'Working on the Farm with Hands-on Science' is the theme for next week's new Beef and Forage Production Conference.

Manitoba Agriculture's Beef and Forage Specialist Pam Iwanchysko says the extension team is coordinating the conference wanted to make sure that producers are aware of the research that's going on throughout Western Canada and how it relates to all beef and forge operations. 

Everything kicks off on Tuesday with a keynote presentation from Dr Susan Markus at Lakeland College talking about Smart Beef Cows on Smart Farms.

"That's one that I'm really looking forward to in terms of insights into what's coming down the line for technology on beef and forage farms. We've certainly seen a lot of that on the crop production side of things. It's going to be really cool to see things like virtual fencing and collared cows and boluses that cows will have within their rumen so that we can track where the cows are on pastures."

Karen Beauchemin from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada will be talking about Reducing Methane Emissions in Beef Cattle Production. Lewellyn Melnyk will be talking at the banquet about being "Rooted" How to stay small-town strong, thrive on the farm, and make yourself a priority. 

Wednesday's presentation with Dr John Campbell from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine looks at Key Findings from the Canadian cow-calf surveillance network.

The event also features breakout sessions have a keynote speaker - generally a researcher - talking about their work and a producer who has worked with or implemented that research on their operation.

The new Beef and Forage Production Conference runs Tuesday, December 12, and Wednesday, December 13  in Brandon. 

The full agenda for Manitoba's Beef and Forage Production Conference is available here.