The 2024 JEDI Ag Forum on Nov. 21 at the Winfield Agricultural Society Hall has been deemed a success by organizers.
The sixth annual event was coordinated by the Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) and the County of Wetaskiwin’s Ag Service Board.
"(The forum) effectively fostered collaboration, shared valuable knowledge, and celebrated the hard-working agricultural community," stated a press release.
The free event brought together local agricultural producers and other stakeholders to discuss sustainable practices, industry trends, economic forecasts and mental health in agriculture.
The forum began with a welcome from Reeve Josh Bishop and deputy reeve and JEDI board chair Kathy Rooyakkers.
Some of the speakers and presentations included:
• Kimberly Cornish, executive director of the Food Water Wellness Foundation. Cornish shared insights on soil health and resilience through the Regenerative Alberta Living Lab.
• Kim Barkwell, sustainable agriculture coordinator for the County of Wetaskiwin. Barkwell highlighted Alternative Land Use Services and its role in bridging agriculture and nature.
• A Producer Panel showcased local producers who discussed their sustainable agriculture practices and environmental stewardship through the ALUS program.
• The Chamber Advantage presentation explored how the Leduc, Nisku, Wetaskiwin Regional Chamber of Commerce supports agricultural producers and introduced the Discover Wetaskiwin County West Initiative.
• Jon Neutens, ATB Financial’ s Head of Agriculture, who provided an agricultural economic outlook.
• Amy Monea, from Heard Wellness Through Horses, who explored family dynamics and transitions on the farm.
• Stephen Majek, director of Agricultural Services for the County of Wetaskiwin, who provided information on weed identification and control.
Attendees also had the opportunity to win door prizes purchased from local businesses, as well as two entries to the 2024 Western Canada Conference on Soil Health and Grazing in Edmonton.
