ORGANIC

ALBERTA
2023 CONFERENCE
NOVEMBER 3 & 4 | SHERWOOD PARK
CONTENTS
03
Welcome to the Conference

04
Conference Schedule

06
Session Descriptions

10
Meet the Speakers

14
Learning Stations

15
FaRM Resilience Mentorship Program

18
Trade Show Directory
WELCOME TO
THE CONFERENCE ABOUT US This event is bringing people
together from across the
Organic Alberta’s mission is to represent, support province of Alberta, from
and grow Alberta’s entire organic industry. Treaty 4,6,7,8, and 10 lands.
As farmers, and supporters of
With 652 certified organic operations in the farmers, we acknowledge our
province, we are the voice of organics in Alberta. connections to the land. The
We communicate with and for the sector, market land provides us with gifts,
the organic brand, encourage and support knowledge, and life. We come
producers to become organic, cultivate better together to learn many things,
production practices, and advance business including how we can be
development. We lead the industry towards better stewards and live in
success. We believe in good, pure, healthy food good relationship with the
that is environmentally friendly, free of genetic land. This year we are
modification and ethically produced with high gathering and learning in
standards for animal welfare. Sherwood Park, which is
Treaty 6 territory, the
traditional meeting grounds,

MEET THE TEAM gathering space, and travel

route of the Niitsitapi
(Blackfoot), A’aninin (Gros
Ventres), Nehiyawak (Cree),
Anishinaabe (Saulteaux),
Dene, Nakota Sioux and the
Métis. In the past, present,
and future, these peoples have
and will continue to gather
IRIS VAISMAN CARI HARTT SARAH PRESTON here, joined by many others
who call this place home. We
hope this event helps you
connect to the people, land,
and knowledge of the places
you live and farm on - past,
present, and future.
CHYNNA FRIESEN ZACHARY DAY
FRIDAY
NOVEMBER 3RD
TIME GRAIN MILLERS ROOM RALEIGH ROOM WINDSOR THAMES ROOM

8:00 - 9:00 AM REGISTRATION & TRADE SHOW

OPENING REMARKS
9:00 - 9:20 AM
TRACEY SMITH

A VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF ORGANICS

9:20 - 9:50 AM
DR. ALLISON SQUIRES

STRATEGIC SELECTION: BUILDING A BUSINESS IN VALUE-

CHOOSING COVER CROPS TO NO-TILL VEGETABLES ADDED PROCESSING
10:00 - 10:50 AM
MEET YOUR SOIL HEALTH GOALS JENNY BERKENBOSCH & JAMES VRIEND JOHWANNA ALLEYNE &
CHRIS SIMENIUK & DIETER GAGELMANS NICOLA IRVING

10:50 - 11:20 AM BREAK & TRADE SHOW

AN INTRODUCTION TO BRIDGE TO LAND, WATER, SKY: CANADA’S FIRST INDIGENOUS-LED LIVING LAB
11:20 - 12:00 PM
DR. MELISSA ARCAND

12:00 - 1:00 PM LUNCH & TRADE SHOW

HARNESSING ADAPTIVE
FINDING YOUR MOST
GRAIN BUYERS' MULTI-PADDOCK GRAZING TO
1:00 - 2:00 PM PROFITABLE HORT CROPS
NETWORKING SESSION BOOST SOIL HEALTH
DAN BRISEBOIS
DR. EDWARD BORK

2:10 - 3:15 PM BREAK & TRADE SHOW

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM CLIMATE FROM FARM TO SHELVES: STRATEGIES FOR ADVOCATING FOR ORGANIC
3:15 - 4:00 PM CHANGE ON THE PRAIRIES SUCCESSFULLY MARKETING TO RETAILERS FARMER-LED SEED POLICIES
DR. DAVE SAUCHYN INDUSTRY PANEL AABIR DEY

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES IN THE

RUNNING A FARM AS A CO-OP
4:00 - 4:45 PM ORGANIC BAKING SECTOR
DAN BRISEBOIS
LAURA TELFORD

COCKTAIL HOUR
4:50 - 5:50 PM
WITH YOUNG AGRARIANS JOB FAIR, BAUTA CANOVI TASTE TEST & TRADE SHOW

6:00 - 7:00 PM GALA DINNER

ORGANIC FARMERS: STEWARDING HEALTHY SOILS FOR OUR FUTURE

6:30 - 7:10 PM
DR. CAROLINE HALDE

7:15 - 7:30 PM YOUNG AGRARIANS GRADUATION

7:30 - 9:00 PM CASH BAR

 SATURDAY
NOVEMBER 4TH
TIME GRAIN MILLERS ROOM RALEIGH ROOM WINDSOR THAMES ROOM

8:00 - 8:30 AM REGISTRATION & TRADE SHOW

8:30 - 9:00 AM NFU DEPTH OF FIELD SHORT FILM SCREENING

COVER CROPPING IN TIGHTER KEEPING SHEEP AND GOATS:

ROOTED IN THE SOIL: CONNECTING
SPACES: STRATEGIES FOR INTEGRATING SMALL RUMINANTS
9:05 - 9:50 AM ORGANIC & REGENERATIVE AGRONOMY
HORT & VEG GROWERS INTO THE FARM
STEVE SNIDER, BYRON LONG & CODY STRAZA
DENIS FORSTBAUER & TREVOR ALEMAN LEE SEXTON

9:50 - 10:00 AM BREAK & TRADE SHOW

UNLOCKING YOUR SOIL'S SECRETS: SOIL TIPS FOR WORKING WITH GROWING COVER CROPS
10:00 - 10:45 AM TESTING AND INTERPRETATION EMPLOYEES & APPRENTICES FOR FORAGE
DR. KRIS NICHOLS ALEX PULWICKI DIETER GAGELMANS

PLANNING FOR THE UNPREDICTABLE

10:50 - 12:00 PM
DR. DAVE SAUCHYN, CODY STRAZA, WARD MIDDLETON, ANDREW MANS

12:00 - 1:00 PM LUNCH & TRADE SHOW

1:00 - 3:00 PM HOT TOPICS

3:00 - 3:30 PM BREAK & TRADE SHOW

GROWING RESILIENT FARMERS

3:30 - 4:15 PM
PRODUCER PANEL WITH BYRON LONG, JENNY BERKENBOSCH, DR. ALLISON SQUIRES & SHIANA YOUNGER

4:15 - 4:30 PM CLOSING REMARKS

9:20 AM A VISION FOR THE 10:00 AM CHOOSING COVER CROPS TO
FUTURE OF ORGANICS MEET YOUR SOIL HEALTH GOALS
GRAIN MILLERS ROOM GRAIN MILLERS ROOM
Dr. Allison Squires will guide us through Dieter and Chris will share how they select
the current state of organics from her cover crop species to achieve their soil
perspective as an experienced organic health goals, boost crop available nitrogen,
farmer and Board President of COG. She and manage moisture. Discover their
will share insights on some of the current insights into finding efficiencies and
challenges and trends, as well as updates improving their soil through cover cropping!
on work being done to bring organics to the
forefront of Canada's agricultural future.

10:00 AM NO-TILL VEGETABLES 10:00 AM BUILDING A BUSINESS IN

RALEIGH ROOM VALUE-ADDED PROCESSING
James Vriend and Jenny Berkenbosch will
WINDSOR THAMES ROOM
share their recent journey of moving to no-
Local business owners Johwanna Alleyne
till vegetable production. Learn how they
and Nicola Irving will share their journeys,
apply regenerative methods on their
plus tips like where to access resources for
organic market garden and what they've
value-added production, finding your focus,
learned about using cover crops and deep
and developing a solid product line. Gain
compost mulch systems.
practical guidance on decision-making and
identifying the right business model.

11:20 AM AN INTRODUCTION TO BRIDGE 1:00 PM GRAIN BUYER NETWORKING

TO LAND, WATER, SKY GRAIN MILLERS ROOM
Looking to find out who is buying this
GRAIN MILLERS ROOM
season or make connections with new
Discover "Bridge to Land, Water, Sky," the
buyers? Join this small group speed-dating
groundbreaking Indigenous-led Living Lab,
style session where all the grain buyers in
in this session with Dr. Melissa Arcand.
attendance will visit each table to share
Learn about innovative approaches for
what they're currently looking for and
enhancing nutrient cycling and carbon
answer your questions.
storage in harmony with Indigenous
agricultural land management ideals.

1:00 PM FINDING YOUR MOST 1:00 PM ADAPTIVE MULTI-PADDOCK

PROFITABLE CROPS GRAZING TO BOOST SOIL HEALTH
RALEIGH ROOM WINDSOR THAMES ROOM
Uncover strategies to boost your farm's Explore the benefits of adaptive multi-
profitability in this session led by expert paddock grazing for soil health and carbon
crop-planner and seed grower, Dan capture in this session with Dr. Edward
Brisebois. Dig into cost-benefit analysis Bork, a leading expert with over 25 years of
and data-driven approaches to improving experience in grazing systems and their
production efficiency for vegetable crops. ecological impact. He will share how
Join us for practical insights that can make adaptive multi-paddock grazing can be a
a direct improvement to your bottom line! powerful part of your land management
toolbox.

FRIDAY
NOVEMBER 3RD
3:15 PM STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESSFULLY 3:15 PM WHAT TO EXPECT FROM CLIMATE
MARKETING TO RETAILERS CHANGE ON THE PRAIRIES
RALEIGH ROOM GRAIN MILLERS ROOM
Explore the dynamic world of marketing to Learn what a changing climate is likely to
retailers with this industry panel moderated look like across the Prairies and discover
by Andrew Mans. Gain insights on building practical strategies for increasing your
strong retailer relationships, understanding farm's resilience. Dr. David Sauchyn will
their needs, and positioning your product offer data-backed insights for producers and
effectively in the market. outline key considerations to help you
mitigate climate change impacts on your
land and businesses.

3:15 PM ADVOCATING FOR ORGANIC 4:00 PM RUNNING A FARM AS A CO-OP

FARMER-LED SEED POLICIES RALEIGH ROOM
Explore the cooperative farming model
WINDSOR THAMES ROOM
through the lens of Dan Brisebois'
Explore the current state of seed policy in
experience at Tourne-Sol Farm. Discover how
Canada with Aabir Dey, Director of
he and their team navigate the unique
SeedChange's Canadian field program.
challenges and opportunities in Quebec's
Aabir's expertise and passion for seeds will
farming landscape. Gain insights into
provide valuable insights into the policy
alternative ownership structures through
landscape. Learn how producers can stay
Dan's journey as a cooperative farmer!
informed and engage in shaping policy
changes, and gain a deeper understanding of
seed sovereignty.

4:00 PM MARKET OPPORTUNITIES IN THE 4:50 PM CANOVI TASTING

ORGANIC BAKING SECTOR TRADE SHOW
From coast to coast, farmers have been
GRAIN MILLERS ROOM
trialing orange carrot and rutabaga varieties
Uncover promising market opportunities in
through the Bauta Family Initiative on
the world of value-added organic baking. Get
Canadian Seed Security’s Canadian Organic
ready to seize the potential of this growing
Vegetable Improvement Project. During this
industry with expert guidance from organic
fun and interactive session, learn about
industry veteran, Dr. Laura Telford.
variety trials, flavour profiles, and taste
varieties for yourself!
6:30 PM ORGANIC FARMERS: STEWARDING
HEALTHY SOILS FOR OUR FUTURE
GRAIN MILLERS ROOM
As we gather for a fun evening together,
Dr. Caroline Halde, Director of the
Agroecology Laboratory at Laval University,
will share stories of some of the latest and
most exciting developments in the world of
organic research. We will address the role of
farmers as stewards of our landscape, with a
focus on how organic agriculture contributes
to soil health and resilient food systems on a
local and global scale.

SESSION
8:30 AM NFU DEPTH OF FIELD 9:05 AM CONNECTING ORGANIC &
SHORT FILM SCREENING REGENERATIVE AGRONOMY
GRAIN MILLERS ROOM GRAIN MILLERS ROOM
The Depth of Field project includes 40 In this engaging panel discussion, explore
short documentaries, offering Canadians a the diverse philosophies and methods of
unique look into the world of farmers to farming to address agronomic and soil
showcase their role in combating climate health challenges. Despite different
change and to build trust between farmers approaches, all panelists share a common
and consumers. We will be showing two vision for nurturing healthy land, food, and
films featuring organic farms, including communities. Join us to see what we can
Rooted Oak Organic Farm. learn from each other.

9:05 AM STRATEGIES FOR 9:05 AM INTEGRATING SMALL

HORT & VEG GROWERS RUMINANTS INTO THE FARM
RALEIGH ROOM WINDSOR THAMES ROOM
Explore the world of cover crops, tailored Discover innovative ways to put small
to vegetable production, orchards, and herb ruminants to work on your farm! Find out
farms with insights from Denis Forstbauer how a sheep or goat herd can be used for
and Trevor Aleman. Discover how these weed management, additional income
experienced farmers put cover crops to streams, and addressing specific farm
work in settings with small fields, challenges such as forage issues and waste
succession planting, and market garden diversion.
equipment.

10:00 AM SOIL TESTING & INTERPRETATION 10:00 AM TIPS FOR WORKING WITH
GRAIN MILLERS ROOM EMPLOYEES & APPRENTICES
The Regenerative Alberta Living Lab's lead
RALEIGH ROOM
scientist, Dr. Kris Nichols, brings you a
Gain tips on identifying the essential hard
practical guide to deciphering soil test
and soft skills required for your farm,
results. Learn how to conduct effective soil
attracting and retaining farm workers, and
testing and interpret those results to boost
nurturing a culture that encourages self-
soil health and crop yields.
initiative and commitment. Alex's extensive
experience in supporting aspiring farmers
and her passion for local food make this
session a valuable resource for building a
harmonious farm team.

10:00 AM GROWING COVER CROPS 10:50 AM PLANNING FOR THE

FOR FORAGE UNPREDICTABLE
WINDSOR THAMES ROOM GRAIN MILLERS ROOM
Learn practical strategies for selecting, Delve into the complexities of managing
seeding, and managing cover crops for top- increasingly unpredictable climate
notch forage. Discover tips for weed challenges with this expert panel. Panelists
management, termination, and their impact will share their proactive strategies,
on forage quality, animal health, and decision-making processes, and innovative
economics. practices that can help mitigate the effects
of climate havoc on the farm.

SATURDAY
NOVEMBER 4TH
1:30 PM HOT TOPICS 3:30 PM GROWING RESILIENT FARMERS
GRAIN MILLERS ROOM GRAIN MILLERS ROOM
Back by popular demand! “Hot topics” is when Join our panel of resilient farmers in a Q&A
farmers take over the conference and decide session where they'll share their experiences
what we talk about. For farmers, by farmers. This and insights on cultivating resilience in the
is your opportunity to go into more detail on the agricultural industry. Discover what it means
topics that matter to you and your farm, and have to be a resilient farmer, how they've nurtured
conversations with fellow farmers and this resilience and themselves, and their key
conference speakers in smaller groups. Please try takeaways from the conference for next
to arrive promptly at 1:00 pm, as a little bit of year.
organizing is required with participants.

SESSION
MEET THE
SPEAKERS
AABIR DEY ALEX PULWICKI
Aabir Dey serves as the Director of Alex Pulwicki thrives on uniting individuals to
SeedChange’s Canadian field program, The celebrate the richness of local food and
Bauta Family Initiative on Canadian Seed agriculture. In her role as the Alberta and E-
Security. His deep-rooted passion for seeds and Learning Program Manager for Young Agrarians,
a particular fondness for garlic blossomed she has the privilege of engaging with
during his tenure at Everdale Farm, where he remarkable emerging farmers and guiding them
contributed significantly to Seeds of Diversity in accessing the essential resources for
Canada's Great Canadian Garlic Collection. embarking on their farming journeys. Alex has a
Aabir holds a Master of Environmental Studies knack for crafting both online and in-person
from York University, with a research focus on environments that foster meaningful
organic seed systems in Ontario, paving his way connections between people, regardless of their
to SeedChange. Aabir is dedicated to working proximity. With a background of working and
alongside seed producers and farmers across volunteering at various farms throughout
Canada, championing seed sovereignty from Alberta, she is particularly enthusiastic about
coast to coast. local dairy and cheesemaking.

DR. ALLISON SQUIRES ANDREW MANS

Allison Squires and her husband Cody Straza, Andrew, the Director and Southern Region
co-own and operate Upland Organics, a mixed Representative at Organic Alberta, is a devoted
cattle and organic grain farm near Wood organic farmer. Nestled near Coaldale, Alberta,
Mountain, Saskatchewan, where they reside he cultivates field and greenhouse vegetables,
with their three children. Upland Organics cover crops, and cereals. His heart and soul are
boasts over a decade of certified organic invested in regenerative agriculture, with a
farming and has been Regenerative since 2021. primary focus on producing wholesome food
Allison and Cody employ various techniques to while simultaneously enhancing the soil and the
enhance soil health, including crop diversity, farm's overall ecosystem. Andrew firmly
reduced tillage, compost utilization, compost believes that the regenerative approach to
teas, and strategic rotational grazing with farming is not only sustainable but also
integrated livestock. In recognition of their profitable and deeply enjoyable.
dedication, they were named Canada's
Outstanding Young Farmers in 2022 and
Canada's Organic Farmer of the Year.

BECKY DOHERTY BYRON LONG

Becky, the Vice-President and Member-at-Large Byron, in collaboration with his wife and father,
Representative at Organic Alberta, transitioned operates Long Family Farm Ltd., a mixed cattle
from a career in Natural Resources as a spatial and grain farm near Barrhead. Regenerative
modeler. With a Bachelor of Science in agriculture serves as a bridge between crop
Geography, she's known for her strong focus cultivation and cattle management. Their
and organizational skills. In 2016, Becky, her innovative approach involves grazing crop acres
husband, and two kids started Stonepost Farms, both before and after harvest, effectively
evolving it into a direct marketing business reducing the need for synthetic inputs and
specializing in nutrient-dense foods. The farm's simultaneously enhancing soil health. The farm
focus on regenerative agriculture ignited implements a range of progressive practices,
Becky's newfound passion for sustainable including relay cropping, intercropping, and
farming and education. more, all contributing to the farm's forward-
looking and sustainable approach to agriculture.

DR. CAROLINE HALDE CHRIS SIMENIUK

Caroline Halde is an Associate Professor of Chris Simeniuk runs Kettle Ridge Organics in
organic agriculture and agroecology at Laval Central Alberta, a certified organic grain farm
University. Raised on an organic dairy and field alongside his wife, Leah. They transitioned to
crop farm in Quebec, she holds a bachelor's organic farming in 2015 from conventional
degree in agronomy, a master's in agriculture, minimum-till practices. Chris is dedicated to
and a doctorate in plant sciences. Caroline's finding methods to reduce tillage impacts in
postdoctoral work at Cornell University focused organic practices while maintaining weed
on weed ecology in organic field crop systems. control and crop yields. He focuses on
She's also worked as an organic certification experimenting with cover crop blends to
inspector and has undertaken agroecological enhance nutrient availability and reduce tillage.
trips to various countries.
 MEET THE
CODY STRAZA
SPEAKERS
DAN BRISEBOIS
Cody is co-owner and operator of Upland Dan had no idea that he would become a farmer
Organics, a mixed cattle and organic grain farm until suddenly he was one. You might think
with his wife, Allison Squires, and their three otherwise when you hear that he has a degree in
children. Upland Organics has been certified Agricultural Engineering, but he chose that
organic for over a decade and certified degree because it focused on Environmental
Regenerative Organic since 2021. Upland Engineering. Studying at an agricultural school
Organics utilizes many different techniques to led to working on farms in the summer and
improve the health and functionally of the soil. making friends with people who only want to
Cody and his wife Allison were named as talk about farming. Next thing he knew, he loved
Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers for 2022 farming and it was all he wanted to do.
and Canada’s Organic Farmer of the year for
2022.

DR. DAVE SAUCHYN DENIS FORSTBAUER

Dave Sauchyn, a Professor of Geography and Denis Forstbauer, in collaboration with his wife
Environmental Studies at the University of Andrea, serves as the co-owner and operator of
Regina, also serves as the Director of the Prairie Grey Arrow Farm, a quaint organic market
Adaptation Research Collaborative. His garden vegetable farm nestled on Treaty 6
research focuses on two primary areas: territory in Camrose, Alberta. Grey Arrow Farm
understanding the climate and water resources has been in operation for seven seasons,
of the Canadian Prairies and developing steadfastly providing fresh local produce to
strategies for planned adaptation to mitigate their community. Their primary channel is the
the adverse effects of climate change. With CSA program, which caters to Camrose,
nearly 500 invited talks on various aspects of Sherwood Park, and Edmonton. Denis's deep-
climate change, Dave is a recognized authority rooted connection to organic farming stems
in the field. He has played a leading role as the from his upbringing on an organic farm in
author of the Prairie Provinces chapters in both Chilliwack, BC.
current and previous national assessments of
climate change.

DEREK LEAHY DIETER GAGELMANS

After studying history at Wilfrid Laurier Dieter, originally from a dairy farm in Belgium, is
University, Derek spent seven years as a tour now married to Miriam Gagelmans, his farming
guide in Germany. Then an experience on a partner. Their Canadian adventure began in
Tasmanian farm ignited his passion for 2015 when Dieter worked on a dairy farm near
agriculture. Returning to Canada in 2013, he Millet, AB. In 2019, he took over a dairy farm
eventually settled in Alberta in 2017. With a near New Sarepta, AB. As a newcomer to the
decade of experience in climate and food industry, Dieter emphasizes the need for
security issues, Derek worked for organizations efficiency and quality forage from healthy soils.
like Food Secure Canada. He's contributed This led him to explore regenerative farming
articles on climate and clean energy to practices, including cover cropping and
publications like The Narwhal and National rotational grazing. His focus is on continuous
Observer. He's part community organizer, part improvement, leveraging his experience not only
skilled farmhand, and part storyteller, splitting for their own farm but also to assist fellow
his time between Calgary and central Alberta farmers on their journeys.
farms during the growing season.

DYLAN JOSHUA EDMISTON DR. EDWARD BORK

Dylan Joshua Edmiston boasts over two decades Edward Bork holds the Mattheis Chair in
of experience in the retail sector of organic Rangeland Ecology and directs the Rangeland
produce, with the majority of his career spent at Research Institute at the University of Alberta.
Community Natural Foods in Calgary. With over 25 years of experience, his research
Throughout this time, he has been actively spans diverse areas, from weed control to agro-
engaged in the procurement of organic produce forestry. Recently, he's been exploring
directly from numerous growers in Alberta and rangelands' role in providing ecosystem
British Columbia, as well as from organic services like carbon storage and biodiversity
produce distributors. Dylan is dedicated to preservation. Dr. Bork has supervised 48
bringing a wide array of fresh, organic products graduate students, including 11 PhD candidates,
to the market, with a strong focus on sourcing and maintains strong industry connections. His
from both local producers in western Canada knowledge is widely shared through extension
and those from farther afield. talks and publications.
MEET THE
SPEAKERS
JAMES VRIEND & JENNY JOHWANNA ALLEYNE
BERKENBOSCH Johwanna, the creative force behind Mojo Jojo
James Vriend of Sundog Organic Farm was Pickles, excels in preserving vegetables, fruits,
raised on his parents' organic vegetable farm and eggs. Her journey began in 2011 as a side
and gained his farming knowledge from them. gig while working as a professional
James possesses a keen interest in systems and photographer and darkroom technician. It all
their optimal functioning, a passion that started with volunteer canning for Slow Food
extends to vegetable cultivation. Jenny Edmonton, which eventually turned into a full-
Berkenbosch of Sundog Organic Farm is a time commitment. Fuelled by her love for food
mother, artist, and farmer, and shares a deep and market culture, Johwanna expanded her
enthusiasm for Sundog's no-till journey. business from farmers' markets to grocery
Witnessing the positive outcomes and the distribution and wholesale across Canada.
creative problem-solving it entails has fueled Holding credentials in acidified food processing
her excitement. She, too, learned about farming and canning, she's made a mark in the industry.
from James's parents, having worked on their
farm while in university.

DR. KRIS NICHOLS LAURA TELFORD

Dr. Kris Nichols, a renowned Soil Microbiologist, Laura Telford has served as the Organic
is at the forefront of soil regeneration efforts Specialist for Manitoba Agriculture. Prior to this
for healthier crops, food, and the environment. role, she spent eight years as the National
Currently, she's the Lead Soil Scientist at the Director for Canadian Organic Growers in
Food Water Wellness Foundation and Research Ottawa. Laura was drawn to the organic sector
Director at MyLand Company LLC. Dr. Nichols is as a means to address challenges associated
also the founder of KRIS Systems Education & with food production, such as biodiversity loss
Consultation, dedicated to promoting soil and environmental degradation. With a Ph.D. in
regeneration and innovation. Her substantial Psychology from Queen's University, she spent
expertise has led to advisory roles on boards seven years conducting research in the field of
like the Real Organic Project and the Savory Neuroscience before transitioning from
Institute's Ecological Outcome Verification academia to pursue her environmental interests.
program. Laura is a dedicated advocate for organic
farming and sustainable agriculture practices.

LEE SEXTON DR. MELISSA ARCAND

Livestock, forage management, and land Dr. Melissa Arcand, a soil biogeochemist, is
stewardship have been central to Lee's life. He's dedicated to researching plant-soil interactions
a pioneer in tackling invasive weeds, having to enhance nutrient cycling and carbon storage
managed a successful program for the Canadian in agricultural systems. Her innovative work
government on an 11,000-acre leafy spurge extends to Indigenous agricultural land
infestation. Lee's expertise led to launching his management, where she collaborates with
own targeted grazing business, where he Saskatchewan First Nations to evaluate soil
continues to develop and operate programs, health on their agricultural lands. Melissa's
assisting landowners and those interested in interdisciplinary approach seeks to improve the
vegetation management. Lee believes in efficiency and sustainability of agricultural
enhancing the land through low-impact, natural practices, benefiting both the environment and
targeted grazing practices. Indigenous communities.

NICOLA IRVING RON HAMILTON

Nicola Irving, together with her husband Alan, Ron, with his wife Sheila, runs Sunworks Farm in
co-owns Irvings Farm Fresh Ltd, a successful Armena, Alberta. They transitioned to organic
pork processing facility they've run for 18 years. poultry and livestock farming in 1992. They
Located near Camrose, the operation focuses on began selling organic meat at farmers' markets
artisanal pork products, particularly their in 1998, expanding to retail stores across
homegrown Berkshire pork. They market their Alberta. With over 27 years of organic industry
products through their farm store, farmers' experience, Ron has been involved with
markets, and wholesale distribution to organizations like Organic Alberta, the
restaurants and retailers across Alberta. Canadian General Standards Board during the
formulation of the Canadian Organic Standards,
and the Organic Technical Review Committee of
Canada.
 MEET THE
SAMANTHA FLASHA
SPEAKERS
SHIANA YOUNGER
Sam, formerly the owner of Peno Creek Farm in Shiana Younger is part of the Regenerative
Lamont County, managed a market garden. Agriculture Lab at RR2CS and is a fifth-
Following a move to Northern Alberta, she now generation rancher alongside her husband and
focuses on growing vegetables for her family three daughters. Their ranching approach
and supporting the CANOVI trials. emphasizes regenerative practices in raising
beef, dairy cattle, pastured chickens, and pork.
They employ planned rotational grazing to
enhance land health. The Younger family is
deeply committed to land stewardship, aiming
to preserve their family legacy and heritage for
generations to come.

STEVEN SNIDER TRACEY SMITH

Steven Snider runs Little Red Hen Mills, a Tracy, President and Member-at-Large at
fourth-generation family farm spanning 1900 Organic Alberta, grew up on a chemical-free hay
certified organic acres in New Norway, Alberta. and cattle farm near Edmonton. She co-founded
They cultivate diverse crops including hay, Simplefoods, an organic food buying
wheat, oats, barley, rye, and green manures. cooperative, and previously served on the board
Known for innovative weed control methods, of Organic Alberta (then known as the Going
they've led in rod weeding and multiple mowing Organic Network of Alberta) in 2004-2005. In
passes on green manures. His leadership 2010, she established Beanstalk Honey,
includes chairing Organic Alberta, serving on focusing on antibiotic and chemical-free honey
the National Board of Canada's Outstanding production. Though obtaining organic
Young Farmers, and past chairing Alberta's certification as a beekeeper is challenging,
Outstanding Young Farmers. He significantly Tracy sells her honey at Edmonton-area
contributed to the National Organic Standard farmers' markets.
for Canada.

TREVOR ALEMAN WARD MIDDLETON

Busy Bea's Market Garden, located in the Ward and Jo-Anne Middleton operate Midmore
Oldman River valley near Fort Macleod, Alberta, Farms, which is a 750 acre, certified organic
specializes in certified organic potatoes, onions, operation located near Morinville, AB. The farm
garlic, herbs, and various vegetables. Originally enterprises include 500 acres under cultivation
established in Coaldale in 1989 by Trevor's for organic grains, oil seeds, herbal and
parents, Trevor now farms with his wife, Cindy, nutraceutical crops, 160 acres of silvopasture
and their six children, aged 15-27. Their that combine custom grazing with sea
wholesale business supplies specialty organic buckthorn berry production, and an 80 acre
stores and restaurants around Alberta. woodlot that includes native aspen in
Recently, they acquired a mail-order garlic conjunction with cultivated spruce and pine
business, shipping garlic from Ottawa to trees. Cattle now graze green manure crops
Yellowknife. during the growing season, or bale graze on
stubble land during the winter.
LEARNING STATIONS
VISIT THE TRADE SHOW!

Remember science fairs? Stop by the Learning

Stations to catch some fun demos and experiments!
Gain practical tips and tools from researchers and
extension experts on topics like soil water infiltration,
healthy soil aggregation, plant species ID,
and so much more!

SOIL WATER INFILTRATION

AND CAPTURING RAINFALL
Watch a live soil water infiltration demo to see the
principles of infiltration at work and better
understand the importance of healthy soil in
capturing effective rainfall for plant growth. You will
get to see the changes in effective rainfall capture
between different systems including a crop stubble,
perennial cover, and bare soil sample. Compare the
results in a healthy soil that has high organic matter,
plant cover, and stable aggregation versus a
compacted soil with little pore space and no plant
cover to see for yourself how management can
change your crops’ outlook.

PASTURE REJUVENATION
WITH COW POWER
Pasture Rejuvenation with Cow Power! Taking
established BMPs as our guiding principles, learn
how to use the animal impact of high density
stocking rates as our "seeding implements" for
pasture stand improvement. Using the hoof action,
nutrient cycling (manure), and extreme grazing we
can introduce new forage species (broadcasted seed)
into existing pastures with an improved level of
success over traditional and conventional efforts.
This is a novel approach that is gaining more
acceptance as we learn!
FARM
PROGRAM
Thanks to the Farm Resilience Mentorship program,
we’re bringing you three sessions dedicated to ABOUT THE
improving your cover cropping game! Our 2023
conference is part of Organic Alberta’s programming PROGRAM
for the FaRM cover cropping stream, which means you
get to hear from some excellent organic and
regenerative farmers about how they’ve put cover
crops to work to build healthier soil, increase nutrient
availability, push back the weeds, and provide high
quality forage. The Farm Resilience Mentorship
Program (FaRM) is a mentorship
program to scale adoption of

CHECK OUT THESE on-farm climate-friendly practices

across 2 million acres of farmland

SESSIONS: in Canada. Through online peer-to-

peer learning, FaRM will provide
Strategic Selection: Choosing Cover Crops to Meet free training and mentorship to
10,000 farmers and ranches on
Your Soil Health Goals with Chris Simeniuk & Dieter
advanced nitrogen management,
Gagelmans. Friday at 10 am in the Grain Millers Room.
advanced grazing systems, and
Cover Cropping in Tighter Spaces: Strategies for
cover cropping.
Hort and Veg Growers with Denis Forstbauer & Trevor
Aleman. Saturday at 9:05 am in the Raleigh Room.
Take full advantage of the FaRM
Growing Cover Crops for Forage with Dieter
program by joining your local
Gagelmans. Saturday at 10:00 am in the Windsor
network or checking out these
Thames Room.
amazing resources:
Free support from regional
mentors
Free on-demand courses
Online chat networks
A free resource library

[Link]/r/FaRMProgramActivity Learn more at:

[Link]
Please take a minute to tell us what you think of the cover
crop sessions at this event - this is what helps us host To get connected with your local
programs and events that actually make your life easier! cover croppers, reach out to
Organic Alberta!
As a participant in FaRM, you’ll also receive a short follow-up
survey next year to help us determine how much these
events are supporting real changes in the soil.
TRADE SHOW
DIRECTORY
Aberhart Ag Solutions
Alberta Agriculture And Forestry
Fresh Hemp Foods
Frontlink Inc
Alberta Pulse Growers Commission Gateway Research Organization
Alltech Grain Millers Canada
Annelida Soil Solutions Ltd. Grasslands Brokerage & Consulting Ltd
Bauta Growers International Organic Sales Inc
Baystate Milling / MGM Seed and Grain High Brix Manufacturing Inc
Black Earth Products La Milanaise
Blue Sky Hemp Ventures Mumm's Sprouting Seeds
Canadian Organic Growers OCIA Chapter Members Association
Columbia Seed Co Pro-Cert Organic Systems Ltd.
Community Natural Foods Rural Routes to Climate Solutions
Cows and Fish Seeds Canada
ECOCERT Canada Sunrise Foods International
Fabian Seed Farms Inc. SureSource Commodities, LLC
Fallen Timber Creek Flour Mill Ltd. TCO Cert
Farmers for Climate Solutions Young Agrarians
THANK
YOU