Women, racialized, Indigenous and young farmers and farm workers, as well as those from other underrepresented groups, are invited to apply to THE EXCHANGE, a new training and support program led by the National Farmers Union (NFU).
National Farmers Union opens applications to training, support program for underrepresented farmers
Alberta and B.C. producers stand out at young farmer event
Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmer event recognizes excellence
Reading Time: 2 minutes Producers from Alberta and B.C. are among the winners of Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmer (COYF) national event. Greg and Sarah Stamp of Enchant, Alberta and Brad and Travis Hopcott of Pitt Meadows, B.C. were chosen from seven regional farmers at the event, held in Laval, Quebec November 22 to 26. “Every year the regional finalists […] Read more
New mentorship program targets young grain farmers
National wheat grower group looks to inject youth into the board
Reading Time: 3 minutes The Wheat Growers Association is looking for young farmers who want to know more about agricultural policy objectives. “This is a great opportunity for young farmers to learn the effects different policies like transportation, trade, and environment have on their farm,” said Kaitlyn Kitzan, the association’s treasurer and director for Saskatchewan. Kitzan, 24, is a […] Read more
The kids are alright — but give them a chance to prove it
Reading Time: 4 minutes Treating your kids like livestock may seem like strange advice from a farm succession expert — but that depends on how you treat your cattle, says Reg Shandro. “I love the saying of one of my clients, ‘I want to handle my kids like I handle my cows. I want to open the gate and […] Read more
To be truly sustainable, local food must work on many levels
Reading Time: 4 minutes Austin Noirot, 13, of Caroline, is the junior winner of this year’s Alberta Young Speakers for Agriculture competition. In his speech, he addressed the question: Is local food sustainable? The topic of food sustainability has become increasingly popular lately, with many people putting their opinions out on social media and newspapers. There seems to be […] Read more
Farm at Altario School is growing experiences and excitement
Reading Time: 4 minutes It started as a small tulip garden but has grown into a vibrant student-led farm that now entices kids to a once-struggling school in the tiny village of Altario. “This school gives us the opportunity to do things that we never thought we would do,” said Jessica Vert, a recently graduated Grade 9 student who […] Read more
With fewer young farmers, what will the future hold?
The shift to very large operations run by a smaller number of (mostly older) producers is intensifying, latest census finds
Reading Time: 4 minutes The average age of farmers keeps going up, but it’s not because younger people don’t want to farm — it’s high land prices and tight margins that’s keeping them out, the latest ag census suggests. Bob Ohlhauser agrees. “It’s about money,” said the 82-year-old who still helps operate a medium-size grain farm near Carbon, an […] Read more
Young and passionate: Why these ranchers are taking a seat at the table
It’s about focusing on things that matter now in order to build a better future, say these young leaders
Reading Time: 7 minutes Young producers are coming to the Alberta Beef Producers’ table — and they’re bringing their ideas and passions with them. Kaylee Chizawsky is one of them. The fourth-generation cattle farmer is one of a number of younger people serving as a delegate or board member for the five-decade-old organization. It’s important that her generation “advocate […] Read more
Rancher goes from ‘naive’ novice to Alberta’s Outstanding Young Farmer
Reading Time: 4 minutes Ten years ago, Alberta’s newest Outstanding Young Farmer wasn’t even a farmer. He was a lot of other things — an engineer; an environmentalist; a former vegetarian — but although he had family who ranched, Ben Campbell was never a farm kid, and never really thought he would be. But when he learned about the […] Read more
Impossible dream? Program opens the door to young would-be farmers
There’s no shortage of people who yearn to farm, and mentors and networks offer the hopeful a chance
Reading Time: 8 minutes Jason Stuka didn’t grow up with a dream of farming. Unlike his parents, he wasn’t raised on a farm nor was he immersed in the culture of farming. When he got a bachelor of arts degree, a job in ag wasn’t even on his radar. But that all changed in his late 20s. He delved […] Read more
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