The Manitoba Special Crops Symposium gets underway tomorrow.

"It geared for any producers that grow pulse crops, so soybeans, edible beans, peas, as well as sunflower growers and corn growers, but we'd certainly those that are thinking of growing those crops to attend," says Roxanne Lewko, executive director of the Manitoba Pulse Growers Association. "If you're not growing them already, you'll definitely pick up a lot of information at this event."

Producers can take in presentations on topics ranging from agronomy to equipment to marketing.

Keynote speakers include Ron Buist, former marketing director of Tim Hortons and founder of the Roll Up The Rim contest. Buist will be speaking on Wednesday. Well-known climatologist and environmental consultant Dr. Tim Ball will discuss the difference between weather and climate on Thursday. Chuck Penner of LeftField Commodity Research will also be offering the main marketing address.

Lewko says they have maxed out their capacity for trade show space, with around 80 exhibitors.

The three special crop organizations - the Manitoba Pulse Growers Association, Manitoba Corn Growers Association and the National Sunflower Association of Canada - will be holding their Annual General Meetings on Thursday morning at 8:30.

The Symposium takes place Wednesday and Thursday at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.

~ Tuesday, February 8, 2011 ~