Summit on Canadian Soil Health 2019: Setting the course for the future

Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre, Stonewall, Manitoba

October 1 & 2, 2019

How important is soil to our everyday lives? Perhaps more important than we think. Canadian soil is as important as air, water and biodiversity, yet it is often overlooked and taken for granted.

As we better understand the role soil plays in all our lives, we must collectively take action to ensure it’s there for us in the future. The Summit on Canadian Soil Health is the best venue for us to chart a new course and make soil a priority.

The Summit kicks off with a hands-on tour just outside of Winnipeg before heading to beautiful Oak Hammock Marsh to hear first-hand from those who require healthy soil to make a living. We’ll not only get insights into food production systems, but we’ll better understand soil enemies and how we can work together as soil heroes.

This event will expand the scope of stakeholder involvement in sustaining our soil resources to include others with both direct and indirect interest in our shared landscape. Educators, food industry representatives and conservation organizations are among those who will offer a new perspective and leave with a better understanding of how soil intersects in their lives and daily interests.

The Summit will conclude with insights from soil champion Senator Rob Black before attendees enjoy a reception to sample the products made possible by the very soil that helped bring it to our plates.
Healthy soil sustains us all and the Summit on Canadian Soil Health is where the actions that define our future begin.

We’re leaders in soil conservation and health and we invite you to join us in Manitoba this fall.

Agenda:

DAY 2

SUMMIT SESSIONS – To Open a Presentation Click the Green Text

8:30 a.m.

Welcome and opening remarks from Summit Chair – Alan Kruszel

8:40 a.m.

Remarks from Summit Champion Syngenta Canada – Paul Hoekstra

8:45 a.m.

What is healthy soil and what are its enemies?

9:30 a.m.

State of Canadian Soil Health in 2019: A Report Card

10:15 a.m.

Break

10:30 a.m.

Panel Discussion: Trends in agriculture soil management (are they good, bad or indifferent?)

Moderator – Tim Nerbas
Eastern Farmer – Kier Miller
Western Farmer – Robert Stevenson
Rancher – Duane Thompson
Eastern Agronomist – Odette Menard
Western Agronomist – Brunel Sabourin

11:45 a.m.

Information gaps to improving soil health – Marla Riekman, Government of Manitoba

12:15 p.m.

Lunch

1:15 p.m.

Panel Discussion: Demands on soil

Moderator – Paul Thoroughgood
Economics – Derek Brewin, University of Manitoba
The Soil, Air, Water Nexus – Angela Bedard-Haughn, University of Saskatchewan
Sustainability – Cam Dahl, Cereals Canada

2:15 p.m.

Panel Discussion: Non-agricultural stakeholders view on soil