All posts by Dana Penrice

DEC 16 & JAN 16: WEBINARS – Meet the Host Farmers

Posted by Dana Penrice on November 10, 2023 1 Comment

Join us for a webinar (or two) to learn about the Young Agrarians Apprenticeship Program. Meet some of the amazing host farm mentors, ask questions about their farm, learn more about the kinds of apprenticeships they offer, and what a typical day/week is like for their apprentices. Bring your questions! We will be offering this webinar in December, and again in January. Register for one or both. December 16 Session Date: Saturday, December 16, 2023 Time: 9 am PST (BC) / 10 am MST (AB) / 11 am CST (SK & MB) January 16 Session Date: Tuesday, January 16, 2024 … Continue reading DEC 16 & JAN 16: WEBINARS – Meet the Host Farmers →

NOV 3, 2023: SHERWOOD PARK, AB – Regenerative Agriculture Job Fair

Posted by Dana Penrice on September 14, 2023

A lady pouring feed from a metal bucket to chickens.

Looking for a job? Are you nerdy about soil health? Are you buzzing about biodiversity? Are you excited about how farms can contribute positively to our planet? Young Agrarians and Organic Alberta are hosting a Regenerative Ag Job Fair to help you find a meaningful job in regenerative, ecological & organic agriculture. Meet people offering:  farm jobs and paid apprenticeships on farms across the Prairies summer jobs with associations that support producers  jobs in the organic sector – from buyers to retailers other great opportunities! WHEN: Friday, November 3rd from 5:00-6:00 PM WHERE: Clarion Hotel and Conference Centre at 2100 … Continue reading NOV 3, 2023: SHERWOOD PARK, AB – Regenerative Agriculture Job Fair →

Is an apprentice or employee a better fit for your farm?

Posted by Dana Penrice on September 06, 2023

Having an apprentice can be a rewarding experience, but it isn’t for everyone. Knowing your goals and your farm systems can tell you if an apprentice or an employee is a better fit for you. The skills needed for you to manage a paid apprenticeship or an employee often overlap,  since in both cases there is a labour and learning component. However, the difference is the emphasis.  You might not fit 100% into one side of this checklist or the other, but it should help you to reflect on what might be best for you. You might be looking for … Continue reading Is an apprentice or employee a better fit for your farm? →

July 15 & 16: Arrow Hills Grazing School – Lenore, MB

Posted by Dana Penrice on June 02, 2023

Welcome to the Arrow Hills Grazing School – an exciting, hands-on event for anyone interested in learning about sustainable grazing practices! Join us on July 15 & 16 at Hodgins Farm, Lenore, MB for two full days of interactive workshops, expert-led discussions, LOTS of field time and networking opportunities with fellow graziers. At Arrow Hills Grazing School, you’ll gain practical knowledge on how to optimize your grazing system, improve soil health, and increase profitability. Our experienced instructors will cover: key principles to guide your grazing practical fencing and infrastructure tools and tips for grazing cattle determining how much grass you are growing and how … Continue reading July 15 & 16: Arrow Hills Grazing School – Lenore, MB →

Accessing the On-Farm Climate Action Fund

Posted by Dana Penrice on April 03, 2023

The federal government has created the OFCAF program to help farmers tackle climate change. This is a great opportunity for new farmers to access funding for infrastructure, consultation and management practices. The objective of the Fund is to support farmers in adopting beneficial management practices (BMPs) that store carbon and reduce greenhouse gases, specifically in the areas of: Nitrogen management, examples include costs associated with: consulting, agronomic services and creating fertility plans soil testing and mapping applying manure and composts (potential for equipment costs) planting legumes Cover cropping, examples include costs associated with: consulting, agronomic services and creating cover cropping … Continue reading Accessing the On-Farm Climate Action Fund →

Mar 14 – May 2: ONLINE – Holistic Management Fundamentals & Grazing Planning

Posted by Dana Penrice on March 07, 2023

Learn Holistic Management from the comfort of your computer. This modular series of live online sessions will get you ready for the upcoming grazing season. Get grounded in the fundamentals of Holistic Management and design your grazing plan for the 2023 growing season. Do you want to nerd out on grazing with others? Do you struggle with the farm-work-life balance? Are you just excited about regenerative ag? If so, then this course series is for you! Discover tools to design your farm to generate wealth (both financial and non-financial) for your family and community through improved land management. Whether you … Continue reading Mar 14 – May 2: ONLINE – Holistic Management Fundamentals & Grazing Planning →

Join us for ‘Ask Young Agrarians Anything!’

Posted by Dana Penrice on February 15, 2023 4 Comments

It can be hard to know where to turn as a new farmer or someone curious about farming. Young Agrarians staff are here to help! The purpose of these sessions is to help you find the right information for where you are at today on your farming journey. Whether you are farm curious or you are many years into farming, we’re here to help. Select a date /time that best works for you and join us to chat with a YA staff  and others in the YA network. Bring a specific question or if you don’t know where to start, … Continue reading Join us for ‘Ask Young Agrarians Anything!’ →

FEB 10-12: Lloydminster, AB – Western Canadian Holistic Management Canada Conference

Posted by Dana Penrice on January 16, 2023

A conference for everyone involved in growing healthy lands, people and communities. Join us in Lloydminster February 10 – 12, 2023 for the Western Canadian Holistic Management Conference. What to Expect: Practical Tools for Your Farm Holistic Management educates and empowers people to make socially, environmentally and financially sound decisions. Take home new ideas and practices to improve your land and your business. Inspiring Community Known for attracting an amazing community of people who work with the land this is the place to meet farmers, ranchers and land managers who are exploring new practices, ways of thinking and supporting the paradigm … Continue reading FEB 10-12: Lloydminster, AB – Western Canadian Holistic Management Canada Conference →

Feb 25: WINNIPEG, MB – Direct Farm Marketing Conference

Posted by Dana Penrice on January 11, 2023

2023 Direct Farm Marketing Conference When: February 25th, 2023 Where: Winnipeg, MB Come join us Saturday February 25th for the annual Direct Farm Marketing Conference. We are excited to be able to have the opportunity to connect again with our farm and market friends and to make some new ones! Conference attendees will have a chance to explore new marketing strategies, investigate emerging trends, and connecting with other producers and market coordinators. The conference will also have a tradeshow, with options to speak with our conference sponsor and tradeshow participants. Make sure not to miss out on the Farm and … Continue reading Feb 25: WINNIPEG, MB – Direct Farm Marketing Conference →

YA Apprenticeship 2023: Goodfare – First Nature Farms

Posted by Dana Penrice on November 02, 2022

Are you an aspiring farmer looking to gain experience on a mixed, long-time-organic farm? Are  you wanting to learn about a mixed livestock operation and heritage breeds? First Nature Farms is offering a unique apprenticeship; join their team! About the Farm First Nature Farms is surrounded by land held within ecological reserves of the Nature Conservancy of Canada, Ducks Unlimited, crown land, and other organic neighbours.  The 3000 acres of aspen forest, creeks, beaver ponds, pastures and farmland hold a rich diversity of both wildlife and wilderness, and domesticated species. Organic since 1990 and WWOOF hosts for almost as long, the … Continue reading YA Apprenticeship 2023: Goodfare – First Nature Farms →