Discover how cover crops can help you on your farm
Through this course, you will be able to identify how cover crops can fix some of the soil problems on your farm, and how these plants can improve your bottom line. By using cover crops, you can cut back on your use of fertilizers, soil amendments and sprays, and add biodiversity to your farm.
JOIN US FOR OUR NEXT COURSES IN WINTER 2022!
DEC 5 & 12, 2022: ONLINE – Columbia Basin Cover Cropping Workshop
DEC 6 & 13, 2022: ONLINE – Peace Cover Cropping Workshop
DEC 7 & 14, 2022: ONLINE – Thompson-Okanagan Cover Cropping Workshop
By completing this course, you will leave with:
A cover crop plan adapted to your region, microclimate, soil type, equipment, crop rotation and other characteristics. You will work out how and when to plant and terminate cover crops and even have back-up plans in case something unexpected happens.
Tools to help adapt and expand your cover crop plan. You will have the resources to change your cover crop plan if your farm changes and as you get more comfortable using cover crops.
A network of contacts. During the course, you will meet Mentors and other farmers in your region. You will develop a network of people you can reach out to with questions or follow on social media to find out about upcoming workshops and farm tours.
How do I know if this program is right for me?
This year, the curriculum is focused on row crops and field crops and will be most relevant to BC farmers growing these at a medium and large scale in the Peace, Kootenay/Columbia Basin, and North Okanagan regions. The program is open to both conventional and organic producers. Future years will see curriculum broadened to include market gardeners and cover crops in perennial production systems.
If you are a medium-large scale row and/or field cropper in one of the three target regions, and any of the following statements resonate with you, then we think this is the right program for you!
I would like to adopt beneficial management practices (BMPs) on my farm, and I am looking to grow my knowledge or get more implementation information
I have adopted one or more climate-friendly agricultural practices on my farm with success and would like to adopt another
I have adopted a BMP at a small-scale and I am looking to scale-up
I have unsuccessfully attempted to adopt a BMP on my farm and I am looking for assistance to make it work
I have not yet adopted BMPs on my farm but I am interested in learning more
Our commitment to equity for FaRM:
We believe that our sector, and our work as a coalition, will be stronger with decreased barriers to entry and better opportunities to succeed for equity-deserving farmers. We encourage people who belong to equity-deserving groups to join the Farm Mentorship Program, and have reserved 30% of registrations for equity-deserving farmers.
How much time will I need to commit?
Here is an approximate breakdown of your time commitment for one year:
5 hours of class time
2-4 hours of independent learning (i.e. reading material, watching videos, etc. on your own time)
Optional follow-up support with Farmer Mentors
Unlimited access to online learning platform, including community clubs, for the year
What can you expect from the program?
A comprehensive and supported Mentorship experience
Small class sizes (8-12 participants) made up of other farmers in your region
Access to an online course system so you can learn at your own pace
Access to monthly mentor check-ins, where you can join your peers in meeting spaces that foster learning, knowledge sharing and support. Possibly some in-person meet ups if there is interest.
Access to Farmer Mentors to guide your learning and provide helpful input
A management plan to support your on-farm implementation
Useful resources and fact sheets
Questions? Email community@youngagrarians.org.
Do you want general information about the FaRM Program? Are you looking for the Advanced Nitrogen Management or Advanced Grazing Systems courses? Visit the FaRM Program homepage.