Build a foundation to start a successful farm enterprise!
This program will not only provide you with critical information to start your farm, but you will meet other new and experienced farmers and become a part of the ecological agricultural community in Ontario. Educational content is geared toward new farmers, but is open to all farmers who might be curious about a certain topic, wishing to expand their farming knowledge, or in need of a refresh.
Because of the current health and safety protocols in effect, this program will take place online through webinars and virtual field days.
Sample Program (dates & times subject to change)
Term 1: April 21-30, (9-11am & 2:30-4:30pm)
7 Webinars
Provides foundational knowledge and language for basic farm work.
Sample workshops: The Language of Ecological Agriculture in Ontario, Intro to Organic Growing, Soils, Botany, and Intro to Indoor Growing.
Term 2: Monday & Wednesday afternoons, May-July (2:30-4:30pm)
16 Webinars/virtual field days, 3 optional in-person field trips
Teaches the application of farm language and knowledge.
Sample workshops: Irrigation, Field & Bed preparation, Weed management, Harvest & postharvest handling, Cover crops & green manures, Indoor fruiting crops, Ergonomics/farmer health, Equipment maintenance.
Term 3: Monday & Wednesday afternoons, August-October (2:30-4:30pm)
14 Webinars/Virtual field days, 3 optional in-person field trips
Expands beyond basics to build skills for a specialized farm.
Sample workshops/ virtual field days: Apiculture, Permaculture, Livestock (various), Flower production, beer/cider production, value-added products.
Term 4: November 1-19 (9-11am & 2:30-4:30pm)
12 Webinars/virtual field days
Provides entrepreneurship training for operating a farm business.
Sample workshops: Farm Design, Business planning, Production system management, Budgets & Record keeping, Marketing and distribution, Financing, and Land access.
*Online meet-ups will be scheduled each term for those participating in the full program/a full term in order to facilitate networking and participant learning objectives.
*Full program participants receive a certificate in the Ignatius Farm New Farmer Training Program.
Term 3 focuses on expanding beyond basics and building skills for a specialized farm.
Register for the whole term, or sign up for individual sessions. Term 3 includes 7 webinars, 10 virtual field days, and 2 full term participant meet-ups.
Term 3 events include:
August 11th: Virtual Field Day: Fair Fields Farm, 2:30-3:30pm
August 16th: Keeping Bees, 2:30-4:00pm
August 18th: Virtual Field Day: Cavaleiro Farm, 2:30-3:30
August 23rd: Farm Task Focus: Bagging Greens, 2:30-4:00pm
August 25th: Virtual Field Day: Mulberry Moon Farm, 2:30-3:30pm
August 30th: Orchard Care Basics, 2:30-4:00pm
September 1st: Growing Herbs and Teas, 2:30-4:00pm
September 15th: Virtual Field Day: Earth Haven Biodynamic Farm, 2:30-3:30
September 20th: Preserving the Harvest, 2:30-4:00pm
September 22nd: Farm Task Focus: Compost Tea, 2:30-4:00pm
September 27th: Intro to Permaculture, 2:30-4:00pm
September 29th: Virtual Field Day: The Conscious Kitchen, 2:30-3:30pm
October 6th: Virtual Field Day: Sundance Harvest, 2:30-3:30pm
October 18th: Seed Saving, 2:30-4:00pm
October 20th: Virtual Field Day TBA
October 25th: Vegetable Crop Planning
October 27th: Virtual Field Day TBA
Check back for details about Term 4!
