SIEMENS SAYS: Manitoba Ag Days a smashing success

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Spending part of two days in Brandon last week and participating in Ag Days was a good reminder of what the industry that I continue to serve is all about.

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Last week, the 48th Manitoba Ag Days in Brandon, Manitoba, was a resounding success, drawing tens of thousands of visitors over the three-day event.

Media Coordinator Teresa Hildebrand expressed excitement over the strong turnout, smooth operations, and record-breaking 50/50 jackpot, emphasizing that funds raised will support community and educational initiatives. She praised the overwhelming support and positive feedback, highlighting the event’s continued impact and growth.

Over the years, Manitoba Ag Days has evolved significantly. I remember when it was a one-day event, alternating between Brandon and Winnipeg. It may have even started as a weed fair in the downtown Winnipeg Convention Centre.

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The transformation has been remarkable. One needs only to consider photos from past events to see how farming has changed — from advances in technology and production techniques, to the growing presence of suppliers and consultants offering cutting-edge solutions. The event reflects the industry’s continued innovation and adaptation each year, showcasing the tools and expertise that drive modern agriculture forward.

Kristen Phillips, general manager of Manitoba Ag Days, highlighted the event’s strong attendance and diverse representation.

“This year, we had visitors from across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario,” Phillips said. “Our show is 100% pure farm, meaning the main target is the farming population. We also had exhibitors from Prince Edward Island, Quebec, France, Germany, and Australia and a strong presence from North Dakota and South Dakota.”

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With its international reach and industry-specific focus, Manitoba Ag Days continues to be a premier platform for farmers, suppliers, and experts to connect, share innovations, and explore the latest advancements in agriculture.

Manitoba Ag Days has remained a must-attend event, largely due to its farmer-led board of directors that ensure the show stays relevant and focused on the industry’s actual needs.

“Our board consists of farmers, so we understand what farmers are looking for,” Phillips said. “We prioritize innovation, equipment, technology, and marketing — everything a real farm needs.”

Despite current market and economic challenges, Phillips noted that the overall mood was upbeat. “I thought it might be lower, but the response was positive. Ag Days marks the start of the Ag year — Christmas is over, and people come in with optimism and enthusiasm for what’s ahead.”

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Manitoba Ag Days continues to serve as a vital gathering place for the agricultural industry, bringing together farmers, suppliers, and experts to connect, learn, and grow.

Teresa Hildebrand, Media Coordinator, emphasized the event’s role in fostering innovation and knowledge-sharing. “From the speaker series to the exhibit halls and the Innovation Showcase, Ag Days is a hub for new ideas, best practices, and forward-thinking solutions that drive the industry forward.”

With its strong focus on the future of farming, the event remains a key platform for networking, education, and exploring the latest advancements in agriculture and agribusiness.

Awards have become a large part of Ag Days. Antara Agronomy Services Ltd. won an award that I will highlight due to its ability to provide data and consistent cropping information, helping both farmers and farm journalists alike.

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As the Innovation Showcase Winner — Agribusiness Services 2025, Antara Insights 2.0 is the next evolution of Antara’s award-winning agronomy benchmarking service, designed to provide farmers with deeper insights for smarter decision-making. This latest version introduces field-specific weather tracking, input cost analysis, and planter report cards, offering a more precise, data-driven approach to optimizing farm operations.

With a commitment to innovation and efficiency, Antara Insights 2.0 helps producers turn valuable data into actionable strategies, leading to greater productivity and profitability.

Brunel Sabourin, a certified crop advisor and co-founder of Antara, has a lifelong passion for agriculture and sustainable food production, which has helped him build a reputation as a leading agronomic consultant. Often referred to as the “Guru of the Red River Valley,” he brings over 30 years of expertise in consulting on cereals, oilseeds, pulses, and corn.

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Together with his wife, Jennifer, Brunel co-founded Antara Agronomy Services Ltd., a consulting firm focused on on-farm research and benchmarking. His approach integrates local agronomic research with production data, equipping farmers with knowledge-driven solutions to tackle adverse weather and production challenges.

A firm believer in empowering producers, Brunel’s mission is to provide better information for better decision-making — leading to increased profitability, reduced stress, and a more rewarding farming experience.

I visited Antara’s booth at Ag Days. Winning the Innovation Showcase — Agribusiness Services 2025 at Manitoba Ag Days is a significant achievement.

“This is our second year entering our benchmarking program in the Innovation Showcase,” said Luke Hemphill Antara’s agronomist, who knows weeds well. “Last year, we were runner-up, so we made a few tweaks for this season. We added weather data and production analysis cost, which was enough to earn first place this time.”

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Michelle Siemens, marketing manager and director of operations, played a key role in preparing for the showcase. “My job is to manage all the people and ensure everything is in place,” Siemens explained. “First, we apply for the Innovation Showcase and get approval. Then, I focus on ensuring the presentations look great, refining the details, and ensuring we have everything we need for the event.”

The win is a testament to Antara’s commitment to continuous improvement, using real-world agronomic data to deliver better insights and decision-making tools for farmers.

Farmers came to Antara Agronomy Services’ booth at Manitoba Ag Days, with weather stations generating significant interest.

“Most farmers aren’t specifically here for agronomy, but our custom booth brings everyone in,” said Hemphill. “We’ve had a lot of discussions about the YEN (Yield Enhancement Network), which we’re excited to be hosting for the Canola Council. The updates we’ve made to our benchmarking visuals have also drawn much attention.”

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Regarding challenges in the field, Hemphill noted that weeds and time constraints were the top concerns. “We have a chart that helps farmers identify their biggest challenge, and most conversations revolve around weed control and time management. Many farmers aren’t sure what’s in their fields or how to tackle it, and quite a few don’t yet have an agronomist.”

— Harry Siemens is a farm journalist, podcaster, speaker, writer and communicator

Have thoughts on what’s going on in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada or across the world? Send us a letter to the editor at wpgsun.letters@kleinmedia.ca

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