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This virtual 4-part webinar offers producers the information to gain simple, effective social media skills to elevate their operation in 2025.  The series runs Thursdays, starting February 27 and is open to Alberta producers of all skill level.

Course Information

This program is designed to introduce small ruminant producers in Alberta to the principles and practices of rotational grazing, focusing on improving pasture health, animal productivity, and long-term sustainability. Each session includes interactive presentations, Q&A opportunities, and actionable takeaways. For more information, see poster.
 

Dates: Feb. 11, 18, 25, March 4 & 11 at 7 pm MT

Click here to register.

The intake for the 2025-2026 Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP), delivered by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, will be opening soon. Applications will be accepted between January 27, 2025 and February 24, 2025. The Youth Employment and Skills Program helps support employers who hire youth (between the age of 15 and 30 inclusive) for agricultural related jobs by providing funding for 50% of wages to a maximum of $14,000 to employ one (1) employee.

For more information, click here, or visit the AAFC website at Youth Employment and Skills Program.

The Targeted Grazing Course is now accepting registrations!  This online course includes information on grazing principles, grazing tame and native forages, stockmanship and animal welfare, and building a business plan.  Delve into information on unique grazing opportunities such as cutblocks, urban areas, solar sites, forested areas and for weed management. The next course session starts January 29.  Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more info.  

For more information on course content, please view the Course Outline.

Producers - this is your chance to connect your veterinarian with an opportunity to expand their knowledge in your industry!

The Small Flock Sheep & Goat Course webinar series is intended for Canadian veterinarians and veterinary professionals and will assist the mixed animal veterinarian and veterinary staff in understanding the normal production cycles of sheep and goats, how to perform a clinical examination of individual animals as well as the flock and understand the common diseases and conditions that affect these species, their proper diagnosis, and control measures. Important and common zoonotic diseases and how to protect their clients will also be covered. Specific welfare issues, e.g., euthanasia, disbudding, tail-docking and castration, will be also included. 

Click here for details and share the information with your veterianarian!

 Ontario Sheep Farmers if offering a Master Shepherd's Course (Professional Development), which is set to begin in January14, 2025.

 If you or a fellow sheep farmer could benefit from this comprehensive program, we encourage you to apply and share the course details.

https://www.ontariosheep.org/master-shepherds-course

The Rangeland Sustainability Program works to promote the conservation and long-term sustainability of Alberta’s rangelands and the ecosystem services these working landscapes provide. Alberta’s Rangelands provide many ecological goods and services that benefit all Albertans.
Organizations can apply for grant funding for projects promoting the conservation and long-term sustainability of Alberta’s rangelands.
The application deadline is October 16.
Learn more and apply

It’s estimated that at least 40 per cent of Canada’s farmers will retire within the next decade, making farm succession planning a hot topic in agriculture. With the average age of farmers on the rise, the need for transition strategies is now more pressing than ever.

Succession looks different for every farm, as the transition path must meet the needs of the farming family and its business.

Common options include:

family succession, where the farm is passed down to a relative.
partnerships, which allow for a gradual transition of responsibilities.
the formation of corporations or LLCs to manage assets and operations.
Other options include selling the farm to a third party, leasing it to a successor, setting up trusts and estates, or even employee buyouts for long-term workers familiar with the farm’s operations.

After reviewing and approving more than 1,000 applications, RDAR is pleased to announce the re-opening of the 2024 OFCAF program for an additional intake of 150 funding applications. The new intake will fulfil RDAR’s commitment to distributing all available OFCAF funds to Alberta producers, enabling them to adopt impactful, sustainable changes on their farms and ranches.

The ARGO online application system will open at 0800 h on September 6th, 2024, to accept applications. RDAR will continue to receive project applications on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is fully committed.

How to Apply:

The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) is currently addressing a critical issue concerning the potential rail strike affecting Canada’s Class I railways. The ramifications of such a strike could have severe impacts on Canadian agriculture and agri-food sectors, extending beyond just the grains industry.
To address this, CFA has communicated their position to key stakeholders, including the Prime Minister, Ministers of Labour and Transport, railway organizations, and labor unions. We are advocating for immediate intervention by the Minister to prevent this disruption and urging the consideration of section 107 of the Canada Labour Code. This section would enable the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to facilitate a binding arbitration to resolve the dispute.

Below is the letter sent to the ministers.