All posts by Lourdes Still

JUN 21, 2024: CARSTAIRS, AB – Nursery Tour and Potluck at ALCLA Native Plants

Posted by Lourdes Still on May 01, 2024

You’re invited to a nursery tour in Carstairs, Alberta! Come for the tour, land walk and a potluck at ALCLA Native Plants. We are looking forward to gathering with you and celebrating summer solstice together. Join us for an afternoon of connection and learning about native plants with Latifa Pelletier-Ahmed and her team on June 21 at their nursery. Meet the new owners of ACLA Native Plants (2019) who are carrying forward the diverse plant selection that Dr. Al and Pat Fedkenheuer have developed since 1992. Learn the importance of preserving and restoring prairie landscapes using native plants at this … Continue reading JUN 21, 2024: CARSTAIRS, AB – Nursery Tour and Potluck at ALCLA Native Plants →

How To Start Farming In Manitoba

Posted by Lourdes Still on February 26, 2024

A starter kit for those wondering how to start farming in Manitoba. Young Agrarians (YA) is a farmer to farmer educational resource network for new and young ecological, organic and regenerative farmers in Canada. Read more about us here. Young Agrarians recognizes the unresolved Indigenous land title and rights in the diverse territories in what is today called Canada. As we live and work in the context of and in response to a colonial system of laws and policies, it is important to acknowledge the historical and ongoing impact of agriculture and land enclosure on Indigenous lands and food systems. In … Continue reading How To Start Farming In Manitoba →

2023 Prairies Mixer Recap

Posted by Lourdes Still on February 09, 2024

What an incredible Prairies Mixer weekend! Thank you to everyone who has participated and supported this gathering. The Young Agrarians (YA) team hosted 94 attendees across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba for community building, knowledge sharing, and storytelling.  Everyone’s enthusiasm to meet new folks, reconnect with their farming acquaintances and eagerness to learn new things made the event buzzing with energy. We had an incredible line-up of engaging speakers and a variety of topics that captivated the audience, ensuring a dynamic and enriching event for all in attendance. The mixer’s theme, Rooted: Grow Deep helped foster meaningful connections and conversations, creating … Continue reading 2023 Prairies Mixer Recap →

How To Start Farming In Saskatchewan

Posted by Lourdes Still on January 29, 2024

A starter kit for those wondering how to start farming in Saskatchewan. Young Agrarians (YA) is a farmer to farmer educational resource network for new and young ecological, organic and regenerative farmers in Canada. Read more about us here. Young Agrarians recognizes the unresolved Indigenous land title and rights in the diverse territories in what is today called Canada. As we live and work in the context of and in response to a colonial system of laws and policies, it is important to acknowledge the historical and ongoing impact of agriculture and land enclosure on Indigenous lands and food systems. In … Continue reading How To Start Farming In Saskatchewan →

Dec 2-3, 2023: Saskatoon, SK – Prairies Mixer

Posted by Lourdes Still on October 05, 2023 2 Comments

The first-ever Prairies Mixer is happening on Dec 2-3, 2023 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Calling all regenerative farmers, food growers, local food enthusiasts, and mixed-grass prairie advocates   Join us for a weekend of community building, knowledge sharing, and storytelling! This year’s theme is “Rooted, Grow Deep”, an ode to what remains of the mixed-grass prairie on the land we are farming on. This is an invitation to rediscover how vast and varied the grasslands used to be and find our individual connection to it in order to practice better stewardship and advocate for its conservation. In the spirit of YA Mixers, this … Continue reading Dec 2-3, 2023: Saskatoon, SK – Prairies Mixer →

OCT 18, 2023: ONLINE – Host Farm Info Night

Posted by Lourdes Still on September 25, 2023

We are seeking host farm mentors in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba for the 2024 Young Agrarians Apprenticeship Program! Join us for an info night to learn all about hosting an apprentice on your farm. Meet our team of apprenticeship coordinators, and hear from seasoned host farm mentors about their experience with the program. We welcome anyone who has hosted apprentices in the past or is considering it for the coming year. Bring your questions! Date: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 Time: 7:00 PM MST and 8:00 PM CDT Location: Online – link will be emailed to registrants Cost: Free! Not able to … Continue reading OCT 18, 2023: ONLINE – Host Farm Info Night →

Young Agrarians Apprenticeship Program: 2023 Reflections

Posted by Lourdes Still on September 13, 2023 2 Comments

It’s been another fantastic apprenticeship season! This year, the program partnered with 17 host farms across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba offering 18 aspiring farmers hands-on training and educational experiences.  The Young Agrarians Apprenticeship Program started in Alberta in 2016, and in Saskatchewan and Manitoba in 2021. To date, we have had  89 apprentices working with 72 host farm mentors, all offer something unique. These apprenticeships create the opportunity to learn about ecological land stewardship practices while developing a network of community and support. Through this program, participants gain an understanding of what it takes to create viable farms that are … Continue reading Young Agrarians Apprenticeship Program: 2023 Reflections →

Notes from the Field: Jennica Taylor – Common Ground Garden Project

Posted by Lourdes Still on August 17, 2023

Jennica Taylor is one of the apprentices who joined the 2023 cohort of the Young Agrarians Apprenticeship Program (YAAP) on the Prairies. YAAP is a full immersion initiative that pairs aspiring farmers with host farms to gain skills and knowledge on how to manage their own farms someday. Jennica’s host farm is the Common Ground Garden Project in Red Deer, Alberta and she shared with us her experience so far this season. “I’ve been learning lots about above-ground gardening this summer. Lots of different ways to grow! I am working at the Common Ground Garden Project in Red Deer, Alberta. … Continue reading Notes from the Field: Jennica Taylor – Common Ground Garden Project →