The Ontario Biomass Producers Co-op (OBPC) held their Annual General Meeting (AGM) at The GrandWay in Elora on March 18, 2025. A group of researchers, biomass producers, and OBPC members gathered to hear the latest on Ontario biomass research and OBPC updates.

There’s so much great work happening in biomass research these days and the presentations at the AGM generated much discussion. This work not only benefits biomass producers and the biomass industry, but other researchers and policy makers, as well.

A huge thank you to our presenters for sharing their time and their work with us! Another big thank you goes out to Mahendra Thimmanagari from OMAFA for all his hard work in arranging the speakers for the AGM.

Presentations

Head Smut (Tilletia maclaganii) on Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in Ontario – Final Project Report
Presented by Dr. Katerina Jordan and Tina “Clyde” Yan, University of Guelph
Slide Deck | Recording

Biomass Buffers and Silt Socks Research Updates
Presented by Dr. Emily Chiang, University of Guelph

Organic Matter Building With Biomass Crops: Project Updates
Presented by Dr. Serra-Willow Buchanan and Devon Beckman, University of Guelph
Slide Deck | Recording

Current Knowledge of the Switchgrass Gall Midge in Ontario
Presented by Clarissa Capko and Dr. Rebecca Hallett, University of Guelph
Slide Deck | Recording

Switchgrass and Big Bluestem for Forage and Hay Production Project Update
Presented by Caroline Reisiger, University of Guelph
Recording

Enhancing Habitat for Grassland Birds: The Potential of Monoculture Switchgrass as Row Crop Buffers
Presented by Richard Burger, Blazing Star Environmental

Perennial Grasses: From the Agricultural Field to the Green Industry
Presented by Dr. Snizhana Olishevska, Center for Grain Research (CÉROM)
Recording

OBPC would like to thank the Grand River Agricultural Society and Dr. Emily Chiang from the University of Guelph for their support of the AGM.