AgSmart is committed to providing access to industry experts speaking on various topics focused on data and technology in the agriculture industry. These educational sessions are focused on providing insight and information relating to the trends and innovation that are driving the agriculture industry forward.
2025 AgSmart Keynote Speaker
James Lawrence
The Iron Cowboy
Known as The Iron Cowboy for the hat he wears so his five kids can spot him during races, James Lawrence is an ultra-endurance athlete who has redefined the limits of human performance. In 2012, he completed 30 Ironman triathlons in a year—a feat no one had come close to. Then in 2015, he finished 50 Ironmans in 50 days across 50 states, raising funds to fight childhood obesity. In 2021, he went even further, completing 100 Ironman-distance triathlons in 100 consecutive days to support anti–sex trafficking efforts. Once a mortgage broker who struggled to finish a 4-mile fun run, James rose from rock bottom to become a world-renowned speaker and best-selling author, inspiring millions to push beyond the impossible.
2025 AgSmart Speaker Highlights
AJ Gill
MNP Partner, Director of Agriculture Risk Management Resources
Based in Kelowna, AJ Gill brings a lifelong passion for farming and deep roots in agriculture, having grown up on a farm after moving to Canada from India in 1988. With nearly 20 years in federal and provincial government roles, he helped transfer the AgriStability program to B.C. and advised on national agriculture policy. Before joining MNP, he served as General Manager of the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture.
Joshua Day Chief
Chief Executive Officer of AdvancedAg
Joshua Day Chief is the CEO of AdvancedAg (AAG), leading the company since 2013 with a focus on redefining biological technology in agriculture. Through research, collaboration, and a commitment to sustainability, he has positioned AAG as a global leader in soil and water remediation. A visionary and environmental advocate, Joshua champions a future where innovation and sustainable agriculture go hand in hand.
John Crowley
Managing Director of AbacusBio Canada
John Crowley is Managing Director of AbacusBio Canada, bringing over 15 years of expertise in genetics, agri-business, and data analytics. With a PhD in statistical genetics, he’s led major initiatives in genomic selection and breeding strategy. John is a collaborative leader focused on advancing sustainable, data-driven agriculture.
Reg Shandro
Farm Coach
Reg Shandro blends expertise in agriculture, finance, and family mediation to help farm families thrive. With a proven approach to succession, business planning, and conflict resolution, he’s delivered over 150 presentations across North America. A natural storyteller, Reg makes complex topics approachable—driven by a genuine passion for supporting farm families.
Leslie McEachern
AFSC Product Coordinator
Leslie McEachern is a Product Coordinator at AFSC, supporting the development of sustainability-focused risk management tools. She and her husband run a livestock-focused mixed farm in Barrhead and Lac Ste. Anne Counties. Passionate about soil health, Leslie also serves on the Farming Forward board and is helping lead a pilot project exploring how Soil Organic Matter can reduce risk and improve environmental outcomes.
Speaker Sessions
| Speaker | Company | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| James Lawrence | The Iron Cowboy | |
| AJ Gill | MNP | Managing Farming Risks with Confidence |
| John Crowley | AbacusBio Canada | What is a Carbon Footprint? |
| Evan Buie | Global Affairs Canada | Bridging Borders: Seeding Canadian AgTech Success in Mexico |
| Ryan Copithorne | Cows In Control | From Innovation to Profits in Your Ag Business |
| Scott Meers | Mayland Consulting | Good Bugs, Bad Bugs? |
| Leighton Kolk | Kolk Farms Ltd. | How Can I Embrace Technology? |
| Joel Smit | Manulift | How Can I Embrace Technology? |
| Mohamad Yaghi | FCC and Tasha Clifford | FCC |
| Dr. Desiree Gellatly | OCCI | Using FerAppease to Improve Performance in Weaned Beef Heifers |
| Dr. Yaogeng Lei | OCCI | Novel Enzyme Supplement for Backgrounding Beef Cattle Production |
| Dr. Shabeg Briar | OCCI | Plant-Parasitic Nematodes: Should Prairie Farmers be Worried? |
| Dr. Felippe Karp | OCCI | Profitable Crops: How On-Farm Precision Experimentation Leverages Precision Ag Tech |
| Herman Simons | OCCI | Profitable Crops: How On-Farm Precision Experimentation Leverages Precision Ag Tech |
| Dr. Sementon Amosu | OCCI | Is Farming & Solar Energy Production Compatible? The Promise of Agri-Voltaics in Alberta |
| Russell Shuttleworth | AFSC | Bytes, Bushels, and Backstops |
| Manglai & Leslie McEachern | AFSC | Testing the Link Between Soils and Risk on Alberta Farms |
Panel Speakers
| Speaker | Company | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| Xavier Herbert-Couturier | Foresight CAC | Wanna Win Best Farmer Award? |
| Joshua Day Chief | AdvancedAg | Wanna Win Best Farmer Award? |
| Scott Dickson | How can the Next Generation Afford Anything? | |
| Reg Shandro | How can the Next Generation Afford Anything? | |
| Tim Wray | How to Keep Cattle Rotated & Fenced | |
| Kristine Flaim | AB Living Labs | How to Keep Cattle Rotated & Fenced |
| Cheyenne Lambley | Gallagher | How to Keep Cattle Rotated & Fenced |
| Cale Place | Verified Beef Production | Adding Value to my Livestock Herd |
| Kajal Latimer | Canadian Angus Assoc. | Adding Value to my Livestock Herd |
| Dr. Karthi Narayanan | Croplands Solutions | Building Soil Health to Achieve Farm Wealth |
| Michael Launer | Johnston’s Regenerative | Building Soil Health to Achieve Farm Wealth |