Busy program set for 19th PacAg show


By Grant Ullyot T


he 19th annual Pacific Agriculture Show, scheduled for Jan. 26-28 in the Tradex Centre at the


Abbotsford airport, has become the top show of its kind in Western Canada and it is a sellout once again. Agriculture equipment suppliers, coupled


with industry information displays and seminars involving companies and their personnel from B.C., Alberta, and Washington State, help create an experience for farmers of all ages. Many who come to the show do so knowing they will meet and greet friends and acquaintances. It ensures the Pac Ag show is in part a family outing. The 59th annual Horticultural Short


Course is a major part of the show and again this year will feature speakers and topics of interest to all berry producers. The course opens with presentations for both strawberry and raspberry growers. Speakers will update the current research breeding program, provide results of a strawberry disease program, and info on the proper techniques of spraying for canopy penetration. The business sessions are scheduled for


Friday morning while the afternoon program is open to all berry producers. Topics include the food safety program, an update on CanadaGAP and new pesticide regulations, as well as new berry pests to watch for. All of Saturday is set aside for blueberry


growers. Subjects include machine harvesting for fruit quality; a breeding update, packer-processor requirements for quality fruit; and the future outlook for new blueberry markets. The farm business management sessions


take place Friday morning. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Larry


Martin, a principal in Agri-Food Management Excellence Inc., a management training company and Dr. Larry Martin & Associates, a consulting operation. He teaches and coaches managers of farms, agri-business and food companies in both Canada and the United States. Martin holds bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in agricultural economics.


14 British Columbia Berry Grower • Winter 2016-17


He was professor and chair in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Business at the University of Guelph in Ontario. Other notable


speakers in the business management sessions include Danny A. Klinefelter, a professor and Extension Economist with Texas A&M Agri-Life Extension, specializing in agricultural finance and management development. Three times he has been selected as the outstanding teacher in agricultural economics. He was a founding member of the National Farm Financial Standards Council. In 2009, in the 25th anniversary of the


magazineTop Producer, Klinefelter was selected as one of 25 people in the world who would have the greatest influence on the future of American agriculture. His experiences cover a wide range of interests and is listed inWho’s Who in American Colleges and Universities. Another major speaker is Dr. David


GRANT ULLYOT


Oxbo mechanical harvester will be among the many pieces of machinery on display at the Tradex Centre.


Hillson, who is known as the Risk Doctor. He is recognized globally as a thinker and expert practitioner in risk management. He has developed a wide range of innovations in the way risk is understood and managed. Many of his ideas have been adopted as standard practice. Other events berry growers may be


interested in include the Direct Farm Marketing sessions, Small Farms presentations, and growing hops or hazelnuts. The PAS opens each day at 9 a.m. and


closes at 4:30 p.m. Admission is $14 for adults and $10 for seniors and 4-H members. Children under 14 years of age will be admitted free.


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