The CFGA is strengthening producer support this fall by pairing its national grazing mentorship training with its growing Advanced Grazing Systems (AGS) program. Together, these supports give producers the skills and the learning tools needed to build confident, practical grazing plans.

Fall 2026 mentorship training

The CFGA is proud to continue its national mentorship program by offering in‑person and online training, along with mentorship tools nationwide. These resources help producers grow their skills and adopt beneficial management practices that store carbon and reduce greenhouse gases.

Registration is now open for the next mentor training, which takes place virtually from noon to 3 p.m. Eastern on Sept. 9 and 23. The first session will cover the role of the mentor and mentorship skills, while the second session will take a deeper look at cell design and grazing plan development.

Training is delivered by CFGA program leads and subject experts, including learning development and extension specialists. Participants must complete the online Advanced Grazing Systems (AGS) course before attending the training. The course and training are free. Registration closes Aug. 31. Contact [email protected] to register.

AGS program expands learning options

The CFGA’s free AGS program continues to grow, offering producers across Canada practical, accessible training in rotational grazing. Available in both English and French through CFGA’s mobile‑friendly learning management system (LMS), the program provides an introductory yet comprehensive foundation in grazing principles that producers can apply directly to their operations.

To further support producers in applying rotational grazing within specific production systems and landscapes, the CFGA has introduced targeted subcourses that build on the foundational AGS content.

The first to join the program was the AGS for Dairy subcourse, which provides system‑specific guidance to help dairy farmers integrate rotational grazing into their operations. Developed with input from dairy producers and subject matter experts, the dairy module builds on AGS fundamentals and offers practical strategies tailored to dairy herd management and forage use.

Most recently, CFGA launched the Small Ruminant Rotational Grazing subcourse, designed specifically for sheep and goat producers. This eight‑hour program includes eight modules that explore stocking density, forage resource management, water systems, alternative grazing approaches, minerals and supplements, parasite management, working with dogs, fencing options and contract grazing scenarios. Each module blends articles, presentations, videos and reflective questions to help producers apply concepts directly to their flocks and herds.

Advanced grazing systems play a vital role in promoting biodiversity, sequestering carbon and improving the water cycle, and this new subcourse supports small ruminant producers in adopting practices that benefit both their animals and the landscape.

All AGS courses use a blended‑learning model that combines core concepts, practical tools and regionally informed guidance to help producers build a rotational grazing plan suited to their farm. All materials, including worksheets, templates and additional resources, can be downloaded for future reference. The course can be accessed on a phone, tablet, desktop computer or through the Canvas App, making it easy to learn wherever and whenever time allows. Producers can learn independently, connect with peers or engage directly with mentors and grazing experts through the CFGA’s Grazing Mentorship program.

Originally launched in 2022 and updated in 2024, the AGS program was developed with forage and grazing experts nationwide in partnership with Agriculture and Agri‑Food Canada (AAFC) through the On‑Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) and Farmers for Climate Solutions (FCS). A key strength of the program is its close collaboration with provincial forage associations, whose regional expertise ensures producers receive insight tailored to local conditions, challenges and opportunities.

More info

Visit the CFGA’s Advanced Grazing Systems program webpage to learn more about the AGS program for mentors and producers and to register for the AGS course and Dairy and Small Ruminant subcourses.