In the last three months, Canada has been host to four Open Gate events. Beginning in Alameda, SK in J
uly, and ending in Preeceville, SK in September, these events covered both farm/ranch succession planning, and planned grazing. The first Open Gate event took place at Walls Farm on July 26th, and was hosted by farm owners Trent and Carolyn Walls. Using Grazing Systems to Produce Healthier Food and Ecosystems had 18 participants. The event began with an introduction to Holistic Management, followed by an interesting talk by Bruce Duncan from Upper Souris Watershed about the role of riparian areas in cleaning water. Kiley McRae, an agrologist with Ducks Unlimited talked about grazing and the importance of recovery times. In the afternoon, participants went along as Trent moved his herd of cattle. The day ended with a great question and answer session. As a result of the event, 92% of participants stated that they intended to complete biological monitoring on their farm or ranch. 100% of participants were satisfied with the event and 100% would recommend the event to others. A special thanks goes out to hosts Trent and Carolyn Walls and Walls Farm. HMI would also like to express their appreciation to Ducks Unlimited - Canada, Upper Souris Watershed Association, and the Young Agrarians. On August 3rd, Redtail Farms, in Castor, Alberta hosted Planning for Success into the Next Generation. Hosted by Redtail Farms owners Ian
and Dana Greibel and Kathleen Charpentier, the day began with a welcome from Holistic Management Educator and event facilitator Kelly Sidoryk. Kelly led an introduction to Holistic Management, which was followed by a brief question and answer session. Later, Merle Good, a succession planning expert, shared a presentation on the technical aspects of setting up a succession plan. Next, Ian and Dana shared their experiences with direct marketing, along with some plans for the future. Dana Penrice from the Young Agrarians and co-chair of the Holistic Management-Canada February Conference gave an update about both groups. As a result of this Open Gate Event, 100% of the participants indicated that they plan to complete a succession plan, while 85% understood how Holistic Management can help in succession planning. 100% of participants were satisfied with the event and would recommend the event to others. HMI would like to thank Redtail Farms owners Ian and Dana Greibel and Kathleen Charpentier for hosting the event. We'd also like to thank CFGA and the Young Agrarians. On August 12, H
MI again addressed the succession issue at D & G Hicks Ranch, in Ninga, Manitoba. Leaving the Ranch to Young, Like-Minded Producers was hosted by owners Glen and Doreen Hicks. The first speaker of the day was Matt Bolley from MNP, who spoke about the legalities of succession, and why it's important to begin succession planning early. Rancher Don Gilford then spoke about his own succession plan. That was followed by an introduction to Holistic Goal Setting from Holistic Management Certified Educator Ralph Corcoran. A tour of the ranch followed, with a question and answer session wrapping up the event. As a result of this event, 88% of participants intended to complete biological monitoring on their farm or ranch, and 70% of participants intend to create a grazing plan. HMI would like to thank Glen and Doreen Hicks and D & G Hicks Ranch for hosting the event. We'd also like to thank Ducks Unlimited - Canada, Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association, and the Young Agrarians. Finally, on September 28th, Prairie Flavours Ranch in Preeceville, SK hosted an Open Gate event titled
. Hosted by ranch owners Megan and Nathan Maier, the day began with an introduction to Holistic Management from Holistic Management Certified Educator Blain Hjertaas. Forage specialist Al Foster gave a talk about grazing principles, followed by a walk to the pasture to move cattle. In the afternoon, the Assiniboine Watershed Group talked about programs and services available to area producers. Ranch owners Megan and Nathan then spoke about the challenges they face and how they make decisions with the family in mind. The day ended with a round of questions and answers.
HMI would like to thank Megan and Nathan Maier and Prairie Flavours Ranch for hosting the event. We'd also like to thank Assiniboine Watershed Stewardship Association, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Young Agrarians.