Prairie Cereals Summit 2024: Cultivating Connections, Innovation and Growth

The Prairie Cereals Summit (PCS) triumphantly returned to the picturesque Banff Springs Hotel from November 27-29, 2024, bringing together 272 farmers and agriculture industry professionals. This marquee event, hosted in the heart of Banff, Alberta, provided attendees with an enriching blend of insight, networking, and entertainment.

A Fireside Start

Kicking off the event was a compelling fireside chat featuring John Barlow, Shadow Minister of Agriculture, Agri-Food and Food Security. Barlow shared valuable insights into the current challenges and opportunities within Canadian agriculture, setting the tone for a summit packed with impactful discussions.

Wednesday evening’s highlight was the Peculiar Pints Beer Evening, sponsored by ATB Financial. Guests sampled brews from standout breweries like Blind Man Brewing, the official beer of PCS, took part in fun games and settled in for some great music. Special guests included Mariya Stokes, ACMA’s 2019 Female Artist of the Year, whose live performance captivated attendees, and Sondra Baker, also known as @TheBeerMaven, who brought energy to the evening’s festivities. Peculiar Pints showcased the vibrant culture that unites the agricultural community beyond the fields.

ABOVE: John Barlow, MP for Foothills and Shadow Minister for Agriculture, shares insights during a Fireside Chat with Alberta Grains Chair, Tara Sawyer.

The Alberta Grains AGM

The summit also hosted the Alberta Grains Annual General Meeting, offering members a vital platform to engage in organizational updates, and decision-making that will shape the future of the industry.

Insights and Discussions

Thursday’s agenda began with a thought-provoking presentation by Stephen P. Nicholson, EVP and Global Sector Strategist for Grains and Oilseeds, who delivered a comprehensive Global Market Overview and Economic Outlook. Nicholson’s insights provided attendees with a clearer understanding of global trends and their implications for Canadian producers.

The morning continued with two dynamic panel discussions. The Weed Management panel brought together leading experts and farmers to address pressing concerns and solutions for managing weeds effectively. Simultaneously, the “Harvesting Hope” panel tackled farmer wellness, featuring heartfelt conversations on mental health and holistic well-being in agriculture.

ABOVE: Panelists engage in a heartfelt discussion during the "Harvesting Hope" session, addressing the importance of mental health, well-being and support systems for farmers and rural communities. 

Data and Innovation Take Center Stage

The afternoon sessions spotlighted cutting-edge topics designed to inspire and empower. Lara de Moissac and Jeremy Boychyn delivered a standout presentation on data-driven decision-making, exploring how producers can leverage small plot trials and large-scale field data to optimize their operations. Following this, Lauren Comin of Cereals Canada outlined a strategic vision for cereal variety development in Canada, emphasizing the critical role of innovation in maintaining the country’s global agricultural leadership.

ABOVE: Lara de Moissac, Agronomy Programs Specialist at Alberta Grains, takes the stage during the "Data-Driven Decision Making: From Small Plots to Full-Scale Fields" session.

A Stormy Close

The day’s program concluded with an electrifying session by Ricky Forbes, renowned storm chaser from Netflix’s hit show Tornado Hunters. Forbes shared thrilling tales and lessons from his adventures, leaving the audience both entertained and inspired.

The BASF-sponsored reception and closing banquet brought the summit to a celebratory close. Mentalist Jeff Newman wowed attendees with an unforgettable performance, closing the event on a high note. 

ABOVE: Mentalist Jeff Newman delivers a spellbinding performance, combining intrigue, laughter and jaw-dropping illusions. 

A Resounding Success

The 2024 Prairie Cereals Summit not only delivered on its promise of insightful content and memorable experiences but also reinforced its reputation as a premier event for Canada’s agriculture community.

"This year’s PCS was a true celebration of collaboration and innovation," said Tara Sawyer, Chair of Alberta Grains. "It’s inspiring to see farmers and industry leaders come together to tackle challenges, share knowledge, and shape the future of our sector."

By blending insight, entertainment, and camaraderie, PCS continues to cultivate a thriving agricultural sector. We look forward to welcoming you back to Banff for the 2025 edition of PCS!