Young Farmer Programs - Farm Management Canada

An experiential leadership development opportunity for anyone who wants to broaden their horizons, deepen their understanding of Ontario’s diverse agri-food industry and expand their networks

Cost/Financial Support:

The AALP tuition fee is $12,500/person. The University of Guelph also charges an administration fee and credit card processing fee.

Participants can expect to pay $3,000 to $5,000 in additional personal expenses (gratuities, travel visa/vaccinations/passport/ insurance, hospitality, some meals, tourism and other miscellaneous items).

AgriMentor

Lead:
Union des cultivateurs Franco-Ontariens

Target:

Mentors – women working in agriculture with over 5 years’ experience.
Mentees – women in agriculture or women who aspire to work in agriculture.

Format:

6-month mentorship with one monthly meeting.

Details:

To provide various services and resources to support and prepare women who are beginning their careers in the agricultural and agri-food industry.

To promote peer-to-peer interactions and establish partnerships to amplify the impact.

Cost/Financial Support:

No cost to participants.

Alberta/NWT Outstanding Young Farmers

Lead:
Outstanding Young Farmers of Canada

Details:

Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers (COYF) program is designed to recognize young farmers that exemplify excellence in their profession. Eligible nominees must be farm operators between the ages of 18 and 39 who derive a minimum of two-thirds of their income from their farm operations.

Each year an individual, couple or managing partner/shareholder of a farm group is selected from each of the program’s seven Regional Recognition Events to represent their respective region at the National Recognition Event. Each year, two nominees are recognized as Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers at the National Recognition Event.

Arterre

Lead:
Centre de référence en agriculture et agroalimentaire du Québec

Target:

aspiring farmers who want to establish themselves in agriculture, whether they come from an agricultural background or not
agricultural producers who do not have a successor, who wish to retire and who want to ensure the continuity of their business by having their assets operated by a successor

Format:

To ensure the success of this process, an evaluation of applicants (prospective farmers, landowners, and those transferring their land) is necessary, considering their human, entrepreneurial, financial, and technical-economic aspects.

The matchmaking agent ensures compatibility between participants during initial meetings and guides them to clarify the factors that could influence the conclusion of a business agreement. To this end, the agent works in collaboration with a network of qualified professionals (notary, lawyer, tax specialist, farm transfer advisor, etc.) and provides follow-up at each stage of the process.

Details:

A networking service in Quebec focused on supporting and matching aspiring farmers with landowners. It prioritizes the establishment of the next generation of farmers through the takeover of farms (that do not have an identified successor), the acquisition or leasing of assets, and the creation of partnerships to ensure the sustainability of agricultural businesses and heritage in Quebec.

Cost/Financial Support:

Varied

Atlantic Outstanding Young Farmers

Lead:
Outstanding Young Farmers of Canada

Details:

A-Way to Work Program

Lead:
International Rural Exchange

Target:

Young Canadians (18-35).

Format:

International exchange program for paid work across the globe.

Details:

Helps young Canadians find paid agriculture jobs across the globe – the chance to work on real farms, learn new skills, and grow your career in agriculture. Helps access work permits through the International Experience Canada program (IEC).

Cost/Financial Support:

Provides paid opportunities with host farms around the world.

Backswath Peer Groups Program

Lead:
Backswath Management Inc.

Target:

Progressive farmers and ag professionals ready to level up their business.

Details:

Stay focused, supported, and accountable as you grow your farm business. Join a group of forward-thinking farmers working to sharpen their management skills, tackle challenges, and build stronger, more profitable operations. Share real experiences with peers who understand the ups and downs of farming. Get fresh ideas to boost profitability and decision-making. Stay on track with your goals through built-in accountability. Build connections that strengthen your farm and your mindset.

B.C. Land Matching Program (BCLMP)

Lead:
Young Agrarians

Target:

Farmers seeking land to start or expand their agricultural business
Landholders looking for someone to farm their land
Farmers and farmland holders who matched independently and want support to develop agreements

Format:

The BCLMP provides:

An online and searchable inventory of B.C. land opportunities
Personalized, regional matchmaking services for farmers and landholders, including support to develop land use agreements
Referrals to business and technical support services
Educational events and resources to increase knowledge and facilitate matches between new farmers and landholders

Details:

Provides personalized land matching and business support services to farmers looking for land to start or expand their farm, and landholders interested in finding someone to farm their land.

Cost/Financial Support:

YA offer a sliding scale payment, which means that participants can select how much they pay to participate.

The suggested sliding scale cost is $250–$350, which is $25–$35 per session. Although no one will be turned away from the program for lack of funds.

B.C. Yukon Outstanding Young Farmers

Lead:
Outstanding Young Farmers of Canada

Details:

Beef Researcher Mentorship Program

Lead:
Beef Cattle Research Council

Target:

Engaging researchers who study cattle, beef, genetics, feed or forage production.

Format:

Participants are paired with innovative cattle producers or other industry professionals for a one-year mentorship (September 1 – August 31). Mentors help the researchers build their knowledge, skills and network through ongoing discussions and by initiating various introductions, tours and meetings. The mentors are valuable resources of information about day-to-day cattle and forage production, industry structure and influences, and perspectives on industry challenges and opportunities at regional and national levels.

Details:

To facilitate greater engagement of upcoming and new applied researchers with Canada’s beef industry.

The program is designed to:

align research interests with those that are practical and beneficial to Canada’s beef industry
build the skills, network and confidence necessary to participate in/lead applied research and technology transfer efforts that enhance and accelerate innovation in Canada’s beef industry
facilitate collaboration to help new Canadian beef researchers establish effective research and extension programs

Cost/Financial Support:

No cost to participants.

Participants receive a travel budget.

Funded through the technology transfer initiative within the Beef Cattle Industry Science Cluster.

Bridging the Gap Farm Transition Workshop Program

Lead:
Farm Management Canada

Format:

One day, in-person workshop that takes place in various municipalities across Canada.

Details:

Bridging the Gap is a workshop designed to help farming families navigate the important journey of farm transition. This workshop is uniquely designed to engage multiple generations and equip families with the knowledge and resources they need to be successful.

Farm Management Canada presents the workshop in partnership with MNP, AFSC, Alberta Canola, FCC, Ritchie Bros., and RBC. This workshop offers practical guidance, expert insights, and the tools families need to navigate transition with confidence.

Cost/Financial Support:

Varies depending on partner/sponsor support

Business Bootcamp for New Farmers

Lead:
Young Agrarians

Target:

Individuals or farm teams who are planning on starting up agricultural operations in the near future, are looking to expand to an existing farm or hobby enterprise or want to start a new enterprise on an existing farm

Format:

The Business Bootcamp runs online for 11 consecutive weeks with one topic per week. Live sessions are held on Wednesday evenings.

Video content, 30 – 45 minutes
Live sessions with speakers, 2 hours
Worksheets, 20 minutes to 2 hours. Work at your own pace.
Additional readings and exploring new resources.

Details:

The program is structured to facilitate farmer-to-farmer learning. Each week participants are expected to watch a pre-recorded video from each speaker and complete a worksheet before attending the online, live session via Zoom.

Each speaker video covers the main concepts for their area of expertise. Some videos will focus on various elements of a business plan while others will be a story of how a farmer started their farm business.

Cost/Financial Support:

YA offer a sliding scale payment, which means that participants can select how much they pay to participate.

The suggested sliding scale cost is $250–$350, which is $25–$35 per session. Although no one will be turned away from the program for lack of funds.

Canadian Agriculture Youth Council (CAYC)

Lead:
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Target:

Young Canadians involved in the agriculture sector (including farmers)

Format:

Members meet several times each year to discuss issues that matter to their peers, their community and their sector.

Details:

As a consultative body to AAFC, the CAYC is a group of young Canadians appointed to provide advice, enabling on-going dialogue on food-related challenges and opportunities, sharing information and best practices, and advising on the strengths and weaknesses of policies and programs affecting the agriculture and agri-food sectors.

Cost/Financial Support:

Canadian Angus Mentorship Program

Lead:
Canadian Angus Association

Target:

Aspiring, new and experienced cattle producers to exchange experience and knowledge.

Format:

Mentors and mentees are encouraged to connect in-person (if possible) or virtually. Ideally, the mentee would visit the mentor’s farm/ranch at least once to review how they run their operation.

Details:

To ensure important relationships and share knowledge.

Mentorship is about sharing experiences and knowledge that will help someone through obstacles in their life and career. Often people are mentored or act as a mentor without even realizing the importance of what has taken place.

Note: Canadian Angus aims to develop a database of expertise to fill commonly identified gaps of knowledge in the industry.

Cost/Financial Support:

No cost to participants.

Canadian Cattle Youth Council

Lead:
Canadian Cattle Association

Target:

For young farmers aged 18-40 across Canada with an interest in the beef industry.

Format:

The council is made up of 10 delegates, including seven Provincial Representatives and three Members at Large.

Delegates have the opportunity to serve on Canadian Cattle Association Committees as non-voting members to gain experience and provide a youthful perspective on industry issues.

The council also has an ex-officio position reserved for the Youth Member of the Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off Agency.

Details:

To cultivate youthful leadership by exposing delegates to industry policy development, while giving them opportunities to gain experience and bring fresh ideas to the Canadian Cattle Association and Canadian beef cattle industry. The council also strives to be a source of information between industry organizations and youth of the beef industry.

Two levels of involvement:

First, is to become a member of the Youth Council.

Second, is to become a delegate, to sit on either the Youth Council as a Provincial Representative or Member at Large. Terms vary depending on the role picked.

Cost/Financial Support:

There is no cost to join the council, but there is typically a voting process which differs from province to province.

Delegates’ travel cost is supported by the CCA and/or provincial cattle associations.

Canadian Cow-Calf Cost of Production Network (COP Network)

Lead:
Canfax

Target:

Beef producers

Format:

Producers are grouped into similar production systems based on winter feeding days, calving and weaning dates. Data is collected through producer focus groups to produce benchmarks.

Details:

Provides a standard methodology that allows for the comparison of production systems across Canada and internationally with a global network. Participants receive a benchmarking report for their operation including a 5-yr trend analysis against other operations.

Cost/Financial Support:

Participants receive a $500 honorarium for participating in the network.

Funded by the Beef Cattle Research Council

Canola Leaders

Lead:
Alberta Canola

Target:

Young canola farmers and industry leaders in Alberta.

Format:

An invitation-only annual event for 20 young farmers (or farmers that are young in their leadership journey) from across Alberta each year in March. Also open to a limited number of participants from the industry including those planning to return to the farm.

Details:

The event features guest speakers and experienced leaders from across the canola family to share their experience and expertise.

Designed to enhance the leadership skills of the participants for the benefit of their farming operations and the rural communities where they live and farm.

Cost/Financial Support:

No cost to participants.

Cattle Young Leaders (CYL) Program

Lead:
Canadian Cattle Association

Target:

Open to all young people ages 18-35 passionate about the Canadian beef industry.

Format:

Virtual and In-Person

Details:

Application process. Successful applicants are paired with industry leaders. Create learning plans. Meet and attend industry events including the Canadian Beef Industry Conference to graduate.

Cost/Financial Support:

No cost to participants

16 participants selected

Costs covered for participation at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference, annual Spring Forum, and additional travel opportunities as they may arise (domestic and
international)

Participants are also granted a $3,000 travel budget to put towards travel to see their mentor, participate in other industry events or training of their choice.
Funded initially by Cargill, now also supported by McDonald’s, MNP, New Holland, Elanco, FCC, RBC Future Launch, and Alltech.

Chicken Farmers of Canada’s Young Farmers Program

Lead:
Chicken Farmers of Canada

Target:

For young farmers ages 18-40 across Canada with experience or interest in community and policy involvement.

Format:

18-month professional development program.

Interactive meetings, training and events in-person, some virtual.

Details:

To educate young leaders in the chicken sector about governance, succession planning, and personal branding. Participants network with key agriculture and government stakeholders, enhancing their understanding of the sector.

Only 5 young farmers are chosen from across the country each year

Cost/Financial Support:

No cost to participants

16 participants selected

Costs covered for participation at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference, annual Spring Forum, and additional travel opportunities as they may arise (domestic and
international)

Dairy Sen$e

Lead:
4-H Ontario

Target:

Youth ages 18-25 interested in getting involved in the dairy sector.

Format:

3-day in-person learning event

Details:

Through guest speakers, case studies, facility tours and networking with industry leaders, participants gain practical skills that will set them up to run a profitable dairy operation.

Cost/Financial Support:

$200/person covers accommodation, meals, activities and supplies.

Funded by Shur-Gain and Trouw Nutrition

Egg Farmers of Alberta Youth Development Program (YDP)

Lead:
Egg Farmers of Alberta

Target:

Aspiring farmers aged 15-25 living in Alberta on the farm.

Format:

Mandatory certifications prior to starting.

Attendees must attend at least one EFA meeting each year during the 10-year period.

Details:

Provides young farmers with a ‘hand-up’ with education and training about egg production and introduces delegates to the Canadian Egg Industry.

Accepts a maximum of 20 unregistered young egg farmers, on a first-come first-serve basis, for a maximum of 10 years.

Participants can raise egg laying hens without the need for quota (up to 300 hens in Alberta). Helps ensure their eggs are produced in accordance with the industry’s world-class standards.

Participants must already have an exemption number that authorizes them to ship their eggs to a licensed processor in the province. EFA will help ensure that these farmers and the marketers of their product meet all provincial regulatory requirements.

Cost/Financial Support:

Participants receive a 50% levy rebate.

Egg Farmers of Canada Young Farmer Program

Lead:
Egg Farmers of Canada

Target:

Canadian egg farmers under the age of 45.

Format:

Hands-on learning and networking (Board of Directors meetings, AGM, industry events, presentations by industry leaders).

Alumni participate in the Future Egg Leaders’ Summit—a day of continuing education, networking and skill-building.

Details:

The goal is to inspire and enable young farmers to take on leadership positions in the industry and sector. Delegates share knowledge, experience and expertise, and take part in a range of networking, social and industry events.

Cost/Financial Support:

No cost to participants

FaRM Resilience Mentorship

Lead:
Farmers for Climate Solutions

Target:

All farmers in Canada

Format:

Independent learning: Online, self-paced learning. Read, watch videos and complete workbooks.

Details:

For Canadian farmers interested in integrating environmental BMPs into their operations.

Mentorship: Sign up for a workshop with a farmer mentor to go over planning and implementing questions. Choose an online or in-person session.

Networking: Online discussion groups or on-farm field days to talk shop with farmers interested in the same BMPs.

Cost/Financial Support:

No cost to participants

Farmer Leadership Program

Lead:
Grain Farmers of Ontario

Target:

Grain Farmers of Ontario delegates: barley, corn, oat, soybean and wheat farmers.

Format:

In-person training at the Ivey Business School – providing skills to be strong advocates for grain farmers and the agriculture industry.

Details:

Designed to develop confident speakers, foster inspiring leaders, and create a strong network for participants

Cost/Financial Support:

Funded by Corteva and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness

Farms at Work

Lead:
Farms at Work

Target:

Ontario farmers in Durham, Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough, Northumberland, Haliburton and Hastings counties

Format:

An online forum to connect farmers in the region to resources and learning opportunities

Details:

An online community that links local farmers to meet, learn, share and explore via learning opportunities, such as skills building workshops, field courses and a farm business planning program, as well as networking opportunities and online directories

Cost/Financial Support:

Webinars: $45 each with discussion forum included

Pasture Walks: $25 each

FCC Peer Groups

Lead:
Farm Credit Canada

Details:

Take part in facilitated discussions to ask questions or seek advice
If selected, you will be matched with up to 10 other participants from food & beverage manufacturing businesses from across Canada and a professional facilitator.
Monthly meetings occur virtually and offer participants an opportunity to explore common challenges, discuss specific topics, ask questions, or seek advice about business goals or challenges.
Your commitment is to attend five monthly meetings  (approximately 2 hrs/month) over the course of the year.
Connect, learn and share with others
Get constructive feedback and coaching
Hear new ideas to improve your business
Make more confident and informed decisions
Gain professional development and life-long learning

Launch

Lead:
Farm Credit Canada

Target:

Open to anyone

Format:

12-week virtual learning with weekly half-day live sessions via the Ivey Business School

Details:

The program is divided into three modules, each focusing on a key area: finance, business and leadership.

Cost/Financial Support:

$200 (Valued at $2500)

Learn to Lead

Lead:
Sask Oilseeds

Target:

Open to all interested Saskatchewan registered producers (levy payers) from all crop commodities who are actively contributing to their farm livelihood directly or indirectly in supporting roles.

Format:

An annual workshop

Details:

A broad range of sessions provide participants with a strong foundational base for building leadership skills. Topics covered in the program include: teamwork, etiquette, networking, communication, governance, decision-making, media relations, juggling. responsibilities and managing stress.

Cost/Financial Support:

Complimentary registration valued at $2500

Manitoba Outstanding Young Farmers

Lead:
Outstanding Young Farmers of Canada

Details:

National Farm Leadership Program (NFLP)

Lead:
LeaderShift (in partnership with Farm Management Canada)

Target:

Primarily for producers, however, welcomes anyone involved in the agricultural sector

Format:

Insight: A 4-week online program with live weekly sessions

InSider: A 4-week online program with live weekly sessions

Custom Partner Programs: 3–4-day residency programs. Optional 360° leadership effectiveness assessment/personal growth plan
Coaching: 1:1 coaching with a professional coach

All programs include:

1:1 coaching
access to the LeaderLab (via App or PC) with readings, videos, worksheets, and networking through the online community
Details:

The NFLP’s programs help participants grow their leadership effectiveness through self-directed, directed, peer-to-peer learning and one-on-one and group coaching.

InSight helps farmers understand why people behave the way they do, understand why you get triggered and behave below your potential, and learn practical tools to shift your behavior towards the outcomes you want.

InSider helps farmers work through complex situations – to confront what you have been avoiding, silence negative self-talk, be more thoughtful, and feel more confident, calm and decisive in tough situations to make better decisions.

Cost/Financial Support:

InSight tuition is $625/participant.

InSider tuition is $875/participant.

FCC sponsorship reduces tuition by 80% for young farmers.

Custom Partner Program costs are varied.

One on one coaching cost varies.

Newfoundland Young Farmers Mentorship Program

Lead:
Newfoundland Young Farmers

Target:

Aged 18-40 interested in getting into agriculture

Format:

The number of mentorship hours per week ranges from 5 to 20. The mentor and mentee are expected to communicate regularly to plan their activities and determine their schedule.

Details:

The program connects mentors and mentees to help navigate the industry. From accountability, expanding networks, goal setting, encourage increased confidence, knowledge, and supporting growth.

Cost/Financial Support:

No cost to participants

NFU Youth Advisory Committee

Lead:
National Farmer’s Union

Target:

Any youth, including non-farm youth, 14 to 35 years of age can become a member

Format:

At its founding convention in 1969, the NFU created the NFU Youth to coordinate and represent young farmers nationally in the NFU. The NFU Youth has two dedicated positions on the NFU Board of Directors; the NFU Youth President and Vice President, held by young farmers.

Details:

Key activities currently include:

Youth Retreats to build relationships, learn from each other, and make plans for NFU Youth activities and priorities.
National New Farmer Coalition to encourage and support a new generation of farmers in Canada, and advance Food Sovereignty in Canada
Young Agrarians – NFU Youth members helped establish Young Agrarians

Cost/Financial Support:

No cost to participants

Ontario Beef Youth Alliance

Lead:
Beef Farmers of Ontario

Target:

Youth aged 18-35 with an active interest in the Ontario Beef Sector

Format:

Membership includes:

Networking and engagement opportunities with other like-minded individuals
Youth-based programming/ events
Mentorship connections
Access to information and resources on current funding programs to support on-farm development
Platform to share career opportunities related to the beef and ag sectors
Complimentary subscription to Ontario Beef magazine
Eligibility to run as a candidate and/or elect candidates for the youth positions on the BFO Cow-Calf, Feedlot and Research Committee

Details:

Membership-based community to engage, support and encourage the next generation of Beef Farmers

Cost/Financial Support:

Membership-based community to engage, support and encourage the next generation of Beef Farmers

Ontario’s Outstanding Young Farmer Program

Lead:
Outstanding Young Farmers of Canada

Details:

Saskatchewan Outstanding Young Farmer Program

Lead:
Outstanding Young Farmers of Canada

Details:

The Next Gen Agriculture Mentorship Program

Lead:
Canadian Western Agribition

Target:

Any Saskatchewan resident aged 18-39. At least 6 of 8 successful applicants must be involved in ag

Format:

18-month mentorship experience that includes skill training, board governance training, industry learning event attendance, networking opportunities and one-on-one time with mentors

Details:

To create a community of graduates with a deeper understanding of agriculture, business, community, leadership and advocacy for the industry

Cost/Financial Support:

No cost to participants

Participants are covered for travel, training, expenses and related costs associated with the mentorship program.

Funded by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture and Government of Canada.

Via-Pôle

Lead:
Via Pôle d’expertise en services-conseils agricoles

Target:

All Quebec farmers

Format:

Each management club has its own format of meetings and coordination. Overall, they are individual groups who come together to share expertise in specific areas or topics

Details:

Facilitation of management clubs across a broad range of topics; farm business management, environmental management, HR management, etc.

Cost/Financial Support:

Participant fees vary based on the service provider.

Funding available from the Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation through Agri-Réseau

Young Agrarians Apprenticeship Program

Lead:
Young Agrarians

Target:

Aspiring young farmers looking to gain skills and knowledge in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba

Format:

Apprenticeships are on-farm and range from 4-12 months, however, most start April/May and end Sept/Oct.

Details:

Activities can vary from farm to farm. Apprentices learn about caring for the soil and health of the land, grazing livestock to manage pastures and grasslands, and using regenerative practices for grain and vegetable growing.

Additionally, apprentices will learn farm direct marketing and how a farm can build community.

Cost/Financial Support:

No cost to participants

There is a paid opportunity for the mentee from the farm with compensation, days-off, insurance, housing and food included in an Employment Contract.

Young Agrarians Business Mentorship Network

Lead:
Young Agrarians

Target:

Applicants must reside in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba.

Priority will be given, but not limited to, new farmers aged 18-35, having been in operation for one to five years.

Format:

Mentees receive approximately 30 hours of mentorship primarily in the late winter/spring planning season, an online farm business webinar series with live Q&A sessions in the winter, check-ins through the summer season, and a wrap up process in the fall.

Mentors take a coach approach to help chart a course towards long term business viability.

Details:

Through one-on-one mentorship, business knowledge and peer networks, the program aims to nurture educational spaces that allow new farmers to work out how to overcome obstacles and achieve business goals.

Ultimately, the program works to help farmers produce an increase in crop yields, revenues and, where possible, area of land in production.

Cost/Financial Support:

Program participants matched with a mentor pay $100 to participate.

Young Canadian Simmental Association

Lead:
Canadian Simmental Association

Target:

25 years of age or younger

Format:

Membership is a requirement for participation at the YCSA National Classic, Provincial Classic, and Annual Meeting

Details:

A program for youth, focusing on education, teamwork, and hands-on experience

Cost/Financial Support:

$25 to join, plus a $10 yearly activity fee

Participants are covered for travel, training, expenses and related costs associated with the mentorship program.

Funded by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture and Government of Canada.

Young Farmer Mentorship Program

Lead:
Wheat Growers Association and Canadian Pacific Kansas Rail

Target:

Aged 35 and under

Details:

Learning and creating a community that fosters growth, innovation, sustainable practices in agriculture, and ag policy education

Cost/Financial Support:

No cost to participants

Young Leader Program

Lead:
Holstein Canada

Target:

Holstein enthusiasts aged 19-30

Format:

The 4-day program involves presentations, farm tours, on-farm workshops, and participation and attendance at the Annual General Meeting of Members and The Master Breeder Awards Gala.

The program is developed around Holstein Canada’s Annual Holstein Convention which is held in a different province each year.

Details:

Offers an excellent opportunity for young leaders to network, learn from experienced and likeminded Holstein breeders, and visit different regions of Canada