Agricultural Research and Extension Council of Alberta - Sustainable Grazing Mentorship Program 2007

This funding pays the mentor, who spends approximately 16 hours creating grazing plans, developing systems, and performing economic analyses of the client’s enterprise.

The program helps connect experienced graziers with novice producers, to assist the less experienced producer in implementing BMPs. This program contributes to the improvement of pasture resilience to drought and to the adoption of grazing practices that minimize environmental impacts, through extension/awareness, education/research and consulting/mentoring.

Background Alberta producers are undergoing a slow shift toward management intensive grazing. The benefits of implementing this forage management practice are more production at lower cost, better drought tolerance, and increased environmental sustainability. Environmental sustainability of our resources is a public concern. Managing riparian areas for health is positive for all stakeholders. Improving habitats that evolve under grazing is beneficial for both landowners and public users.

A knowledge/skill gap exists for putting knowledge into practice for the novice producer. Producers are asking for assistance to gain the necessary skills to assist them as they adopt better management practices, which was why the program began. In 2002 and 2003, the program was funded by the Rural Water Development Program. In 2004 and 2005 the program was funded by the Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Program through the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association. To date, producers have been very satisfied with the results and advice they have received from the mentors. Physical assessment and practical advice from mentors that have experience and training is very beneficial for producers in adopting best management practices (BMPs).
How it works The sustainable grazing mentorship program paired many producers from 2002 to 2005 with mentors from their local area. The general format of the program is that the novice grazier puts in $100, in the form of a cheque, which is sent by the mentor to ARECA. The mentor assists the novice grazier with creating grazing plans, developing systems, and performing economic analyses of their enterprises. The mentor puts in approximately 16 hours, and in return receives $500 and is compensated for mileage. The mentor is responsible for submitting to ARECA invoices and documentation regarding the work plan and what was accomplished.

For More Information:
Contact Grant Lastiwka by email or visit the ARECA website.