July 10 & 11 • Axten Farms, Saskatchewan
Horizons is an uplifting two-day outdoor gathering that brings together over 300 farmers, researchers, agronomists, visionary food system thinkers, and engaged consumers to explore groundbreaking ideas for growing resilient prairie agriculture.
Hosted on an active Saskatchewan farm, away from conference rooms, Horizons provides a unique opportunity to connect with a dedicated group of agricultural leaders, decision-makers, and innovators—to shape the future of farming together!
What Makes Horizons Different
No hotels, no conference rooms. Walk fields, smell soil, talk with producers who share their failures before their successes, and camp under the Saskatchewan sky.
On a Working Farm
Set on a working Saskatchewan farm. Watch machinery run and equipment demonstrations, visit with like-minded producers and industry, enjoy regenerative food and unwind with good vibes by the fireside.
Real Conversations
Keynote talks, farmer-led panels, hands-on workshops, and farm tours. In the evenings, we gather around the fire to get to the real questions.
Camp On Site
Stay close to the land that grounds it all. Two days of learning, sharing, and connecting in the Saskatchewan prairie.
Who Should Attend?
• Farmers and ranchers navigating questions about soil health, cover crops, and livestock integration
• Agronomists and agricultural advisors supporting producer transitions
• Agricultural researchers focused on farmer-relevant, participatory research
• Food system thinkers, chefs, and consumers interested in connecting farming practices to food quality
• Policy makers, funders, and rural community leaders invested in the future of prairie agriculture
The Horizons Team
Farmers, researchers, and advocates bringing real-world experience to regenerative agriculture.
Tannis and Derek Axten
Co-Founders
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Derek and Tannis Axten are third-generation farmers near Minton, Saskatchewan, where they own and operate Axten Farms with their family. They are recognized leaders in regenerative agriculture, with a strong focus on building soil health, biodiversity, and long-term farm resilience. Their operation integrates practices such as no-till farming, cover cropping, intercropping, and diverse grain production. Beyond primary production, they have invested in their own grain cleaning, food-grade milling, and direct-to-market channels to connect with end users. Derek and Tannis are active advocates and educators, frequently sharing their experience with producers, organizations, and the broader food community.
Joel Williams
Co-Founder
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Joel Williams is an independent plant and soil health educator and consultant, who has worked extensively across Australia, Europe and North America. He holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science specializing in plant and soil dynamics, alongside an MSc in Food Policy, where his research explored the motivations and barriers to the adoption of intercropping. Joel is widely respected for his ability to translate complex scientific research into accessible, practical knowledge, and is passionate about bridging the gap between science and practice in sustainable agriculture.
Antonious Petro
President & Co-Founder
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A strategist and organizer working at the intersection of regenerative agriculture, soil health, and systems change. Trained in soil science, he holds a master’s degree focused on soil carbon and continues to support producer-led research, policy design, and transition finance initiatives across Canada. Until recently, he led Regeneration Canada, helping scale its programs and national network. Originally from Egypt, Antonious combines lived experience in family farming with ongoing part-time work on the land—keeping his hands in the soil while working toward systems that better serve those who steward it. He serves on the board of Farmers for Climate Solutions and is a 2026 Nuffield Canada Contemporary Scholar.
Carlton “Shorty” Fensky
Board Director
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Carlton “Shorty” Fensky is a mixed crop and livestock producer near Thorsby, Alberta, where he co-owns and operates C. Fensky Farms with his brother. The farm produces grains and beef while actively applying regenerative practices, including reduced tillage, diverse crop rotations, cover cropping, and integrating livestock with cropping systems to improve soil health and ecological function.
Shorty became passionate about soil health after attending the Western Canada Conference on Soil Health in 2015, which changed how he viewed soil biology and long-term farm resilience. Since then, he has shared his experiences with other producers and contributed to discussions on regenerative agriculture as a voice grounded in practical knowledge.
His approach focuses on results—improving water infiltration, increasing biodiversity, and enhancing profitability—and he continues to engage with peer learning networks and agricultural events across Alberta and beyond
Kate Axten
Communications & Logistics Coordinator
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Kate grew up on Axten Farms in Saskatchewan and is now completing her studies in International Food Business at Dalhousie University, a program that also took her to the Netherlands for a year of study. She will graduate this June with a dual degree and brings a thoughtful, systems‑minded perspective to how food moves from soil to table and how it can strengthen communities in meaningful ways.
Partners & Sponsors
Horizons presents a unique opportunity to connect directly with an engaged audience of producers, researchers, and rural leaders. Sponsorship packages are available at various levels.