Project Name: From Field to Market – WNSEFA Farm Conference

Project summary and highlights:

The WNESFA held a one-day farm conference on March 22, 2025, in Sturgeon Falls. Approximately 75 people attended and were able to choose between a variety of sessions depending on their interests and needs. Sessions covered a broad range of topics from expanding value-added production to horticulture to small flock management. The event was held in collaboration with the West Nipissing East Sudbury Soil and Crop Improvement Association Seed Fair. The WNSEFA also offered free registration to attendees to the Northern Caucus meeting held the day before.

Describe lasting and relevant impact to the OFA membership.

OFA members who attended the conference were able to learn information and tools that they could apply to their own farm, improving their viability and competitiveness. Members were also able to network with other farmers beyond who they would normally engage with at their regular commodity events.

Holding the event also increased the visibility of the local federation to its members, some of whom haven’t engaged with the federation in the past. Ensuring that some of the sessions were tailored to smaller farms or commodities that usually aren’t focused on helped some local farmers feel more included.

Some of the topics covered in the sessions were also helpful to improve farm and community relations. One session covered farm equipment on the roads, ensuring that farmers abide by the law when driving their equipment. One session covered small flock management, ensuring that people are aware of biosecurity, local bylaws, etc. when growing chickens (there has been significant discussion locally about backyard chicken bylaws).

Bonus – any lessons learned, or surprises?

• Started the day with a keynote speaker to frame the day and then attendees could choose between two topics – this was well received since the size of farm and type of commodity varies widely but everyone was able to attend sessions that interested them the most
• We partnered with the local SCIA but some of the older farmers were resistant to using Eventbrite to register (so we had some difficulty estimating actual numbers for catering
• Event staff levels were good, except that we should have had one person dedicated only to technology in each room (two concurrent presentations were held for 3 presentations).