Alberta farmers between the ages of 18 and 40 are gathering in Calgary this week to network, learn and visit with fellow producers from across the province.

The event called ‘Rock the Farm’, which is being held at the Deerfoot Inn and Casino on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, is the Alberta Young Farmers and Ranchers largest gathering of the year.

Travis Willerton, who farms near Wainwright, says they create an atmosphere where there is great interaction between the speakers and participants.

Pointing to one speaker, who is returning this year, as an example,  Willerton says they answered over 20 questions following their presentation.

Speaking of speakers, this year’s list includes Ag Risk Solutions’ Greg Appleyard, Agriculture More Than Ever’s Isaac LeClair and Don Christensen, The Catalyst Group Managing Partner Terri Holowath among others.

Willerton says the networking with other farmers really helps with your own operation.

”The biggest takeaways are, what worked for them, what works in their area that might work in mine, what could I adopt and take home and learn and try, it also creates a network where you can try.”

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Willerton points to an example of one guy he talked to last year, that tried a variety of wheat that he was interested in and that led to Willerton growing it this year and knew what to expect from it.

Willerton says they always try to do a tour to a farm or an Ag valued operation.

“A distillery is a good one, because everyone likes to have a drink or two and it is a great way to get out of the room move around, mix, mingle, have a look at how they make their booze, look at how they market, look at where they buy their barley or rye from and see how they operate.”

Willerton says it is their hope that participants are able to make their network bigger and better by attending the event.

For more information on the event click here.