Due to tight funding timelines, Term 1 of the Ignatius Farm New Farmer Training Program will not be held live in 2025. However, you can access the webinar recordings and course resources from last year here! 

The Ignatius Farm New Farmer Training Program is housed on an online course platform called Moodle. Registrants will be sent the Term 1 passcode and instructions for setting up an account on Moodle by email.

This recording bundle will give you access to the following webinar recordings:

Introduction to Organic Growing

Are you wanting to grow your own vegetables but are not sure how to get started? Join this webinar for an overview of how to start growing vegetables using organic principles. Topics will include the basics of getting to know your site, common tools, site preparation, planting, pest management, harvesting, and extending the season.  

Speaker: Lisa Conroy, Ignatius Farm

The Language of Ecological Agriculture

What is organic agriculture? What does regenerative mean? What is the difference between permaculture, agroecology, and biodynamic farming? Join us for a discussion about the language of ecological agriculture and start thinking about how and where your farm might fit.  

Speaker: Thorsten Arnold, Grey-Bruce Centre for Agroecology and Persephone Market Garden

Botany for Farmers and Gardeners

This webinar will provide an introduction to botany for gardeners, farmers, and foodies. Topics will include vegetable classification and why this is important, parts of a plant, pollination and common pests and diseases.  

Speaker: Lisa Conroy, Ignatius Farm

Identifying and Controlling Insect Pests

Unfortunately we are not the only ones who find our crops tasty!  There is a whole world of insects that find our crops delicious or a great home.  This webinar gives you a basic understanding of the role of insects in agriculture and how to manage pests throughout the growing season.

Speaker: Lisa Conroy, Ignatius Farm

Introduction to Indoor Growing

This webinar will cover the different types of indoor growing options and which crops can be grown indoors in the spring. The many benefits and challenges of this production system will be discussed.

Speaker: Lisa Conroy, Ignatius Farm

Introduction to Seedling production and Greenhouse management

Starting your own seedlings can be challenging. Join this webinar to learn some tips and tricks to producing high quality healthy seedlings as well as good Greenhouse management techniques. Della Campbell shares her experience growing seedlings for Everdale’s plant sale and CSA farm.

Speaker: Della Campbell, Everdale Farm

Farm Workers Rights and Responsibilities

Did you know that farm worker rights differ from general employee rights? Many new farm workers are uninformed about their rights and responsibilities.  This webinar will clarify the different rights and responsibilities relating to working on Ontario farms. .

Speakers: Hannah Kaya, Farm Worker Organizer, National Farmers Union Ontario & El Cyr

Introduction to Soil Health

Soil is the foundation of growing healthy food. Learn the properties of soils and how to maintain and build soil health. We will discuss the types of soils and their attributes, how to keep soils healthy and what activities contribute to degrading, maintaining, and building healthy soils.

Speaker: Sarah Larsen, Research and Small Grains Programs Director, EFAO