All posts by Dana Penrice

YA Apprenticeship: Reflections from The Homestead, Goodfare AB

Posted by Dana Penrice on February 15, 2019

Donovan and Lisa live in symbiosis with their environment. They create very familiar boundaries with their animals and raise them with respect, passion and patience. They are in love with nature and they are farmers not only through their job, but also through their whole way of living. Their courage, their determination led them to take a great step forward by starting their own organic farm, off the grid. They are pioneers. But more than being passionate farmers, they are humans. Their generosity, their kindness make them wonderful hosts for Wwoofers and apprentices. They transmit their skills, learning-by-doing, and radiate … Continue reading YA Apprenticeship: Reflections from The Homestead, Goodfare AB →

YA Apprenticeship: Reflections from Nature’s Way Farm, Grimshaw AB

Posted by Dana Penrice on February 12, 2019

First of all, I have to thank Young Agrarians for asking me to share my story. I truly believe in what they are doing and if the world is still a nice place to live, then it is because there are people like them. My journey in Canada, and precisely in the Peace Country started on March 4th, 2017. After I became an agronomist I felt empty, without any goals, and everything around me looked too complicated and overwhelming to find my way. At that point I thought, “Ok Angelo, it’s time to take the risk and see how others … Continue reading YA Apprenticeship: Reflections from Nature’s Way Farm, Grimshaw AB →

NFU 2019 Young Farmer Convergence – Apply To Attend

Posted by Dana Penrice on January 24, 2019

The National Farmers Union (NFU) Youth and in partnership with the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario is planning for the 2019 Young Farmer Convergence! The purpose for the gathering is to offer young farmers workshops, planning and skill-sharing. Our mission is to build capacity for young farmers to be part of an effective social movement and empower them with tools to employ creative solutions to the challenges posed by climate change! This event will bring together dozens of young farmers chosen from around Canada. Successful participants will learn about political organizing and social movements, climate action and agriculture and indigenous … Continue reading NFU 2019 Young Farmer Convergence – Apply To Attend →

Feb. 2: Stettler, AB – Creating a Farmers Co-operative workshop

Posted by Dana Penrice on January 18, 2019

Working together is not exactly a new concept to agriculture in Alberta. The vast majority of agricultural producers are willing to drop whatever they are doing if a neighbour, friend or family member needs a hand. There are also producers in Alberta who have found it benficial to take things one step further by creating a co-operative with other producers. Rural Routes to Climate Solutions has partnered up with the Alberta Community and Co-operative Association (ACCA) to host a full day workshop for agricultural producers to learn how to form their very own co-operative that will help producers save on … Continue reading Feb. 2: Stettler, AB – Creating a Farmers Co-operative workshop →

Jan 25 & 26: Fort Saskatchewan, AB – Farm to Fork Workshops with Sally Fallon

Posted by Dana Penrice on January 17, 2019

Join us for a weekend of connections and conversations about food with Sally Fallon! This series will be taking place at the Dow Centennial Centre in Fort Saskatchewan as a part of the 2019 Organic Alberta Conference. Organic Food and Wine Gala with keynote from Sally Fallon Morell With great food and company, you won’t want to miss our gala! Sally Fallon Morell will be giving a keynote on Nourishing Diets: How Paleo, Ancestral, and Traditional Peoples Really Ate. Sally Fallon has studied ancestral diets around the world from Australian Aborigines, Asians, Europeans African and Native American. The diets of healthy traditional … Continue reading Jan 25 & 26: Fort Saskatchewan, AB – Farm to Fork Workshops with Sally Fallon →

YA Apprenticeship: Blue Mountain Biodynamic Farm – Carstairs, AB

Posted by Dana Penrice on January 17, 2019

Are you an aspiring farmer looking for hands-on farming experience on an ecological farm? Are you interested in organic farming and biodynamic practices? Blue Mountain Biodynamic Farm is looking for a farm apprentice starting this spring to join their team. About the Farm Blue Mountain Biodynamic Farm is a highly diversified operation located on 160 acres of rolling prairie and parkland. Owned and operated by husband and wife team Kris and Tamara, the farm produces cereal grains, forage crops, culinary herbs, vegetables, eggs and meat products, all of which are produced organically and certified biodynamic by Demeter Canada. Farm products are marketed locally, … Continue reading YA Apprenticeship: Blue Mountain Biodynamic Farm – Carstairs, AB →

Feb. 2 & 3: RUSSELL, MB – Holistic Management Conference

Posted by Dana Penrice on January 11, 2019

Are starting up a farm? Is your farm business struggling to make a profit? Do you struggle with the farm-work-life balance?Are your land, water and ecosystems in need of rejuvenation? Are you wondering about how you can pass on your farm and legacy? Join us at the Western Canadian Holistic Management Conference. Discover tools to help you make better, more informed decisions to reach your family and farm goals. Meet fellow farmers who are creating regenerative, resilient farms right here on the prairies. Hear inspiring stories and learn practical techniques for improving your farm. Learn more about the speakers and … Continue reading Feb. 2 & 3: RUSSELL, MB – Holistic Management Conference →

January 31: Clearwater, MB – Introduction to Holistic Land Design Workshop

Posted by Dana Penrice on January 11, 2019

In this presentation, Takota Coen will use his family’s 250 acre diversified organic farm as a case study for how we can regenerate the health of the planet and its people, by designing and managing our gardens, homesteads and farms after nature’s patterns. Topics include principles of permaculture design, water harvesting earthworks, livestock integration, agroforestry, aquaculture, and soil health. When: Thursday, January 31st from 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm Where: Harvest Moon Learning Centre, 8-10th Street, Clearwater Potluck from 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm at the Learning Centre ~ bring a dish to share! Cost: $40 + tax per person or $30 + tax per … Continue reading January 31: Clearwater, MB – Introduction to Holistic Land Design Workshop →

Jan 25 – 26: Fort Saskatchewan, AB – Organic Alberta Conference

Posted by Dana Penrice on January 10, 2019

We would like to invite you to attend the largest gathering for the organic industry in Alberta! From January 25-26, 2019, join Organic Alberta at our annual central conference in Fort Saskatchewan! This year’s theme is Growing Healthy Farmers, Fields, and Food, highlighting the holistic nature of farming. Sessions will focus on grain, livestock, fruit and vegetable production, soil health, mental health, working with employees, connecting with consumers, and more! When: January 25 and 26, 2019 Where: Dow Centennial Centre, Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta

YA Apprenticeship: Reflections from Redtail Farms, Castor AB

Posted by Dana Penrice on January 07, 2019

by Karel Beijer Many times during my apprenticeship I was asked, “How is working on RedTail Farms?” During all my time there, the best answer that I could come up with is that it is a very “real” experience. While this may seem quite vague, this one word personally embodies everything that I felt during my apprenticeship. When working with living beings that don’t have a “nine-to-five” routine your life changes to a different flow – a more natural yet no less demanding routine. Allow me to explain. Coming into the apprenticeship, I had the questions, “Is farming, especially a … Continue reading YA Apprenticeship: Reflections from Redtail Farms, Castor AB →