Darrell Bricker, Ipsos Global
Having worked in executive positions for both the Angus Reid Group and Ipsos Public Affairs, Bricker is considered a strong voice and respected authority in Canadian and global polling research. He has been a regular commentator on public affairs for Reuters News, Global TV, CTV Canada AM, CTV National News, CTV NewsNet and CBC NewsWorld, and has also written for the Institute for Research on Public Policy, the Fraser Institute and The Globe and Mail. In his past roles, Bricker worked within the Prime Minister’s Office as the director of public opinion research and has been further involved as a consultant for clients within public and private sectors. Darrell has also lectured at the Rotman School of Management, the Canadian Forces College, Carleton University and Wilfrid Laurier University in the areas of political science, public policy and advanced research methods.
Topic: The Seismic Forces Shaping Canada
Darrell will share his expertise and thought-provoking insights into the shifts redefining the Canadian economy, politics, the labour market and consumer preferences. He will draw from the analysis presented in his latest book, “Breaking Point: How the Next Big Shift Puts Canada at Risk”. He will offer thoughts on how Canadians – including those involved in agriculture – must act to save our country.
Brock Moir, Molewa AI
From exploring subatomic particles at the Large Hadron Collider to crafting AI solutions that transform agriculture and construction, Brock’s journey has always been about pushing the boundaries of what's possible. As a former physicist and experienced product leader, he blends scientific rigor with strategic thinking to develop AI-driven products that set new benchmarks for innovation. He has had the privilege of leading teams and initiatives in a variety of organizations, including the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii) where he was positioning companies at the forefront of the AI revolution. Whether it's architecting robust AI strategies, launching comprehensive AI programs, or driving AI adoption across sectors and businesses — Brock is passionate about leveraging technology to redefine business landscapes.
Topic: Adding AI to Your Tool Box
Brock will talk about the importance of AI in today’s rapidly changing environment. He will outline and demonstrate the basic AI tools that every retailer should be adding to their toolbox. And will share practical tips on how to get started, how to use it, and how to be successful with AI – no matter what your level of comfort is with the technology.
Shaun Haney, RealAgriculture
Founder of RealAgriculture, Shaun manages one of the leading industry ag media companies for Canadian farmers and ranchers. RealAgriculture provides the latest in ag policy, agronomics, current events and farm management from their website, radio shows, and podcast streams. Shaun is the host of RealAg Radio which is broadcast across North America on Rural Radio Channel 147 on SiriusXM daily at 4:30 PM Eastern, and also makes regular appearances on RFD-TV, Agritalk and US Farm Report. Together with Justin Funk of Agri Studies, Shaun helms RealAgristudies, a market insights partnership formed in 2019.
Topic: The State of the (Agriculture) Nation
Shaun will share his insights on the current state of politics in Canada and the US, and how that is affecting primary producers and the agricultural industry on both sides of the border. How are tariffs and market uncertainly affecting various commodity groups? Plus what we can expect for the upcoming CUSMA negotiations.
Panel – Using AI in the Real World
Dr. Milad Eskandari – Soybean Breeding and Genetics, University of Guelph – will be presenting how AI is being used in breeding programs with an emphasis on soybeans
Riley McConachie – University of Guelph – will be presenting on how he has created a fusarium head blight infection app allowing farmers to take a picture of their wheat heads to get a near instant analysis of infection using AI
Doug Miller – CSGA Executive Director – will be presenting how CSGA is using AI to facilitate their operations and the efficiencies this has created for their organization
Moderator – Brock Moir