Each October, the Government of Saskatchewan proclaims Agriculture Week in Saskatchewan. Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan (FFC SK) leads the initiative, bringing the ag sector together to tell their food story through events, activities and online campaigns.
Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan kicked off the week with a #CelebrateAg event at Innovation Place in Saskatoon on October 7. About 60 people from across the province gathered to mark the occasion.
Minister of Agriculture Daryl Harrison got things started with some words of welcome from the Government of Saskatchewan. “Agriculture Week is an opportunity to celebrate this vital sector, share stories, and recognize farmers, ranchers and agri-businesses who help feed our province, country and the world,” he said.
Clinton Monchuk, FFC SK Executive Director presented the 2025 Champion Award to Sandra Hessdorfer for her efforts to engage consumers and build public trust in farming and food in our province and beyond.
“I want people to understand their food. I think there is a lot of misconceptions out there…I’m just hoping to open some of those conversations,” Hessdorfer said.
She went on to say, “It’s so nice to be recognized for the work you do in your day-to-day life… [the award] made me really think about what all I’ve done in the industry and all the people I’m connected to.” More details here.
The event also included a keynote presentation from Dr. Cami Ryan, well-known ag advocate and Senior Business Partner for Industry Affairs and Sustainability at Bayer Crop Science Canada. Ryan provided the audience of mainly ag communicators with strategies for tackling ‘noise fatigue’ and misinformation. “Cultivate your own curiosity,” Ryan stated. “Ask questions and then ask more when things get a bit heated. Be willing to change your mind about the important things.” Learn more about Cami Ryan’s presentation here.
Clinton Monchuk encouraged everyone to #CelebrateAg, all through the year, but especially during Agriculture Week. “Our social media campaign this year will focus on the great food grown here and the strength and resilience of our sector.”
Monchuk asked for help in promoting the month-long photo contest on farmfoodcaresk.org, which provides a chance to win one of several grocery gift cards for photos of farm animals, crops, innovations, history or other aspects of farm life. Details here.
He also gave suggestions for other ways to #CelebrateAg:
- Create a video and share on social media with the hashtag #CelebrateAg
- Tag and amplify #CelebrateAg in social media communications. Download the #CelebrateAg Action Kit that has #CelebrateAg graphics, facts about agriculture in the province and photos you can use.
- Host an event like a luncheon, scavenger hunt, online quiz, book discussion, fall supper, games night…
- Follow FFC SK’s social media channels and calendar of events.
- Share resources that #CelebrateAg, like Canadian Food Focus, Real Dirt on Farming, FarmFood 360°, and Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan.
The event concluded with a networking luncheon.
For more information on Ag Week in Saskatchewan, see https://farmfoodcaresk.org/events-and-programs/ag-week/