Many people have minimal experience with farms and agriculture. High schools are getting rid of their FFA programs and many colleges, including BGSU, do not have agricultural programs or classes. There is a new social media phenomenon where women are making content based on their farming endeavors and gaining lots of traction. Education is the one of the most important parts of agriculture, because the more people know the more they will emphasize with farmers and create policy that benefits everybody. Female farmers have taken to social media sharing their experience in the agricultural world. These women are breaking stereotypes and educating everyday citizens about farming which is extremely important for the future of agriculture. Madalyn is 19 years old and will be gradated with her bachelors degree in communication on December 2024. She lives on a farm and have spent lots of time working in agriculture. She has her own farmers market and love learning about all subjects, especially agriculture. She was on the BGSU Firelands Student government from 2021-2023 as a CCP Ambassador and was awarded the 3&1 communication excellency award in April of 2024. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.