Program
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Monday November 17th
7:00pm
7:30pm
8:00pm
11:00pm
Registration
Icebreakers / Games
Snack
Close
Tuesday November 18th
8:30am
9:00am
9:15am
Registration
Welcome
Coffee Break
Select-A-Session *Attend 2/3 speakers
11:30am
​12:30pm
1:30pm
Select-A-Session Repeat
Lunch
Tours *attend 1/4 PLEASE CARPOOL
4:30pm
6:00pm
6:30pm
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Relax & Refresh for Dinner
Cocktails - Cash Bar
Dinner
Live Band Following Dinner *semi-formal
10:00am
10:30am
Wednesday November 19th
8:30am
9:00am
9:30am
Registration
Welcome / Activity
Select-A-Session *attend 2/3 speakers
10:15am
10:45am
11:30pm
12:00pm
12:30pm
1:30pm
Coffee Break / Hotel Check Out
Select-A-Session Repeat
MFWC Lead Activity
Dignitaries
Lunch
Farm to Table Panel​
2:15pm
3:00pm
Coffee Break / Activity
4:00pm
Wrap up
*schedule subject to change
As this years speakers are locked in, we still want your suggestions to help us build our future programs!
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Do you have a speaker you would love to see at MFWC?
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Send us a message on any of our platforms or contact us on the contact page!
About the speakers
Tuesday keynote
Patti Durand - The Secret of All The Powerful Women
Patti Durand grew up in a family farm business near Teulon, Manitoba and earned her Ag degree at U of M before moving to Humboldt, Saskatchewan with her husband Larry. They have partnered on several entrepreneurial ventures and raised two daughters who are now at university. Patti has consulted and worked extensively with entrepreneurs, guiding hundreds of business families to initiate and navigate the transition planning decision making process. Through her company, Brightrack Consulting, Patti works to help more people faster, via one-on-one coaching, keynote speaking, writing and collaborating with other thought leaders in succession and family dynamics. As a speaker and workshop leader, Patti aims to provide relatable, actionable ideas to help advisors support and encourage families, collaborating for certainty. Her positivity, practical experience and strategic brain means Patti can help "move a lot of dirt" quickly toward better solutions.
Tuesday Select-a-sessions
Patti Durand - Finding Your Leadership Voice - No Yelling Required
When trying to have more impact and influence in your family and farm business, the temptation is to get loud and bossy. In reality, effective leadership is more about preparing yourself, being a good listener, thoughtful about your words and timing of delivery. In this session, we will dig into proven good practices to establish your voice at the farm family table and grow to be a respected leader.
Darren Bond - MB Agriculture - Cropping Cost of Production
Currently a member of Manitoba Agriculture Farm Management Team, Darren has shown a passion for everything agricultural for all of his life. Born and raised on a grain and cattle farm in Manitoba's Interlake, Darren was previously involved with agricultural finance and now works with agricultural producers and industry with all matters farm management.
Justin Cornett - Preventing Fraud on the Farm
Justin was born and raised in Brandon, where he developed strong roots in the community he still proudly calls home. For the past 18 years, he has built a successful career with RBC, holding various roles with a specific focus on leadership, operational risk both at the local and national office levels. His dedication, professionalism, and client-focused approach have earned him the trust and respect of colleagues and clients alike. Justin continues to bring passion and commitment to his work while remaining deeply connected to the values and relationships that shaped him growing up in Brandon.
Tuesday Afternoon
Section 6 Brewing Company Tour
Located at 1126 Princess Avenue in downtown Brandon, Manitoba, Section 6 Brewing Co. is a community-focused craft brewery founded by Sid and Laryssa Stevenson. Drawing inspiration from their agricultural roots, the Stevensons envisioned a brewery that reflects the hardworking spirit of the Westman region. Their goal was to create approachable, easy-drinking beers that everyone can enjoy, all while fostering a welcoming space for locals and visitors alike.
The brewery's taproom boasts a cozy atmosphere, featuring reclaimed materials from the local area, including bricks from the old International Harvester building and maple wood from near Carberry. This dedication to local craftsmanship extends to their beer offerings, which include:
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Cerveza: A crisp, light lager perfect for warm days.
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English Ale: A malty brew with caramel and biscuit notes.
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Belgian Ale: A spiced, floral beer reminiscent of spring blossoms.
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IPA: An East Coast-style IPA with tropical fruit flavors.
In addition to their core lineup, Section 6 Brewing Co. offers a variety of non-alcoholic beverages, ensuring there's something for everyone. The brewery also collaborates with local eateries, such as The Dock on Princess, to provide food options that complement their beer selections.
Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast or someone looking to enjoy a refreshing drink in a friendly setting, Section 6 Brewing Co. invites you to experience the taste of Brandon's newest brewery.
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Brandon Research Centre Tour
Established in 1886 as one of Canada's original experimental farms, the Brandon Research and Development Centre (BRDC) is a key facility of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Located at 2701 Grand Valley Road in Brandon, Manitoba, the BRDC conducts applied research to support sustainable crop and livestock production in the Prairie region.
The centre's research focuses on areas such as barley breeding and genetics, soil health, pasture and rangeland management, and agro-ecosystem resilience. With access to advanced facilities like greenhouses, growth chambers, and disease nurseries, the BRDC employs cutting-edge technologies, including molecular/genomic-assisted breeding, to develop improved crop varieties and management practices.
Through its work, the BRDC collaborates with farmers, industry partners, and other research institutions to enhance agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability, and economic viability in western Canada.
Manitoba Beef Calving Clinic
In the afternoon session, get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the real-world skills every cattle producer needs! At Manitoba Beef & Forage Initiatives (MBFI), we’re all about bridging the gap between research, innovation, and hands-on learning. Located near Brandon, MB, MBFI is a collaborative research and demonstration farm where we turn science into practice — and help producers grow their knowledge and confidence through hands-on extension work and educational programming.
This year, we’re bringing some neat tools to the table: meet 4-H Manitoba's Clover and Leaf, life-sized, realistic cow and calf calving simulator models. These aren’t just plastic props – they’re fully interactive teaching aids that allow you to get your hands in there (literally!) and practice handling dystocia, malpresentations, and calving assistance techniques in a no-pressure, no-risk environment. Whether you're a beginner or brushing up your skills, these models will prepare you for the unpredictable reality of calving season.
The afternoon will also feature MBFIs Fluffy Calf Model! This adorable yet practical newborn calf simulator lets you learn key post-calving care such as attempting tube feeding and practicing ear tagging! It’s a great way to gain confidence and competence in calf care without the stress of working on a live animal.
Whether you're looking to sharpen your skills, build new ones, or just want to get a closer look at the latest in beef cattle education tools, this is your chance to learn by doing. You won’t want to miss it!
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The Green Spot
A local favorite since 1978, The Green Spot is a vibrant home and garden centre offering a wide selection of plants, décor, gifts, and locally made products. Visitors can explore lush greenhouses, shop the unique boutique, and enjoy a homemade lunch at The Secret Garden Café. Proudly family-run, The Green Spot also leads in sustainability with recycling and composting initiatives. It’s a welcoming destination that celebrates community, creativity, and local roots.
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Wednesday select-a-sessions
Lacey Owens - Mastering Energy + Time in Real Life
Lacey always hits the stage with a goal to Educate, Entertain, and Empower! (What a coincidence with the theme of the MFWC!)
She will Educate you with everything that has worked for herself and so many others. She will dive into simplifying and creating systems to help women feel better and get more out of their life.
She will Entertain you with her stories and her feisty, relentless energy and humor. Get ready! Lacey is an open book who cares so much more about connecting and relating than she does about being what she used to think everyone wanted her to be.
Lacey will Empower you to take control of your life and how you choose to live it! Lacey’s mission is to leave the farm women of Manitoba walking away from this conference feeling alive, full, and ready for whatever is next.
And of course – Lacey will add a fourth ‘E’ to align with MFWC. Lacey will Encourage! Encourage! Encourage! She cares deeply about women supporting women!
Website​
Wendy McDonald - MB Soybean & Pulse Growers - Women Wanting To Be Wise About Water Hemp
Wendy lives in Gilbert Plains, has 2 daughters, and helps her husband Brian on his farm north of Ashville. She is a Professional Agrologist and a Certified Crop Advisor, holding a 4R Nutrient Management Specialist designation, who has been working, as an
agronomist, with Western Manitoba Farmers for 25 years.
Wendy is very much enjoying her current role with Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers as their Production Agronomist for Western Manitoba, as well as vice chair for the Prairie CCA Board.
Marnie Scott - Supporting Canadian Agri-Food Sector
Marnie Scott is a Canadian economist and former federal and provincial policy analyst who has spent her career working to strengthen Canada’s economy—especially in the agriculture and food sectors. With experience across industries like aerospace, defence, transportation, and health, Marnie saw how politics, trade deals, and even interprovincial barriers often make it harder for Canadian producers to thrive.
That insight led her to create CanadianCoolFoods.com over a decade ago—a free, independent, and proudly Canadian platform that highlights real Product of Canada foods, beverages, ingredients, and even heritage and heirloom seeds. The site connects Canadians with small and mid-sized producers from coast to coast, giving a voice to local businesses that are often overlooked and under-promoted.
Marnie’s passion for agriculture runs deep. Her ancestors were among Canada’s early settlers—farming across Quebec, Ontario, the Prairies, and beyond—while her family roots trace back to Ireland, Scotland, and Poland. Supporting Canadian-grown and made products isn’t just a professional focus for her; it’s part of her identity and lifelong mission to bring Canadians together through the food we grow, share, and celebrate.
Website​
Wednesday Farm to Table Panel
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Angela Appleby- Stoney Brook Creamery
Representing Stoney Brook Creamery, one of Manitoba’s true farm-to-fridge dairies, Angela brings a deep passion for real food, sustainable farming, and the importance of knowing where your food comes from. Built right on the family farm, Stoney Brook Creamery is committed to producing pure, delicious, organic milk—starting with healthy soil, well-cared-for cows, and a commitment to quality from the ground up.
In today’s world, finding fresh, truly organic dairy can be a challenge. That’s why Stoney Brook exists: to support those seeking better food—for their health, their families, and the planet. Whether it's choosing to support local producers, reducing environmental impact, or just wanting to taste the difference that care makes, their message is simple: your food choices matter.
Speaking from lived experience and daily practice,Angela shares insights into organic dairy production, the challenges and rewards of local food systems, and why supporting farmers matters more now than ever. Their story is one of connection—to the land, to the animals, and to the people who choose to eat well.
Website​
Kristi-Lyn Buckley - Deer Meadow Farmacy
Kristy‑Lyn Buckley is the co‑founder of Deer Meadow Farmacy, a regenerative farm in Manitoba dedicated to growing nutrient-dense food through ecological, soil-first practices. Alongside her husband Sean, Kristy‑Lyn has built a truly holistic “Farmacy,” where the health of the soil, animals, and people are deeply connected.
As a passionate farm-to-table advocate, Kristy‑Lyn brings a unique perspective to the panel—rooted in lived experience. From cultivating healthy soil ecosystems to preparing nourishing meals with locally grown ingredients, she understands every link in the food chain. Through workshops, community meals, and foraging classes, Kristy‑Lyn helps people reconnect with where their food comes from and why it matters.
Her approach is practical, inspiring, and grounded in a belief that when we care for the land, the land returns the favor—through flavor, nutrition, and resilience. Whether you're a consumer, grower, or chef, Kristy‑Lyn’s insights offer a meaningful look into how real food begins long before the kitchen.
Website​
Ritchie Bison – Bridie Ritchie
Located just outside of Souris, Manitoba, Ritchie Bison is a first-generation bison ranch owned and operated by Bridie and Jim Ritchie. The couple established their farm in 2018, transforming it from a traditional beef and grain operation into a thriving bison ranch.
In 2019, they brought home their first 20 animals — a milestone that marked the start of their journey into bison ranching. Today, their herd has grown to over 85 breeding cows.
In 2021, they expanded their vision with a farm-to-table meat business, partnering with their hometown butcher shop to keep their products local and community-focused.
Bridie and Jim are passionate about sustainability and regenerative agriculture, managing their herd and land with a deep respect for nature. They take pride in using as much of each animal as possible, supplying not only families but also local restaurants and businesses with high-quality, responsibly raised bison products.
Wednesday Endnote
Lacey Owens - Balance Isn’t Bullsh*t (But It’s Not Perfect Either)
Lacey Owens is a small-town farm girl with a passion for people. She grew up working on the family-farm with her parents, grandparents, and two older brothers. After spending her entire career in the agriculture industry, Lacey found herself being pulled into various capacities of motivational speaking and personal development coaching. This transition allowed her to merge her extensive knowledge of the agricultural sector with the needs of individuals seeking personal growth. And although she has branched out to many other industries and specializes in working with Working Moms, Lacey's Ag background brings a unique perspective to her speaking engagements. She is down-to-earth, off-the-cuff, and will be right at home with the Manitoba Farm Women!!
Website​