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Even though it’s still winter, the spring growing season is just around the corner.
This year’s Agri-Visions event on Feb.14-15 at the Lloyd Ex promises something for everyone in the ag industry.
“This year we actually have three panels … we only usually have one. We’re doing a succession planning panel, we are doing a drought panel and an agronomy panel,” said Lloyd Ex event administrator, Tammy Dyck.
“Drought, I think is going to be a huge issue for our farmers this year, with the fact that we didn’t have much moisture before and we don’t have much snow now.”
She said there will be discussions about drought readiness for both grain and cattle farmers, with insight from professionals.
“Dr. Trent Wennekamp is a veterinarian here at the Lloyd Animal Hospital,” said Dyck.
“He’s going to speak about avoiding cattle health disasters in a drought, so I think it’s stuff that is definitely going to be affecting our farmers.”
Along with drought, there will be speakers on several agricultural topics including sustainability, direct marketing, and improved logistics to name a few.
The event will also feature a trade show, breakfast, and lunch buffets, as well as the Heart of the Farm Banquet, at the WLS Convention Center on Feb. 14.
“The Heart of the Farm Banquet, sponsored by Weir Veterinary Services, and NFP sponsors our keynote speaker,” said Dyck, adding this year’s keynote speaker is Vance Crowe, who will speak at the banquet as well as on the second day.
“He’s a versatile speaker. For us, he’ll be talking about the art of picking up nails—the point of that being how to create conversations that build trust and influence outcomes,” Dyck explained.
“The next day his topic is going to be bringing together urban and rural. He’s going to speak about how to bring those two together and have an understanding for both.”
Dyck described the event as one of the Lloyd Ex originals, as it has been around for over 25 years, with a name change in 2014 from the Cattleman’s Corral/Crop-visions to its current name, which encompasses everything agriculture.
This year’s trade show is sold out, and there will be raffle prizes and a Valentine’s-themed door prize, due to the timing of the event.
For tickets visit Lloydex.com, buy them in person at the Lloyd Ex office, or the at the door on the day of. Although Dyck says “The banquet usually sells out, so get your tickets soon.”
