Blog Category: Education

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 →

MARCH 2-3, 2019: GRANDE PRAIRIE, AB – YA Peace Country Winter Mixer

Posted by Lilli Klamke on February 12, 2019

The second Young Agrarians Farmer Mixer in the Peace Country is coming up! If you are a farmer, passionate food lover, grower, or a farm dreamer, join us! These two days will be filled with networking, skill sharing, and farm inspiration to help you grow your own farm business and farm story. When: Saturday, March 2 – Sunday, March 3, 2019 Where: Camp Tamarack located south of Grande Prairie. Follow Highway 40 south, turn east onto secondary Highway 668, turn south onto Range Road 62 and you will find the camp on your left side. Find it on Google Maps. Cost: $75 + … Continue reading MARCH 2-3, 2019: GRANDE PRAIRIE, AB – YA Peace Country Winter Mixer →

JAN 31, 2019: Guidelines for BC’s Organic Certification Regulation

Posted by Michalina Hunter on February 07, 2019

Guidelines for BC’s Organic Certification Regulation Circulated from the BC Ministry of Agriculture January 31, 2019 Background These guidelines are intended to provide guidance to operators in BC who are seeking clarity on how to be compliant with BC’s Organic Certification Regulation. As of September 1, 2018, the term “organic” is now a protected label within BC for agricultural products that have been produced or processed in BC, and for which certified organic programs exist. Currently Certified Organic programs exist in BC for food and beverages, flowers, cannabis, pet food and any product made from 100% agricultural products that can … Continue reading JAN 31, 2019: Guidelines for BC’s Organic Certification Regulation →

FARM THE BASIN: Back to the Biointensive Basics with the Kootenay Society for Sustainable Living (VIDEO)

Posted by Hailey Troock on February 01, 2019

Sharon and James are sustainable mini-farmers, natural builders, and environmentalists. Over the last five years they have been on a journey to become self-reliant and to transition towards a more sustainable lifestyle. Amongst meeting and learning from a variety of experts in their fields, as interns at Ecology Action they studied under John Jeavons to learn how to not only grow their own complete diet, but to bring sustainable agriculture back to their community as teachers. All of their experiences have led them back to what’s most important: to help build a strong, healthy community of localized and sustainable living. … Continue reading FARM THE BASIN: Back to the Biointensive Basics with the Kootenay Society for Sustainable Living (VIDEO) →

FEB 9-10, 2019: WILLIAMS LAKE MIXER

Posted by Robin Hunt on February 01, 2019 4 Comments

Join us for our first ever Central B.C. winter mixer at Thompson Rivers University, Williams Lake Campus! Based on your feedback and insights we’ve crafted an awesome program for this year’s Williams Lake Mixer with two full days of workshops and sessions you will be sure to sharpen your farm and business skills, and build connections with other new farmers. We will have two streams of content that will kick start new farmers, and that will deepen the knowledge and success of those with a few seasons in their pocket. Saturday night we will host a community Potluck and hear your stories at … Continue reading FEB 9-10, 2019: WILLIAMS LAKE MIXER →

MARCH 3, 2019: PRINCE GEORGE, BC – Lean Farm Workshop with Ben Hartman

Posted by Michalina Hunter on January 31, 2019

Join us for a workshop with the legendary Ben Hartman, author of The Lean Farm, on preventing burnout and increasing farm profits with less waste and work. Ben has inspired thousands to increase efficiency on their farms, and now he’s coming to BC to share his knowledge! No matter where you are at in your farming journey or what type of farm you operate, these “lean” principles can help you streamline and maximize your time. WHEN: Sunday, March 3, 2019, 1-6pm WHERE: Dakelh Territory | Prince George Civic Centre, 808 Canada Games Way, Prince George B.C. COST: Sliding scale $25-$50. There are a couple work … Continue reading MARCH 3, 2019: PRINCE GEORGE, BC – Lean Farm Workshop with Ben Hartman →

MARCH 9, 2019: BURNS LAKE, BC – SheepFest 2019

Posted by Michalina Hunter on January 25, 2019

SheepFest 2019 Saturday, March 9, 2019 Lakes District Secondary School Burns Lake, BC 8:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. SheepFest 2019 offers an educational day with 3 dynamic speakers speaking about wool, nutrition, herd health and artisan cheese. Registration Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sheepfest-2019-tickets-55027362322 Early Bird Registration until Feb 15th $25.00 Regular Registration from Feb 16 – Mar 5th $35.00 If you have trouble registering online, please call Debbie Evans, P. Ag., Agriculture Coordinator, RDBN 250-692-3195 About the Presenters Dr. Lisa Surber, PhD was born and raised on a ranch near Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada and is still active in her family’s commercial cattle … Continue reading MARCH 9, 2019: BURNS LAKE, BC – SheepFest 2019 →

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 →

APPRENTICESHIP: COURTENAY, BC – Lost Savanna Farm

Posted by Michalina Hunter on January 23, 2019

Are you interested to learn about organic pasture raised meat production? Lost Savanna Farm is now accepting applications for 2019 interns. Interns will work and live in one of the most beautiful places on earth, Vancouver Island. They will learn first hand, the tools necessary to become a pasture based organic meat farmer, while working alongside the farmer and farm manager. This internship opportunity starts April 1st with a minimum commitment of 4 months. ABOUT LOST SAVANNA FARM Our 73 acre Certified Organic, Certified Demeter farm is devoted to raising animals on pasture to produce the highest quality meat (chicken, … Continue reading APPRENTICESHIP: COURTENAY, BC – Lost Savanna Farm →