Thank you to the businesses who advertise in our Agricultural Programs brochure.
Courses & Webinars
1. Understanding your Financials and Cost Accounting
Presented by: Paul Oehm of Business Profit (www.businessprofit.ca)
Thursday February 1st, 2024, 1:30 - 3:00 pm at Grey Ag Services, also livestreamed.
Cost: $20.00. Please register to attend in-person here or to attend via the livestream here.
Do you know your numbers? - Bookkeeping basics - Learn how to read a profit and loss statement & balance sheet - Master budgeting and cash flow projections - How to optimize cash flow - Setting up KPIs/Scoreboards of your important numbers & why - What is cost accounting and how it will help you make better financial decisions - Break-even analysis and what if scenarios (ex. should I grow beans, wheat or corn)
2. What Did We Learn in 2023? What Should We Do in 2024?
Presented by: Deb Campbell, Agronomist at Agronomy Advantage and Carrie Davenport, Agronomist at Georgian View Ag Services Ltd.
New Date: Wednesday February 28th, 2024, 1:30 - 4:30 pm at Grey Ag Services, also livestreamed.
Cost: $20.00. Please register to attend in-person here or to attend via the livestream here.
The 2023 crop season was driven by weather challenges-too hot, too dry, too wet, too cool. From this we saw many crop responses like reduced emergence, extreme crop height, white mould, ear moulds. Let’s discuss what was learned from 2023 and see how to apply that to crop plans in 2024.
3. Figuring Out Frost Seeding
Presented by: Christine O'Reilly, Forage & Grazing Specialist at OMAFRA
Wednesday February 7th, 2024, 7:00 - 8:00 pm on Zoom.
Cost: $12.00. Please register here to attend via the livestream.
Frost seeding is a popular way to renovate a hay field or pasture. This webinar will cover key considerations to set yourself up for success ahead of the 2024 frost seeding window.
4. How to Onboard New Employees
Presented by: Viktoria Schuler of the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council
Thursday February 8th, 2024, 12:00 - 1:15 pm on Zoom
Cost: $12.00. Please register here to attend via the livestream.
Let’s imagine the following scenario: John is eager to start his new role at Green Acres Farm as a grain farm equipment operator! He arrives to the farm on his first day of work, expecting to be greeted by the farm manager, Ryan. Ryan is no where to be found so a fellow worker that passes by tells John he can take a seat while he goes to look for him. After waiting 30 minutes, Ryan appears saying “I apologize for the delay, I forgot you were arriving today. I believe I was told this by the farm owner.., but can you remind me of your name again?” After a brief greeting and introduction, Ryan suggests that they go on a quick tour of the farm. During their tour, they bump into some colleagues. As they are chatting with their colleagues, Ryan checks his watch and realizes that he needs to leave for a meeting. He lets John know that he is in good hands with his colleagues and will return later with the paperwork. The colleagues are not sure what they are supposed to show John, so they continue their work and allow John to watch...” If you have ever been in Ryan’s shoe, then come and join us at the webinar How to Onboard New Employees delivered by the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC), where we will cover and explain the importance of the new employee onboarding process, the main elements of employee onboarding, learn how to create an onboarding checklist and how to monitor onboarding over time. After attending this webinar, you will be able to (1) understand the importance and list main elements of the new employee onboarding process, including mandatory compliance training, company processes and business practices, use of equipment etc.; (2) introduce new employees to the workplace culture and values; (3) set goals and targets during onboarding process; (4) use technology during onboarding, if needed; and (5) create customized employee onboarding plan and checklist.
Courses are offered in various formats (in-person, virtually or hybrid), so be sure to take note of where you will be attending from.
The address for Grey Ag Services is 206 Toronto St. S, Markdale ON, this is the location of most in-person courses.
Tickets for livestreaming are purchased through Eventbrite (links are provided in the course descriptions to the left). In-person course payments can be made by cash or cheque at the event.
As always, if you have any questions - please reach out!
info@greyagservices.ca 519-986-3756
Winter courses have been a tradition of Grey Ag Services for decades. The trusted Blue Brochure (printed in green this year!) lands in roughly 11,000 rural mail boxes across the area each December. It contains information for courses available from January - April, the Grey Bruce Farmers Week program and is filled with valuable sponsorship ads from local organizations.
These courses are a reflection of what you want to see. Please let us know what you are interested in - send us a message using the box on the right. Grey Ag strives to present a variety of content that will appeal and apply to all aspects of agriculture in Grey County.
5. Tile Drainage
Presented by: Sid Vander Veen of R.J. Burnside & Associates Ltd., Mel Luymes of Land Improvement Contractors of ON, Byron Bothwell of Bluewater Drainage, and Keith Reid of ALUS Grey Bruce.
Friday February 9th, 2024, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. Held at Jeff Curry's shed in the Owen Sound area. Please register here to attend in-person.
Sponsored by ALUS Grey Bruce - cost of registration is free and lunch is provided.
Tile drainage is extremely important to the productivity of many farms. Learn about tile regulations, innovative new systems, the tile loan program and other important considerations. The workshop is on-farm and ALUS Grey-Bruce is sponsoring lunch! Don't miss out - register early!
6. Setting Calves up for Success: Building Quality Along the Cow-Calf, Backgrounding, and Feedlot Continuum.
Presented by: Megan Van Schaik & James Byrne, both Beef Specialists at OMAFRA, and Bert Tupling, owner of Tupling Farms.
Wednesday February 14th, 2024, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. Morning at Grey Ag Services, afternoon at Tupling Farms.
Cost: $40.00, includes lunch. Please register here.
Morning segment will include discussion on building calf quality and feedlot preparedness as well as targets for backgrounding cattle. The afternoon session will be held on farm at Tupling Farms. This is a feedlot producer who buys Ontario calves and will speak to what he looks for when purchasing.
7. Fair is not Equal: Strategies and Challenges of Passing on the Farm
Presented by: Robert W. Scriven, Partner, Bennett Grant LLP.
Thursday February 15th, 2024, 1:30 - 3:30 pm at Grey Ag Services.
Cost: $20.00. Please register here to attend in-person.
Estate, succession, transition – call it what you want, it can be a challenging, difficult and cumbersome process. The aim of this course is to get you started, and provide pointers to help get a plan in place, whether you are the older or younger generation. Robert (Bob) specializes in agricultural law. He co-authored “Agriculture Law in Canada 2nd Ed.”. With his spouse, he operates a mixed cash crop and beef cattle farm in Grey County.
8. Horse Health Night: Dentistry & Vaccinations
Presented by: Dr. Tee Fox and Dr. Marika Van Schaik of Markdale Veterinary Services.
Tuesday February 20th, 2024, 7:00 - 9:00 pm at Grey Ag Services, also livestreamed.
Cost: $20.00. Please register to attend in-person here or to attend via the livestream here.
Description coming soon.
We would also like to thank the Municipality of Grey Highlands, and the Community Grant Program, for their support of the Winter Course Program.
9. Grassland Bird Conservation on Farms
Presented by: Zoe Lebrun-Southcott, Dr Andrew Campmozzi and Hanna Kirchmeir, all of Bird Ecology and Conservation Ontario
Saturday February 24th, 2024, 1:30 - 3:30 pm at Grey Ag Services.
Cost: $20.00. Please register here to attend in-person.
Grassland bird species at risk, such as bobolink, rely on hayfields and pastures for nesting habitat in Ontario. Bird Ecology and Conservation Ontario, a small non-profit organization, has been working with farmers since 2016 to implement stewardship for nesting grassland birds while trying to minimize negative impacts on farm production. Join us to learn about the grassland birds that may be nesting in your hayfields and pastures and to find out what we have learned so far about the challenges and opportunities for grassland bird conservation in agricultural grasslands. We encourage course participants to share details about their farm operations for a collaborative discussion about finding ways to make space for nesting grassland birds in hayfield and pasture management plans.
10. The Fourth Crop: Winter Canola, Winter Barley & Edible Beans
Presented by: Megan Moran of OMAFRA, and producers Stuart Wright & Adrian Op't Hoog.
New Date: Tuesday March 19th, 2024, 1:00 - 3:00 pm at Grey Ag Services, also livestreamed.
Cost: $20.00. Please register here to attend in-person or to here attend via the livestream.
Two producers will share their experience with integrating a fourth crop into their rotation.
11. Variability of Corn Nitrogen Response Across the Soil Landscape
Presented by: Ben Rosser of OMAFRA, Jonathan Zettler an Agronomist at Fieldwalker Agronomy, and Caleb Niemeyer from Woodrill Ltd.
Thursday February 29th, 2024, 1:00 - 2:00 pm on Zoom.
Cost: $12.00. Please register here to attend via the livestream.
Description coming soon.
12. QuickBooks Tips
Presented by: Erich Weber of OMAFRA.
Friday March 1st, 2024, 1:00 - 3:30 pm at Grey Ag Services.
Cost: $20.00. Please register here to attend in-person.
*** Participants should bring their laptops with QuickBooks installed for this workshop. This course is meant for people in your business who are working with Quickbooks or would like to work with Quickbooks to record your financial transactions. We will look at features that are included in your Quickbooks software program that may help you be more efficient when entering financial data. If you have any specific Quickbooks questions, please let us know so that we can answer them during the course.
13. AgMaps: Mapping Your Farm
Presented by: Bob Steiss of OMAFRA.
Tuesday March 5th, 2024, 1:00 - 3:00 pm at Grey Ag Services, also livestreamed.
Cost: $20.00. Please register to attend in-person here or to attend via the livestream here.
Learn how to use this free online mapping tool where you can view aerial photos of your farm, measure acreages, and create your own maps. Bringing your own laptop is encouraged.
14. Economics of Choosing When to Market Lambs
Presented by: Delma Kennedy, Sheep Specialist at OMAFRA.
Tuesday March 19th, 2024, 7:00 - 9:00 pm at Grey Ag Services, also livestreamed.
Cost: $20.00. Please register to attend in-person here or to attend via the livestream here.
Are you receiving the best price for your lambs? Join us to explore lamb prices past and present and consider factors on the farm and in the value chain that might affect the price you are receiving for your lambs.
15. Horse Nutrition Night: Feeding the Senior Horse
Presented by: Jessica McCoag, Equine Nutrition Consultant, Purina.
Wednesday March 20th, 2024, 7:00 - 9:00 pm at Grey Ag Services, also livestreamed.
Cost: $20.00. Please register to attend in-person here or to attend via the livestream here.
Feeding the Senior Horse: This course will cover the unique nutrition requirements of Senior horses. We will go over topline and body condition scoring, features of a “good” feed for seniors, special considerations for horses with metabolic conditions, forage replacement options for horses who struggle with dental health in advanced years, and how to choose the best ration for your senior horse. Bring your questions and learn how to keep your beloved senior horse looking and feeling great as they age.
16. Seed Saving & Starting
Presented by: the Grey County Master Gardeners.
Thursday March 21st, 2024, 7:00 - 9:00 pm at Grey Ag Services.
Cost: $20.00. Please register here to attend in-person.
Do you want to grow your own garden? Do you want to multiply the plants you love? This course shows you just how easy it can be to start a beautiful annual and perennial garden from seed and save a lot of money. Our practical course, given by Master Gardeners demonstrates everything you need to know about seed harvesting, storing and starting. These principles can equally be applied to native and non-native plants.
17. Climate Resilient Property Planning
Presented by: Ivan Chan of Eden in Season.
Tuesday March 26th, 2024, 7:00 - 9:00 pm at Grey Ag Services.
Cost: $20.00. Please register here to attend in-person.
It is time for farmers to proactively plan for our changing climate. First, we summarize the current state and projected trend of environmental changes in Southern Ontario, and the many ways we can work together to calibrate these to our farm. Finally, a number of long-range environmental practices are shown that build a resilient farm ecosystem, using Eden in Season's permaculture farm.
19. Woodlot Management 101
Presented by: Elliott Groen from the Ontario Woodlot Association.
Saturday March 9th, 1:30 - 4:00 pm at Grey Ag Services.
Cost: $20.00. Please register here to attend in-person.
Whether your objectives are wildlife habitat, recreation, aesthetics or income, this course will engage participants in the basics of woodlot management. Bring your questions and ideas as we look for ways to maximize your forest's potential!
18. Market Update & Cow-Calf and Feedlot Benchmarking Data
Presented by: Steve Duff and John Molenhuis, both of OMAFRA.
Wednesday March 27th, 2024, 7:00 - 9:00 pm on Zoom.
Cost: $12.00. Please register here to attend via the livestream.
How are cattle prices determined: a 2024 cattle situation and outlook. Plus a review of benchmarking data.
20. Canning 101
Presented by: Martha Rogers, Certified Master Food Preserver, The Valley Preservery
Thursday April 11th, 2024, 7:00 - 9:00 pm at Grey Ag Services, also livestreamed.
Cost: $20.00. Please register to attend in-person here or to attend via the livestream here.
Are you new to canning? Do you want to brush up on the science, evidence-based methods and techniques to preserve safe, wholesome and cost-effective foods for you and your family. Find out about reusable Tatler lids. Learn to use an atmospheric steam canner. Find out when you do and don’t need to sterilize jars. Join us for an evening of learning and sharing. You “can” do it!
21. Your Old Barn Study: An Initiative by Ontario Barn Preservation (OBP)
Presented by: Hugh W. Fraser, OBP President.
Saturday April 13th, 2024, 1:00 - 4:00 pm at Grey Ag Services, also livestreamed.
Cost: $20.00. Please register to attend in-person here or to attend via the livestream here.
Save your old barn in the virtual world for future barn lovers, historians, researchers and as a legacy to your ancestors and those who built these beautiful structures. We'll show you how with a live case study of a Grey County barn built in the late 1800s. Presentation & demonstration led by Hugh Fraser, President of OBP for 2023-2024. www.ontariobarnpreservation.com
22. Sheep Nutrition Basics for Your Flock
Presented by: Courtney Vriens, Owner/Nutritionist of Vriens Nutrition Consulting.
Wednesday April 24th, 2024, 7:00 - 9:00 pm at Grey Ag Services, also livestreamed.
Cost: $20.00. Please register to attend in-person here or to attend via the livestream here.
Feeding sheep looks different on every farm: this course will give you tools to develop confidence in your feeding program”
23. Fun in the Kitchen: Easy Bread and Pastry Skills to Impress Your Family and Friends!
Presented by: Connie Shaw, Baking Enthusiast.
Saturday April 27th, 2024, 8:45 - 3:30 pm at the Rocklyn Hall.
**Please note this course is now full, but you can reach out to be added to a waiting list. Sorry for the disappointment.
Cost: $75.00. Please register here to attend in-person.
Nothing makes you feel better than preparing and presenting your own homemade baking! Visit or re-visit this often lost art and have fun!