Learn Independently
Farming can be a busy lifestyle that requires learning options that fit varied schedules. CFGA has developed a learning platform that is mobile-friendly so you can learn and reference information wherever you might be. The learning platform creates opportunities for you to learn on your own or connect with other farmers learning the same materials. We have also created many opportunities to ask questions of mentors and other rotational grazing experts.
Whether you’re managing a large operation that keeps you on the farm, have an off-farm job or possible family commitments, this program is designed for people interested in learning, but who may not always be able to attend the many great workshops available. With a device, an internet connection and a will to learn, CFGA’s Advanced Grazing Systems is a course that provides a foundation of the most important concepts to anyone wanting the basics on rotational grazing.
To register for our online Advanced Grazing Systems course in English, click HERE.
To register for our online Advanced Grazing Systems course in French, click HERE.
Once you are on the program page, click “Enroll” and follow these steps to complete your enrollment:
- If you already have a CFGA Canvas account, click “Sign in to Enroll” and log in with your credentials. Click “Enroll in Program”, and then “Go to Courses” to go to the course page. Click “Begin Course” to start the first module.
- If you don’t have a CFGA Canvas account, enter your information in the form at the bottom of the page and click “Register New Account”. You will receive a confirmation email – open this email and click ‘Complete Registration”. Create a password and click “Register”. You will be taken to the course page – click “Begin Course” to start the first module.
If you need any support, please contact [email protected].
Learn with a Mentor
If you would like to take your learning to the next level consider finding a mentor to help you in learning about rotational grazing. Using the curriculum used in the independent learning, Farmers for Climate Solutions (FCS) is creating opportunities for farmers to link up with experienced support networks to get a little more support. The program offers live training sessions as well as access to FCS’s own learning platform containing all of the same materials. As part of the program, you have access to follow-up support from your mentor.
The CFGA is a member of the FCS coalition which supports and leads training mentors in the three areas of cover crops, nitrogen management and rotational grazing. In a collaborative effort, FCS and the CFGA worked together to develop the Advanced Grazing Systems curriculum and mentorship program. One of the main goals of this program is to provide potential mentors the skills to mentor others and for farmers to learn within support networks. Learn more about the Farm Resilience Mentorship (FaRM) Program
About Rotational Grazing
Rotational grazing is a practice that has been in use for years. However, recently it has garnered more interest from more farmers.
Rotational grazing can help livestock producers by:
- extending their grazing period
- increasing the yield of pastures
- improving the forage quality for livestock
- reducing weed pressure
- improving nutrient cycling
- helping to build soil health
In addition to many of these important benefits for the farm operation, there are also additional positive impacts across the Canadian landscape because rotational grazing
- promotes biodiversity
- sequesters carbon
- can improve the water cycle
The CFGA is passionate about promoting this practice and, in the last year, has worked with its members and a variety of organizations to promote this useful practice through advocacy, education and creating funding opportunities.
Become a Mentor
Created in partnership with Farmers for Climate Solutions and Greener Pastures Ranching, this mentorship program was developed to ensure that knowledge and know-how on rotational grazing can easily be found across Canada. Mentors are generally someone already well versed in rotational grazing and interested in helping 10 to 20 farmers develop their own grazing plans.
This national program supports mentors with two four-hour training sessions that cover the basics of rotational grazing and the mentorship process as well as continued support. This program supports mentors with both regular peer-to-peer sessions and on-demand resource materials. Mentors work through provincial partners who support them with extension support and delivering the training.
Contact the CFGA if you have any questions or would like to register to take the mentorship training.