While the traditional public event in Elmwood isn’t happening, Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week is going ahead this year with a virtual format.
The 55th annual Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week starts tomorrow, Jan. 5 and continues until Jan. 12. As usual, the eight-day agricultural event will focus on different aspects of the industry each day.
“We are in a sweet-spot to pivot to a virtual conference as a result of live streaming Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week for the past three years,” says co-ordinate Lorie Smith. “Our continued partnership with CTRE Productions will ensure the success of this new initiative.”
Lorie Smith spoke to The Great Paul Hill on the CFOS Morning Show and offered a preview of the 2021 Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week.
The main aspect of Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week, keynote speakers covering a wide range of topics and issues concerning the agriculture industry, will continue with live and pre-recorded sessions featured throughout the conference.
The conference offers over 50 sessions covering a vast array of topics targeting the issues and challenges facing the farming community today.
“We will take all of the best features about Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week, box them up, and create an online experience that mimics all the feels of the live event,” Smith continues. “Producers from across the province, Canada and the World, wherever they have reliable internet access, will be able to participate in the GBFW conference.”
The week starts with Trade Show Day on Tuesday. It will then be followed by beef, dairy, goat, sheep, horse, ecological and crops days.
According to a release, the keynote speakers’ content will be accessible in real-time. It will also be available for 30 days following Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week.
“Of note, reflecting a deep concern for the wellness of our farmers … there will be a daily Mental Health in Agriculture presentation,” a release about the event explains.
Each day at the 2021 Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week virtual conference starts at 11:15 a.m. and the presentations conclude around 4 p.m.
There will be an opportunity to pose questions to the speakers through a chat box, and face to face with the speakers after each session.