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Learn. Connect. Grow.
A one-day producer development event
Saturday, November 7, 2026 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Edmonton EXPO Centre
Farm Forward brings livestock producers and farmers together for a day of practical learning, expert advice, peer networking, and exclusive Farmfair International experiences.
Whether you're building a family operation, expanding your herd, planning for succession, or looking for fresh ideas, Farm Forward delivers real-world insights you can take back to your farm or ranch.
What Is Farm Forward?
Farm Forward is a one-day learning and networking event created specifically for livestock producers and farmers who want to continue growing both personally and professionally.
Instead of sitting through a traditional conference, participants engage in practical sessions, expert presentations, networking opportunities, and direct conversations with industry professionals.
Every session is designed to deliver useful ideas, practical tools, and meaningful connections that participants can apply immediately.
Why Attend
What Past Attendees Say
Leave with ideas you can use immediately.
Grow Your Operation
Learn From People Who've Been There
Build Valuable Connections
Strengthen Leadership Skills
Invest in Personal Resilience
Experience Farmfair International
"The presenters were amazing."
"Table talks were more valuable than I expected."
"Great networking. I wish there was more time."
"I learned things that will make a real impact on my farm."
Farm Forward is designed to help producers make better decisions, build stronger businesses, and connect with people who understand the challenges and opportunities of agriculture.
Learn practical strategies that can improve profitability, herd performance, efficiency, and long-term success.
Hear real-world experiences from producers, industry leaders, and experts working in agriculture every day.
Network with producers from across Western Canada, share ideas, and learn from others facing similar challenges.
Develop communication, negotiation, and decision-making skills that help you lead your business with confidence.
Gain tools and strategies to manage stress, maintain perspective, and perform at your best through changing conditions.
Enjoy exclusive VIP access to the Supreme Show and experience one of Canada's premier livestock events.
Farm Forward
2026 Speakers
Connect directly with industry experts and leave with practical answers you can use on your operation.
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BRETT GARDINER
Growing Through It
Brett Gardiner is a mental performance coach and 14-time Canadian Pro Rodeo Announcer of the Year, helping people build resilience, strengthen mindset, and perform at their best.
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SUSAN MARKUS
Don’t Throw your Profits out with the Pasture Water
Poor water quality can impact cattle health and performance. Dr. Markus demonstrates affordable hand-held water testing tools and highlights why visual assessment alone is not a reliable measure of water quality.
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Bj Fuchs
Built by Ranchers, Powered by Tech - Carving Out Your Opportunity
BJ Fuchs is a fourth-generation rancher helping producers unlock new opportunities by combining practical ranching with proven technologies.
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Dana Parker
Practical Tools for Better Decisions
Dana Parker connects producers and veterinarians with practical research tools to improve herd health and drive better on-farm decisions.
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Josie Pashulka
Better Calves by Design: Using A.I. to Build a More Profitable Herd
Josie Pashulka is an award-winning cattle producer and educator dedicated to advancing herd performance and mentoring the next generation of producers.
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Joshua Day Chief
Improving Forage Quality, Reclaiming Productivity and Getting More Value From Every Acre
Joshua Day Chief is CEO of AdvancedAg, helping producers improve soil health, forage productivity, nutrient efficiency, and farm profitability through practical biological solutions backed by field research and measurable results.
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Donovan Workun
Host of Farm Forward
Donovan Workun is a popular actor and three-time world improvisation champion. He's appeared in national commercials and movies alongside Patrick Swayze, Tim Curry, and Carmen Electra, and teaches improv workshops to hundreds of organizations, corporations, and schools. He is a sought-after MC, hosting countless events around the world, and is the face of the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival across North America.
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Brenda Ralston
From Stress to Success: Technology Tools for Healthier Livestock
Brenda Ralston is an RDAR Research Scientist in Livestock Health with Lakeland College, focused on practical research that helps producers improve animal health, welfare, efficiency, and profitability through real-world solutions. View Profile
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Dr. Edward Bork
Pasture and Woodland Selection to Optimize Beef Cattle Production
Dr. Edward Bork is the Mattheis Chair in Rangeland Ecology and Management and Director of the Rangeland Research Institute at the University of Alberta. His research helps producers make practical grazing and pasture management decisions that support cattle performance, landscape health, and profitability.
Farm Forward 2026
Ask an Expert
Connect one-on-one with industry professionals and get answers to the questions that matter most to your operation.
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Aidan Nicholson
Ag Law & Succession Planning
Aidan Nicholson is an agriculture lawyer specializing in succession planning, helping farm families protect their legacy and transition with confidence.
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CHASE GITZEL
Smart ways to address Ag taxes
Chase Gitzel is a Chartered Professional Accountant helping farm families navigate tax planning, succession strategies, and estate planning with clarity and confidence.
DR. SUSAN MARKUS
Use Technology to boost profitability
Learn directly from a livestock research scientist about the benefits and limitations of technology tools in your operation. Dr. Markus has expertise in heifer selection, virtual fence collars, GPS ear tags and remote sensing portable weigh scales that record front partial body weight as the animals go to a mineral tub on the system.
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