Sulphur Testing & Urease and Nitrification Inhibition

9:45 AM

Nutrient management decisions can have a significant impact on both crop performance and fertilizer efficiency. Dr. John Lauzon will explore current research surrounding sulphur, including soil testing, as well as the use of urease and nitrification inhibitors in crop production. Drawing on his research, he will discuss crop response with and without these inhibitors and considerations surrounding their use. This presentation will provide growers with practical information to help inform nutrient management decisions on their own farms.

Prof. John Lauzon

Associate Professor

University of Guelph

Dr. John Lauzon is an Associate Professor in the School of Environmental Sciences at the University of Guelph, specializing in soil science, soil fertility, soil management and nutrient management. His research focuses on nutrient cycling and management within agricultural systems, with particular interest in improving the agronomic use of nutrients while reducing losses to the environment. His work includes evaluating manure management strategies and investigating how variations in soil nutrients influence plant response. Dr. Lauzon has also contributed to research addressing fertilizer management and how nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus move through soil, helping inform effective application strategies for growers. Through his research and teaching at the University of Guelph, he brings a strong understanding of soil fertility and practical nutrient management in Ontario cropping systems.

Market Outlook for 2027

1:15 PM

During this presentation we are going to review the 2026 crop supply and demand with a particular focus on identifying the opportunties to complete pricing the 2026 crop and selecting targets to forwrad contract 2027, and potentially 2028's production at profitable price levels.

Steve Kell

Grain Merchant

Grain Kell Elevator

Steve Kell has been in the grain business for the past 34 years. 9 years in the Co-op system, 20 years at P&H as part of their Toronto trading office, and most recently handling trading and logistics for Kell Grain with elevators in Gilford, Belleville, and Napanee. In addition to grain marketing, Steve operates a cash crop farm in Innisfil and writes a column on the commodities markets for Farmers Forum Newspaper.

Cover Crop & Living Lab Experience

2:00 PM

Drawing from his experience with cover crops, soil health and on-farm research, Woody Van Arkel will share insights from his journey of trying new practices on the farm. He will discuss how he approaches new ideas and opportunities, including the factors that influence what he chooses to explore. The presentation will reflect on challenges, lessons learned and successes from projects and practices that have evolved over time. Attendees will also gain practical perspective on experimenting with new approaches and determining what may work within their own farming operations.

Woody (Laurent) Van Arkel

Owner / Operator

Van Arkel Farms Limited

Laurent “Woody” Van Arkel is a farmer with Van Arkel Farms near Dresden, Ontario, where he produces corn, soybeans, wheat, sugar beets and a variety of specialty crops. Over more than 30 years, Woody has worked toward developing a sustainable, regenerative farming system with a strong focus on soil health, reduced tillage and cover crops. His approach centres on minimizing soil disturbance, keeping the soil covered and maintaining living roots for as much of the year as possible. Woody is also an active collaborator in on-farm research and has been involved with organizations including the Ontario Soil Network, Innovative Farmers of Ontario and the Midwest Cover Crops Council. Recognized as OSCIA’s 2022 Soil Champion, he is passionate about experimenting with innovative practices and sharing his experiences to help advance soil health and sustainable agriculture.

Pete's Pontifications:

The latest updates on agronomic developments over the past year.

3:15 PM

The latest updates on agronomic developments over the past year.

Peter Johnson

Agronomist

RealAgriculture

Peter Johnson, @WheatPete, is the resident agronomist with Real Agriculture, where he posts a weekly podcast "Wheat Pete's Word". He is a regular on Agronomy Monday on Real Ag radio, Siruis Satellite Radio 147. Peter operates a small farm near Lucan, Ontario, where he constantly tries out new production ideas, and where the "rubber hits the road!" He is enthusiastic and passionate about agriculture, and loves to be challenged by growers.

PANEL

Drones on the Farm: From Scouting to Spraying

11:00 AM

With recent changes to Ontario regulations creating new opportunities for spray drone use, interest in this technology has never been greater. Join producers and industry experts as they discuss how drones are being integrated into modern crop production, from field scouting and data collection to precision pesticide and nutrient applications.

Panelists will share firsthand experiences with spray drones, including where they fit within an overall crop management strategy, the advantages they can offer compared to traditional application methods, and the field conditions where they may provide the greatest benefit. The conversation will also cover the practical realities of adoption, including training, regulations, costs, and lessons learned from implementing the technology on-farm.

Whether you're considering your first drone investment or looking to expand your knowledge of this rapidly evolving technology, this session will provide valuable insights into the opportunities, challenges, and future potential of drones in Ontario agriculture.

Trent Sluiter

Manager

GLH Drones

Adam Pfeffer

Technical Product Lead - Corn and Soybeans

Bayer Crop Science

I have been with Bayer for close to 20 years and currently have a national role as a technical lead for corn and soybean crop systems. I also farm with my family near Sparta ON corn, soybeans, wheat and winter canola. I am also an active member of our local soil and crop association and a director with the GFO for district 5.

Adrian Rivard

President

Drone Spray Canada

Adrian Rivard is the founder of Drone Spray Canada, which he started in 2020 to bring agricultural drone technology to Canadian farming. A former pilot and farmer based in Blenheim, Ontario, Adrian combines his aviation and farming experience to advance the use of drones in agriculture.He has been involved in research trials and spray drift studies focused on understanding the safe and effective use of agricultural spray drones. Through his work, Adrian helps farmers and applicators adopt this emerging technology.