On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF)
ARECA has been selected as a delivering partner for the OFCAF program in conjunction with the Canadian Forage and Grasslands Association. Producers are eligible for funding in support of improving rotational grazing across the prairies through the development of a detailed grazing plan, water distribution, new cross fencing, and increased legumes in pastures. Interested producers can participate in the online learning which provides short videos, photos, and stories surrounding rotational grazing practices. This program supports carbon sequestration, promotes biodiversity, and improving the water cycle.
Advanced Grazing System
Advanced Grazing Systems is a national program designed for farm operators and extension professionals to learn the basic techniques of rotational grazing.
The program is designed to help farmers learn about grazing management systems, this may happen through in person workshops, creation of grazing clubs, and/or independently through the free online course. This course provides resources and templates needed to start working on their own grazing management plan.
Alberta has worked hard to develop resources for producers interested in learning more about rotational grazing and the demonstration sites in Alberta.
Local Grazing Mentors
The program also offers training to support folks with experience in grazing management to become a mentor and/or advisor. There is live, online training sessions that they can attend, or they can also work through the materials independently. There are then monthly meetings with mentors across Canada – creating a network of experienced grazing experts, sharing information and training the next generation of extension specialists.
You have the opportunity to work with a grazing mentor to support the development of a Grazing Management Plan. We have a growing network of mentors across Alberta and are trying hard to develop additional regional coverage.
Mike Hittinger - Westlock Edmonton North
Etienne Poulin - Busby/ Northern Alberta
Dale Engstrom - Yellowhead County
Lacey Gould - Hanna South East
Karin Roen - Oyen South East
Stephen Smith - Red Deer Central
Kelly Millard - Southern Alberta
Deborah Skeels - Rocky Mountain House West Central
John Reid - Rocky Mountain House
Kelly Sidoryk - Lloydminster
Sonja Shank For additional mentor contacts