Spring training in high gear for FS agronomy teams!

The 2019 growing season is just around the corner. It is a good time to reflect on all the front-end work Ontario FS crop specialists have been doing to be the best they can be in preparation for spring.

Just like any team, preparation and training is essential for success. Right after harvest, GROWMARK gets very busy in the business of education, by providing FS crop specialists with a variety of learning opportunities on everything from horticulture, custom application training, nutrient management as well as soil fertility training. 

Each one of these topics is dissected into a number of full-day training programs that give FS System employees more insight into their day-to-day operations and better prepare them for the upcoming growing season.

“Our philosophy is to utilize this time to maximize our knowledge base,” says Don McLean GROWMARK agronomy business director. “Our ongoing training gives our customers an advantage, knowing they are supported by top-notch expertise.”

The FS Certified Applicators Program recognized 26 new Certified Crop Protection applicators and 28 newly Certified Nutrient Applicators this year. A large turnout on a stormy February day just proves the value and importance these professionals bring to the FS System and to their customers.

Pulling it all together, the two-day Annual FS Agronomy Conference provided an overarching line-up of topics from all aspects of the field. “Quality speakers, attention to detail and science based knowledge makes this a very worth-while event," says Bill Brown GROWMARK field sales agronomist. "Attendance was higher than ever this year." 

FS Annual Agronomy Conference in Stratford sees record number of participants.

In the midst of all this training, add a number of trade show opportunities and outside conferences into the mix, and you have the makings of a very productive fall and winter for FS Ontario agronomy teams. Within the province there was representation at Canada's Outdoor Farm Show in Woodstock, Dairy XPO in Stratford, Forage Focus Conference in Stratford, Certified Crop Advisors Conference and most recently the Grain Farmers of Ontario March Classic in London. 

Rick Mercer, key-note speaker at Grain Farmers of Ontario March Classic Conference & Trade Show, took a moment to take a photo with FS staff and FS Mascot.

FS booth space features WHAT'S NEXT campaign taking up one full corner of the conference hall. Great turnout, great networking with customers and ag industry folks.