You know that feeling when you’re standing around the coffee pot and everyone’s buzzing about that new Netflix series you’ve never seen? You nod, smile, and hope no one asks your opinion. Nobody wants to be that person.
When it comes to agronomy, the same feeling hits even harder – and nobody wants to be left out of the conversation that really matters. That’s where the WinField® United Canada Agronomy Academy comes in. Happening November 18-19, 2025 in Saskatoon, it’s your chance to get ahead of the chatter. Offering a powerful combination of knowledge, networking, and just the right amount of nerdy nuttiness, you won’t want to miss it.
Why should you attend the 15th annual Academy? Well, for starters, it’s THE networking event of the season – and you won’t be asked to share a “fun fact” about yourself that is neither fun nor factual. It’s your chance to:
- Connect with fellow agronomists and other ag industry professionals
- Find common ground with others who spend their days in chem sheds and fields
- Build relationships beyond your own company
- Get a first-hand look at what’s happening across Western Canada
If the idea of mingling has you running for the hills, fear not. Because while the connections are great, it’s the content that keeps people coming back each year.
Over the last 14 years Academy sessions have combined the perfect blend of ag industry updates, such as formulation advancements and the role of generics in an off-patent world, alongside inspiring keynotes like Chris Koch who spoke about life as a farmer who was born with no arms or legs. Who can forget Wheat Pete in 2019 explaining why Growing Degree Days are the lynch pin of wheat yield production, or Dennis Moseley-Williams in 2022 passionately explaining why the experience of a $50 haircut is worth it? Participants consistently praise the diverse blend of topics. There is no shortage of educational seminars over the winter months, but only WinField United blends top-tier agronomic insights with can’t miss, energizing presentations.
You also can’t miss the food. Hosted at the Delta Marriott hotel in glorious downtown Saskatoon, the food at this event is outstanding. WinField United is committed to ensuring no one gets hangry, and as such, schedules frequent snack breaks into the agenda. Plus, the breakfast, lunch, and supper are always a delicious add-on to an already great day. The Delta also fuels the crowd not just with great coffee and a huge selection of teas, but a full cappuccino and latte machine conveniently located just outside the main ballroom. Dial your caffeine addiction up a notch and indulge in luxury for the duration of the conference.
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The evening entertainment has become the cherry-on-top each year. From a rambunctious year of mechanical bull riding to an Amazing Race style challenge through the hotel, to drone flying competitions and a Family Feud style showdown. It’s a chance to see the creative side of the WinField United team, and the inner child in every attendee.
So, what’s on the lineup for 2025? While final details are still coming together, expect the WinField United signature blend of passionate real-life speakers, industry updates, and agronomic know how. A few sneak peeks at the agenda reveal:
- Sami Jo Small, Keynote Speaker. Three-time Olympic medalist Sami Jo, will share stories of her time as a goalie on the Canadian National Women’s Hockey Team, inspiring the audience to rise again after suffering agonizing defeat.
- Tyler Wist and James Tansey, AAFC. This passionate update on the insect situation on the Prairies will blend real world agronomy insights with their trademark humour and enthusiasm.
- Ryan Edwards, WinField United. Covering weed resistance and drone flying. Coming from the Innovation Center in River Falls, Wisconsin, Ryan livens up the room delivering serious knowledge in an easygoing, engaging style.
- Des Sobool, FCC. Back by popular demand after rave reviews in 2024, Des will share updates on grain markets, The Trump Effect, and help make sense of the ever-changing economic landscape.
- Martin Carr, WinField United Canada. Returning to the stage to share findings from Answer® Plot 2025, including yield data from experimental CROPLAN® canola hybrids, plus biosolutions products and phosphorous efficiency trial results.
- CROPLAN Awards and Raise the Barn winners. Celebrate this year’s top CROPLAN sellers and recognize the Raise the Barn winners, an initiative that gives back to the communities and projects you value.
- Evening entertainment. This part stays top secret until showtime, but you can count on another unforgettable night of laughs and libations.
These topics and more are sure to be of keen interest. Plus, there will be sessions offering the elusive CCA soil and water CEUs, not to mention many CEUs across the other categories as well. As the calendar year ends, Academy is a great event for fulfilling your last-minute CEU requirements.
With 14 years of expertise, this event has proven itself as a cornerstone for Independent Ag Retails, delivering value year after year. With surveys indicating a 4.7-star overall rating, here’s a smattering of what past attendees had to say:
- “This is one of the best events I have attended in my career.”
- “Jody Carrington was such a great keynote speaker; I can’t say enough good things about this event!”
- “There is so much take home from this event.”
- “It was a great experience. This is definitely one of the best events I ever visited, great content and great organization.”
- “Keynote address was unique, and he presented an angle of sales that I had not heard before, was very applicable in today’s marketplace.”
- “The Academy was excellent, well organized, ran on time, and was very informative and thought provoking.”
If you’re interested in learning more about this year’s Agronomy Academy, contact your local WinField United representative.
