CAAR Conference

Celebrating 25 Years of Embracing Innovation

Canadian agriculture has seen tremendous evolution and change since CAAR was formed and the first CAAR Conference was hosted in 1995. CAAR members have been there every step of the way throughout all of this change; helping their grower customers to understand and apply innovations.

Celebrating the role that retailers play in the ever-changing, increasingly sophisticated world of ag, the theme of CAAR’s upcoming 25th anniversary conference is “Embracing Innovation.”

View 2019 CAAR Conference Photo Gallery Online

Revisit the highlights from the Ag Retail Event of the Year – the 2019 CAAR Conference photo gallery is now online. Featuring informative and inspiring speaker sessions and two and a half days of networking, The CAAR Conference hosted in Winnipeg, MB, provided exceptional business development opportunities and opportunities to make lasting connections.

The 2019 CAAR Conference

Ag retailers from across the country gathered in Winnipeg, Man. for education, inspiration and unbeatable networking opportunities at the Ag Retail Event of the Year.

Retailer of the Year: South Country Co-op

South Country Co-op (South Country) prides itself on its commitment to creating safe and productive workplaces. The company is known for investing highly in its staff and empowers team members to take ownership and make decisions in the best interests of their fellow employees and their customers. This has paid off enormously for the organization, through staff retention, customer loyalty and, now, winning CAAR’s 2018 Retailer of the Year award, sponsored by Bayer CropScience Inc.

Agronomist of the Year: Taralea Simpson

Taralea Simpson is a farmer, a mother, an entrepreneur, a passionate “agvocate” and CAAR’s 2018 Agronomist of the Year. Sponsored by Simplot, the award recognizes a CAAR member agronomist who consistently exceeds expectations through dedication to their field and their agronomic knowledge.

Retailer Hall of Fame: Wayne Deschouwer

CAAR’s 2018 Retailer Hall of Fame award, sponsored by Univar Canada, was presented in memory of Wayne Deschouwer, who was taken from family, friends and Manitoba’s agriculture community far too soon when he passed away on Oct. 1, 2018, at the age of 63.

Chairman's Award: Grant Larocque

When selecting the 2018 Chairman’s Award recipient, CAAR board chair Don Kitson knew the award needed to go to Grant Larocque, a long-time board member and ardent association supporter.

Save the Date for the 2020 CAAR Conference!

The 25th annual CAAR Conference will be held Feb. 11-13, 2020 in Saskatoon, SK! Mark your calendars and make plans to join us for two and a half days of networking, professional development and education in “the Paris of the Prairies.”

You Can Help Shape the 2020 CAAR Conference

CAAR would like to remind 2019 CAAR Conference attendees to complete their post-conference survey for a chance to win one of two $50 VISA gift cards. Comments and suggestions received will be used to help shape next year’s conference, so don’t miss this opportunity to give us your feedback on the ag retail event of the year!

Ag Retailers Celebrated for Making a Difference

The Canadian Association of Agri-Retailers honoured five Canadian ag retailers for their outstanding achievements in business, community and stewardship. The winners received their awards in the company of their peers during ag retail’s biggest night of the year: the 12th annual CAAR’s Choice Awards Banquet, part of the 2019 CAAR Conference held this month in Winnipeg, MB.

“The CAAR Choice Awards program is our opportunity to recognize individuals and companies who have succeeded in making a difference,” said Mitch Rezansoff, Executive Director of CAAR. “They are among the leaders who are already, or who will become, integral in recognizing opportunities for our industry now and in the future.”

2019 CAAR Conference - Thank You

Thank You For Another Great CAAR Conference!

CAAR extends its sincere thanks to our many sponsors, exhibitors, auction donors, planning committee members, attendees and special guests for lending their time, support and passion for their industry to the 2019 CAAR Conference. Thank you for participating in the CAAR Conference! 

2019 CAAR Conference - Day Three Recap

Getting Disruptive

Graham Sherman’s inspiring and motivating talk was the perfect presentation to open the final day of the 2019 CAAR Conference. Sherman is the co-owner of Tool Shed Brewing Company, an Alberta brewery that took an approach to creating policy change that can truly be described as “disruptive behaviour.”

A law that was impeding the startup of new breweries, including Tool Shed was in litigation, but no headway was being made. But what couldn’t be accomplished through the courts was handled with a lot of disruption. Not only did Tool Shed’s inventive and unconventional approach to overcoming their roadblock highlight lost economic opportunity in the province, but it was something that had never been done. And in about one year, their efforts led to legislation change.

2019 CAAR Conference - Day Two Recap

Day Two of the 2019 CAAR Conference featured a sensational speaker program, plenty of networking opportunities, CAAR’s always-popular Pro-Ag Investments Auction and ag retail's biggest evening: CAAR's Choice Awards Banquet.

Roundtable Networking Discussions

The morning started bright and early, with a select number of conference delegates enjoying a working breakfast during Roundtable Networking Discussions. Attendees pre-registered for one of four discussion topics: Retail Management, Safety and Training, Technology and Services and Sales and Customer Services.

Brian Downie, manager of Shur Gro Farm Services Wawanesa branch, called the Retail Management discussion a great way to start the day with inspiration from hearing a variety of perspectives in his group.

“The discussion went very well. I was seated primarily with new contacts. It was good to hear perspectives from different retails, different companies and think about how I can maybe take some of these ideas home to my business,” says Downie. “It was definitely very valuable.”

2019 CAAR Conference - Day One Recap

And we’re off! Ag retailers from across Canada gathered in the heart of the continent in Winnipeg, MB today to break the ice at the 24th Annual CAAR Conference.

Taking Care of Business

Before getting the celebrations underway, CAAR’s board, staff and membership took care of important business at CAAR’s Annual General Meeting.

“I think that for any organization that you’re a part of, it’s important to be an active participant with all aspects of the organization, including its official meetings,” says conference delegate Steven McQueen from MC Ag Solutions. “Voting at CAAR’s AGM is what drives the association’s activities. If you’re involved in an association I think you should be engaged at all levels.”

Your Ultimate Guide to the 2019 CAAR Conference

Are you ready for the ag retail event of the year? Please take the time to review these important details ahead of the event to make your arrival at conference a smooth one. If you have any questions, please contact the CAAR team at 800-463-9323 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We can’t wait to see you in Winnipeg!

Get Social at the 2019 CAAR Conference!

Attending the CAAR conference is a phenomenal opportunity to connect with your peers, receive industry updates and learn from a diverse line-up of speakers and presenters. And, by tweeting and using the official #CAARcon2019 hashtag, you can extend your networking and take your conference experience to another level.

The February Communicator is here!

Packed with valuable association information and timely updates, the February Communicator is now online and in your mailbox! Keep reading to see what you can expect in the first issue of 2019.

The 2019 CAAR Conference

It’s conference time and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome delegates to Winnipeg, Man. for two-and-a-half days of networking, professional development and industry insight.

This year marks CAAR’s 24th conference and, along with crowd favourites like the Pro-Ag Investments Auction and CAAR’s Choice Awards Banquet, we are pleased to introduce some exciting new additions to the conference agenda, including Roundtable Discussions.

CAAR Conference Speaker Spotlight: Sylvain Charlebois

To close out the 2019 CAAR Conference with some food for thought, CAAR is pleased to welcome Dr. Sylvain Charlebois. Known as “The Food Professor” in media circles, Charlebois will be delivering a captivating keynote presentation on the Future of Canadian Agriculture.

Earn CEUs at the 2019 CAAR Conference

Certified Professional Agronomists (CPAs), Crop Advisors (CCAs) and Crop Science Consultants (CCSCs) can earn CEUs by attending the 2019 CAAR Conference in Winnipeg, Man. Continue reading to find out how many CEUs you may be eligible for and how to get them.

Conference Delegates Can Help Shape the Association

The CAAR Conference is the ag retail event of the year, giving retailers a chance to come together to network, learn and celebrate their industry. The conference also provides members with several opportunities to provide direct feedback to the association. From the opening AGM to the follow-up delegate survey, your participation counts!

Networking Opportunities at the 2019 CAAR Conference

The CAAR Conference is the ag retail event of the year and always offers an unmatched opportunity to connect with colleagues, peers and fellow members of the agriculture supply chain. This year is no exception, with plenty of chances to network and socialize.

If you have been on the fence or just waiting to register, don't wait any longer! Online registration closes in less than one week!