The 2025 CAAR Connect Convention was a resounding success. Over 150 people attended the convention in Saskatoon from Nov. 18 to 20, and the feedback has been fantastic. It was a great way to celebrate CAAR’s 30th anniversary.

Dynamic and engaging speakers like Vance Crowe talked about how to communicate more effectively and meaningfully and RealAgriculture’s Shaun Haney shared his insights on the agriculture market today and what’s impacting the future. AgriStudies’ Justin Funk dove into customer insights and what farmers are looking for in their ag retailer, while Brock Moir demystified AI and explored tools to enhance your business.

Panel discussions focused on innovation and the crop inputs sector. Fertilizer Canada’s Catherine King, Seeds Canada’s Lauren Comin and CropLife Canada’s Ian Affleck joined Tom Rosser, Assistant Deputy Minister, Market and Industry Services Branch, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, to dive into the challenges and opportunities facing crop inputs and the future of agriculture in Canada.

Another panel looked to the future with a fascinating discussion on innovation. FCC’s Mo Yaghi, Garson Law from the Canadian Agri-Food Automation & Intelligence Network and ag investor Scott Day talked about what lies ahead for the agriculture industry and how that may impact ag retail.

The convention was also a time for celebration. CAAR celebrated its 30th anniversary with a special legacy panel honouring and reflecting on the evolution of the ag retail sector over the last three decades. The legacy panel featured a fireside chat with industry and past leaders including former board chairs and members – Stu Rasmussen, Neil Jorgenson, Don Kitson, Ray Redfern and Todd Hyra.

Cruise & Connect exhibitors connected with delegates throughout the convention and delegates got the opportunity to strengthen relationships and build new ones. While it’s taken CAAR some time to rebuild, in the words of board chair Stu Rasmussen, “CAAR is back!”

Check out the photo library and enjoy some of the memories of this year’s CAAR Connect Convention!