It’s no secret that 2020 has felt endless, more like a decade than 12 months. And as it draws to a close there is hope on the horizon in the form of vaccines and new therapeutics for Covid-19. But according to experts it will be months, if not another year, before life returns to normal ‒ which means the “new normal” that we’ve had to adapt to will continue into 2021.
Major events around the world have had to make a digital pivot – the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is one success story – and people are flocking to their screens, large and small, to participate and support exhibitors and vendors alike.
The upcoming Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week (GBFW), which celebrates its 55th year in January, is tossing its hat in the virtual ring, too. The GBFW committee wasted no time in setting up for what they’re calling “the best virtual conference possible” in the New Year. So, if you’re a farmer or just happen to be passionate about agriculture and livestock, you can access the GBFW in the comfort and safety of your farm house, office or yes, while sitting on your tractor!
Running from Tuesday, January 5 to Tuesday, January 12, the week includes everything from a Trade Show to Beef, Dairy and Ecological days, among agricultural theme days. Of course, we’re most excited about Horse Day, which runs on Sunday January 10, 2021 from 11:15 am – 3:30 pm.
This year’s program is full of informative sessions including Dr. Wendy Pearson, assistant professor of equine physiology from the University of Guelph on nutritional and nutraceutical methods for maintenance of joint and gastrointestinal health. Dr. Pearson is also taking part in a panel discussion on equine nutrition along with Laurie Bishop, nutrition advisor with Brook’s Feeds, Jackie VandenBrink, nutritionist and owner of Peninsula Performance Feeds and VandenBrink Nutrition Consulting, and Cindy Cook, senior equine nutrition consultant for Purina, Canada.
Following the panel Lindsay Grice, certified coach, judge and competitor gives a talk called The Science of Bits, Spurs and Training Tack: How We Choose, Use or Sometimes Abuse Them. And finally, Christine O’Reilly, from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, will provide her tips about horse pasture management.
For more details and to register for Horse Day click HERE. The virtual conference is $160/week; $70 for any 3 days or $30/day.
