In mid-September, thousands of Ontario aggies descend on Woodstock, Ont., annually for Canada's Outdoor Farm Show (COFS) to see the latest (and biggest) equipment and machinery, innovations and technology. One of the elements that the pandemic put into perspective was the value of conversations held at events like this – whether at a booth, watching a demonstration, or in the beer tent, having a casual chat is a great way to learn what other people in agriculture are thinking, considering, or trying.

In this episode of Inputs, Top Crop Manager East editor Alex Barnard spoke with:

• Peggy Brekveld, president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) and Influential Women in Canadian Agriculture alumni, about how the conversations and concerns brought up at a show can influence future policy discussions;
• Ian Virtue, marketing and communications co-ordinator with the Ontario Soil Network and Innovative Farmers Association of Ontario (IFAO), about his recent switch from the world of finance to agriculture, what motivated his decision, and what he's learned so far; and
• Dean Anderson, strategic advisor, agriculture, with Workplace Safety and Prevention Services, about tips on how to stay safe – and keep those around you safe – during the hectic harvest season.

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Support for this episode provided by Gowan Canada.