Gathering Ground

Gathering Ground is back for its second year!

Join us at Brightwood Ranch near Evansburg for a full day of hands-on learning, good conversations and new ideas for your farm. Whether you raise cattle, grow crops or run a mixed operation, come ask questions, try things out and learn alongside other producers.

What you can look forward to:

Keynote speaker: Jay Fuhrer
With 40 years of experience in soil health, cropping and grazing systems, Jay brings a wealth of knowledge from working with farmers and ranchers, including his work at North Dakota’s Menoken Farm.

Hands-on breakout sessions:

Heifer Select Team: Which Heifers Will You Keep?
Get a hands-on demonstration of how to collect DNA samples using tissue sampling units (TSUs), then explore the producer dashboard. Learn how to read your results, understand breed makeup and compare heifers to help guide your replacement decisions.

Blue Rock Nutrition: From Forage Tests to Feeding Decisions
Join Laura to work through a forage analysis and feeding scenario. Learn to identify key numbers, recognize potential concerns, assess supplementation needs and decide how you would adjust your feeding program based on the results.

Dr. Derek MacKenzie: Soil Your Undies
What can a pair of cotton underwear tell you about your soil? Join Derek for a closer look at the life beneath your boots, with a few surprises along the way. Come curious!

The Gathering Ground Gauntlet
The Gauntlet is back as part of the breakout rotation! Work together through challenges involving soil and plants, livestock and genetics, feed and nutrition, and beef cuts. Test your knowledge and enjoy a little friendly competition along the way.

Trade show and time to connect
Visit with other producers, chat with agricultural businesses and organizations, and find out what tools and resources are available for your operation.

Event details

Saturday, November 7, 2026
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Brightwood Ranch
52527 Range Rd 72, Evansburg, AB T0E 0S0

Registration includes admission to the full event, lunch, snacks, refreshments and the trade show.

Bring your family or farm team. We’d love to have you join us!

Gathering Ground is made possible with support from the Stewardship Alliance for Conservation Agriculture (SACA), Yellowhead County and Woodlands County.

Heifer Select is funded by Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR) through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).