Sometimes, all it takes to kick-start a new business idea is the informed perspective of those who’ve been there and done that. The 200 producers and industry people who attended the AgChoices 2009 conference found many ideas to choose from and much inspiration to take in.
Organized by Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development and funded by the Agricultural Policy Framework, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative, AgChoices 2009 was held on Wednesday, February 11 at the Capri Centre in Red Deer. According to conference organizer Wendy McCormick, the idea was to pack as much relevant information as possible into the single-day format.
“While many Alberta farmers and ranchers are looking for ideas on where to take their businesses, no two operations are alike,” said McCormick. “For this reason, we wanted to present a wide range of ideas and perspectives.”
What did participants think about AgChoices 2009?
Speakers
Honourable George Groeneveld, Alberta's Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development
John Oliver, Maple Leaf Bio Concepts, Oshawa, ON
The Gathering "Perfect Storm" - Consequences for Alberta Agriculture
Long-time agribusiness executive John Oliver outlines how issues related to health care, climate change and water scarcity will shape the landscape of business for North American producers
Art Froehlich, Agriview, Calgary, AB
Global Markets: Meeting the Needs
After 30 years of senior leadership positions in international agribusiness, Art Froehlich brings a unique perspective on how changing global markets offer both reward and risk to Alberta frmers and ranchers.
Rod Bradshaw, Beck Farms, Innisfail, AB
Together with his wife Shelley and two sons, Rod runs Beck Farms Ltd., a vertically intergrated vegetabel and grain farm.
Grant Hirsche, Hirsche Herefords & Angus, and Hirsche Fraser Meats, High River, AB
Grant Hirsche started their Hereford business in 1993, raising award winning bulls, and marketing semen and embryos worldwide. In 2003, when BSE hit, they looked at alterntive ways to market their cattle. And meat sales were the logical option with the opening of Hirsche Fraser Meats. The next step is a packing plant.
Doug Livingstone, Val Terra Herefords and Red Feather Ridge - Ag Tourism Conference Center, Vermilion, AB
Doug and his family have a unique farm business operation. They operate a 2200 acre Purebred cattle and seed grain farm together with a newly built and open for business conference center.
Leo Meyer, Leo Meyer Grain Production Ltd., Manning, AB
What's the Big Idea?
Leo and his family operate an intergrated crop management system grain farm and logistics and marketing organization. They market their grain to customers in Canada, US and Asia and consistently plan for meeting the needs of the future food production market.
Terry Betker, Meyers Norris Penny LLP, Winnipeg, MB
So What - Now What?
Terry Betker, Partner for Agriculture Development with Meyers Norris Penny, will help translate your big idea into practical action.
Ag Info Market
What happened at Ag Info Market
Best Practices Awards Winners
News Release
Winners of the Best Practices Award
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