MFGA’s Annual Regenerative Ag Conference
Our Annual MFGA Conference - a 1.5 day event is being held November 12-13, 2024, Victoria Inn, Brandon, Mb. Our conference will feature national and international keynote speakers, an outstanding trade show with many opportunities to engage with vendors and a silent auction. As well, thanks to an exciting agreement with Holistic Management Canada, a free kids program will be offered to families attending the MFGA conference.
Agenda
November 12
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10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Tradeshow Setup & Registration
Vendors and attendees can set up their tradeshow booths and register for the conference during this time.
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Keynotes and Presentations (1:00 PM – 3:45 PM)
1:00 PM: Conference Launch
Speaker: Duncan Morrison, MFGA Executive Director
Event: Welcome and Land Acknowledgement
1:05 – 1:10 PM: Introductions & Today’s Agenda
Speaker: Mike Duguid, MFGA Chair
1:10 – 1:55 PM: Keynote 1 - John & Deanne Chuiko
Topic: Ranch Management: Open Minds and Open Fences
1:55 – 2:10 PM: Q&A Keynote 1
2:10 – 2:30 PM: Biodiversity & Regenerative Agriculture
Speaker: Tim Poole, Manitoba Wildlife
Topic: 2024 MFGA Bird Surveys on Nine MFGA Regenerative Ag Farms
2:30 – 3:00 PM: Trade Show & Coffee Break
3:00 – 3:45 PM: Keynote 2 - David Irvine
Topic: The Natural Evolution of Families Living on the Land
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Producer Panel & Free Time (4:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
4:00 – 4:30 PM: Producer Panel
Moderator: Bluesette Campbell
Panelists: Terry Keen, Kristelle Harper, Kris Egilson
4:30 – 5:00 PM: Free Time
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Evening Events (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
5:00 – 6:30 PM: Ice-Breaker & Networking Event
Mingle and join other delegates for cocktail hour and buffet-style dinner.
6:30 – 7:00 PM: MFGA Night Conference Kick Off
Speakers: Duncan Morrison, Lynda Nicol
Introduction, sponsor video profiles, and Wall of Fame announcement.
7:00 – 7:45 PM: Keynote 3 - Will Harris (Virtual Presentation)
Topic: A Bold Return to Giving a Damn?
8:00 – 9:00 PM: Keynote 4 - MFGA Fireside Chat
Speakers: Jaime Elizondo, Ryan Boyd
November 13
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Morning Session (7:00 AM – 10:05 AM)
7:00 – 9:00 AM: Breakfast on Your Own
Attendees are encouraged to have breakfast before the start of the day.
8:00 – 9:00 AM: Tradeshow & Registration
Final opportunity for attendees to register and explore the trade show.
9:00 AM: Welcome
Speaker: Duncan Morrison, MFGA Executive Director
Event: Land Acknowledgement and Conference Introduction.
9:05 AM: Introductions & Today’s Agenda
Speakers: Mike Duguid and Duncan Morrison
Event: Welcome dignitaries and outline the agenda for the day.
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Keynotes and Coffee Break (10:05 AM – 11:45 AM)
9:20 – 10:05 AM: Keynote 5 - Paul Overby
Topic: Regenerative Crop Rotations: Passion or Profit?
Details: Paul Overby shares his expertise on regenerative farming practices, crop rotations, and stewardship.
10:05 – 10:15 AM: Q&A Keynote 5
Open session for attendees to ask questions to Paul Overby.
10:15 – 10:45 AM: Trade Show & Coffee Break
Refreshment break and time to visit the trade show.
10:45 – 11:30 AM: Keynote 6 - Stuart Chutter
Topic: Building Resilience in Agriculture: Manitoba Focus
Details: Stuart discusses policy issues and agricultural innovation learned from Alberta, and how these strategies can be applied in Manitoba.
11:30 – 11:45 AM: Q&A Keynote 6
Open session for attendees to ask questions to Stuart Chutter.
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Lunch and Networking (11:45 AM – 1:00 PM)
11:45 AM – 1:00 PM: Lunch, Trade Show, and Networking
Take advantage of the opportunity to network with fellow attendees while enjoying lunch.
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Grand Finale & Breakout Sessions (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
1:00 – 2:30 PM: Grand Finale - Open Minds, Open Opportunities Breakout Sessions
Breakout Topics:
John & Deanne Chuiko
Stuart Chutter
Paul Overby
Jaime Elizondo
MFGA Moderators: TBD for each session
Attendees can join different breakout sessions to dive deeper into the keynote topics.
2:30 – 3:00 PM: Conference Ending Session & Discussion
Speaker: Mike Duguid
Event: What we heard – Conference wrap-up and reflection on key takeaways.
3:00 PM: Wrap-Up, Silent Auction & 50/50 Winners
Final announcements and closing of the conference with a silent auction and raffle.
Featured Keynote Speakers
The 2024 MFGA Regen Ag Conference committee is pleased to announce our keynote speakers:
Will Harris, White Oak Pastures ; John and Deanne Chuiko, CJ Ranching ; Paul Overby, Wolford, ND, USA ; Stuart Chutter, Melville, SK; Jaime Elizondo, Real Wealth Ranching, Katy, TX, USA ; Ryan Boyd, South Glanton Farms, Forrest, MB ; Dave Irvine, Cochrane, AB
Sponsorship & Tradeshow Opportunities
Conference Sponsorship Levels
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• Profile via short video provided by you each day of the Conference
• Plus Gold Level Benefits
***BONUS: for funders and supporters above $10,000 per year:
MFGA led Media Release announcement of funding support; Opportunity for MFGA to reserve a table for your group when conference banquet held or provide waived attendance for up to three representatives when there is no banquet -
• Trade Show Booth (includes 1 Conference Registration)
• Mentions and Extra recognition by Master of Ceremonies
• Plus Bronze Benefits -
• 1 Conference Registration
• Plus Bronze Benefits -
• Logo on all pre-conference communications
• Logo on Regen Ag Conference and Resource* pages
• Logo on rotating PPT & signage
Sponsorship Payment
Please email chris@mfga.net to be invoiced.
By cheque (mail to/made out to):
Manitoba Forage & Grassland Association
c/o 145 Edstan Place, Selkirk, MB R1A 2E8
By debit or credit (through PayPal - you do NOT need a PayPal Account):
Fees reflected and vary by payment method.
Tradeshow (Setup Tuesday November 12, 10am - 1pm)
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$700.00
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8’ table (draped) with 2 chairs
Access to Power - please let us know if you require power
1 Conference Registration
Logo on rotating PPT
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email terra@mfga.net.
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Check back for details on how you can participate.
Registration & Accommodations
1. Get registered - choose your fee and payment method
Secure your spot! This 1.5 day in-person event will be held at the Victoria Inn, Brandon, MB. All fees include a 2024 MFGA membership ($50 value). Because of limited spots, payment is non-refundable but is transferable.
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION FEES: (plus GST, if applicable)
Single Registration: $275 ($325 after October 1)
Single Student Registration: $150 ($175 after October 1)
Farm Rate (two from same farm): $550 ($650 after October 1)
Tradeshow (includes Single Registration): $700
PAYMENT OPTIONS:
Payment is due at time of registration via Paypal (debit or credit) - you do not need a PayPal account! Please contact Chris if you need to pay by cheque or etransfer.
2. Reserve your hotel room
We have a block of rooms being held at:
Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre
3550 Victoria Ave. | Brandon, Manitoba | R7B 2R4
Conference Nightly Rates (plus taxes):
Single occupancy: $140.99 (no breakfast) or $150.99 (with 1 off-the-menu breakfast)
Double occupancy: $150.99 (no breakfast) or $160.99 (with 2 off-the-menu breakfasts)
Note: These rates are for Premier Double Queen (2 queen beds) and upgrades will incur fees.
Reserve by Oct 12, 2024
To get in on our block rate, call 204-725-1532 and provide the group name “MFGA Conference Attendees 2024” by October 12, 2024. Cancellation Policy: 48 hours prior to arrival. Check with Vic Inn for further cancelation details.
Holistic Management Canada "Kids Program"
Ages: 4 - 12
Make sure you register for the Holistic Management Canada "Kids Program" offered as part of the 2024 MFGA conference this year. Capped at 20 spots maximum, you’ll want to register your children sooner rather than later! The Kids Program will feature some activities that are land- and nature-based, a perfect fit with the MFGA Regen Ag Conference.
· November 12 - 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
· November 13 - 8:30 am - 4:00 pm