In person register for this event is now closed.
As an alternative we invite you to join the virtual event at 7:00pm where you will still be able to ask questions and learn from the panel discussion.
https://events.zoom.us/ev/Al37PdnvbSHOQnySxW75dXC1lYR5cn3Q0njnlBxe5N4rKCztCs8l~AjNmpt8mTTiwNGsjntrKH7FDJ82Vt4nbvo0W2dTgVq-7TtXnh9qlECzwZw
The Future of Agribusiness in Southern Alberta panel
Feb. 1, 2024 | 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. | In-person in Lethbridge and virtual
Details:
The panel discussion on the future of agriculture in Southern Alberta, Canada, presents a comprehensive exploration of the region's agricultural landscape through three distinct lenses: Economic Development Lethbridge, AI and Technology, and the Blood Tribe Agricultural Project.
- The Economic Development perspective delves into the potential growth and diversification of the agricultural sector, addressing key strategies to enhance economic prosperity while navigating challenges unique to the region.
- The second lens focuses on the integration of Artificial Intelligence and cutting-edge technologies in agriculture, illuminating how advancements in precision farming, data analytics, and automation can revolutionize farming practices in Southern Alberta.
- Lastly, the Blood Tribe Agricultural Project brings a community-oriented approach, shedding light on the importance of maintaining the conditions of the entrusted lands adopted by the Blood Tribe to ensure agricultural development aligns with cultural and environmental values.
Together, these perspectives provide a holistic view of the future trajectory of agriculture in Southern Alberta, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between economic viability, technological innovation and efficient profitability.
Location:
University of Lethbridge, Markin Hall atrium
Schedule (in person):
5:30 p.m. | Networking
6 p.m. | Welcome from Dhillon dean
6:10 p.m.| Buffet dinner
7:10 p.m. | The Future of Agribusiness in Southern Alberta panel
8:30 p.m.| Closing remarks and networking
Schedule (virtual attendance):
7 p.m. | Join webinar
7:10 p.m. | The Future of Agribusiness in Southern Alberta panel
8:30 p.m. | Closing remarks
Registration:
If you're a member of the general public or a student from another post-secondary institution wanting to attend, scroll down to fill out the registration below and indicate whether you'll be attending in-person or virtually. Registration closes at noon on Jan. 30. We look forward to seeing you.
If you're a University of Lethbridge student wanting to attend, you can register on MyExperience and attend virtually or in-person.
Our panelists:
Scott Horner | Chief Commercial Officer, HyTech Production Ltd
Scott Horner is Chief Commercial Officer of HyTech Production Ltd., he holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Saskatchewan and is a recognized Professional Agrologist (P.Ag.). Scott is an owner and Chief Commercial Officer of HyTech Production Ltd. and in that role he is focused on customer relationship management, business development and special projects. For the past 15 years Scott has been an active seed industry leader, serving on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Seed Growers Association, The Canadian Seed Trade Association for 9 years including the role of President and on the Seed Association of the Americas for 10 years including in the role of President. Scott has a passion small business startup and Ag-technology, he has helped mentor a number of Ag-Tech startups and is a Limited Partner in Tall Grass Ventures, a Canadian investment fund focused on Ag-Tech startups.
Trevor Lewington | Chief Executive Officer, Economic Development Lethbridge
Trevor Lewington is the Chief Executive Officer for Economic Development Lethbridge. Together with a 31-member volunteer, community-based Board of Directors, Trevor is proud to work with a talented team that develops and delivers on initiatives to promote Lethbridge as an excellent place to live, work, visit, invest and do business.
With many years of executive leadership experience in the food processing industry, in addition to living the trials and tribulations of a small business owner combined with additional roles in the public sector, Trevor strives to provide a broad-based perspective and collaborative approach which will enhance initiatives that drive continued economic growth in southern Alberta. A recent example includes the startup of a municipally controlled corporation in Ridge Utilities Ltd to provide retail energy marketing across southern Alberta.
Trevor holds a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Human Resource Management, completed a Change Leadership Certificate with Cornell University and is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR). Trevor is also a Certified Logistics Professional (CCLP) through the Canadian Institute of Traffic and Transportation. Trevor also holds the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.
Trevor is engaged and involved in his community and serves as the Mayor in the Village of Stirling where he resides. Trevor is on the Advisory Board of the Dhillon School of Business at the University of Lethbridge. Trevor is also an active member of the Board of Directors for Economic Developers Alberta (recently serving as President).
In 2019, Trevor was awarded an honorary doctorate by the 29 institutions and professional associations that comprise the Claustro Doctoral Iberoamericano. Trevor was recognized by Economic Developers Alberta for “outstanding dedication and service” to the profession as “2019 Economic Developer of the Year.” Trevor has previously received an award from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities for his field work and contributions to the Caribbean Local Economic Development Project having worked to build local government capacity in Belize and Jamaica. Trevor is also a Platinum Jubilee Medal recipient.
Kirby Many Fingers | Trustee, Blood Tribe Agricultural Project and Board Member, Kainai Forage
Kirby has been a significant part of the Blood Tribe for the past 40 years. Kirby attended the U of L in the early 80’s, then became the Director of Tribal Government and External Affairs. Following his Director role he was elected to Council where he served for 28 years. Mr. Many Fingers is one of the founding Board Members for the Blood Tribe Agricultural Project.
Today, Kirby will be speaking about Economic Development in First Nation’s communities, in general, and will specifically focus on the Blood Tribe’s On-reserve irrigation operation (BTAP) and Kainai Forage.
BTAP is the second largest irrigation operation in North America and the 4th largest in the world. Our forage export operation has evolved, today we are the largest exporter of Timothy in North America. Our markets include Japan, Kora, China, the Middle East, UK, and the US.
Kirby will also speak about the Blood Tribe’s participation in the development of the Agricultural sector in Southern Alberta, as well as our involvement in international trade.
Generously sponsored by the Cor Van Raay Fund.