Features Production Research
CFBMC agriwebinars updated and enhanced

October 20, 2008, Ottawa, Ont. – Farmers spoke and the Canadian Farm Business Management Council (CFBC) listened. The result is an exceptional list of speakers and an improved website for the 2008-2009 CFBMC agriwebinar series.

October 20, 2008, Ottawa, Ont. – Farmers spoke and the Canadian Farm Business Management Council (CFBC) listened. The result is an exceptional list of speakers and an improved website for the 2008-2009 CFBMC agriwebinar series.

“We asked our members what changes they would like to see in the agriwebinar series and they gave us some great ideas,” said Kay Grulich, senior project manager of CFBMC. “We have implemented many of them and now we are excited to launch our enhanced website and announce the speakers we have lined up for this year’s agriwebinar sessions.”

The 2008-2009 agriwebinar schedule provides a diversity of sessions, with an emphasis placed on a few topics that a large number of their members requested, including organic agriculture, emissions trading and farmers’ markets.

“It is important for us to see what areas most interest our members, because we want to ensure we are providing the information they need,” said Grulich.

The sessions run live at noon EST every Monday from November 3, 2008 to March 30, 2009. Dr. David Kohl, a well-known agricultural economist from Virginia, will be the presenter for the first session and will discuss the agricultural outlook for 2009 and beyond, in Canada and around the world.

Other speakers will discuss specific topics such as organic farming, direct marketing from the farm and agritourism, global marketing opportunities and business management best practices.

The website has also benefited from the input of the CFBMC members.

“The website is more user-friendly and interactive, including a chat room where members can ask questions and share information with other people from across the country or around the world,” says Kay Grulich.

The CFBMC has improved the search engine on the site and the new interface was launched in September.

They have also added an agriwebinar specialist, Jamie Foisy, assistant project manager, to answer any technical questions or respond to issues members might have regarding the agriwebinars.

“We understand how frustrating it is to try and work through issues on your own, so we have ensured there will be a live person available for the users if they need assistance or have questions about accessing the agriwebinars,” said Grulich.

For more information about the agriwebinar series, go to http://www.agriwebinar.com.