Agriculture is gaining momentum in Northern Ontario, and Collège Boréal has been working with partners in this sector to find innovative solutions for the expansion of the region's farming industry.
With support from the Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO), the technical expertise of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and the participation of the Kashechewan First Nation, Boréal's Kapuskasing campus has developed an eightweek summer program entitled Introduction to Beef Cattle Farming in Northern Ontario.
Using both theory and practice, the pilot project introduces participants to the key principles of responsible beef production at the Kapuskasing Demonstration Farm. Students gain technical skills that will help them succeed in obtaining work on a beef farm or lead them to consider starting their own beef operation.
Collège Boréal is proud to collaborate on this project with Andrew Gordanier, farm tenant at the Kapuskasing Demonstration Farm, and the Kapuskasing Economic Development Corporation, to help expand agriculture production in the region.
"For many reasons, BFO has identified Northern Ontario as an ideal region to expand beef production in the province. Providing educational opportunities and resources for those who are interested in raising beef cattle is a priority for BFO. Our collaboration with Collège Boréal, the Kashechewan First Nation and the Kapuskasing Demonstration Farm will provide students with the opportunity to explore beef production and the economic and environmental benefits it provides to Northern communities.”
“We are proud to be contributing to the research and development for our region's agricultural sector. I would like to thank all of our community partners for their continued support.”
Michelle Lebel, Kapuskasing Campus Director, Collège Boréal “This is the right time to be offering this course, which draws on Collège Boréal’s strengths in this field. As the only post-secondary institution offering an agriculture program in Northern Ontario, it was only logical to partner with Beef Farmers of Ontario, the municipality of Kapuskasing, and its Demonstration Farm to show how together, we can support the continued development of this industry, which requires a variety of specialized skills. This is an excellent beginning!” Daniel Giroux, President, Collège Boréal
“Our government is pleased to support the efforts of Collège Boréal to expand agriculture in Northern Ontario. This innovative course will help equip Indigenous students with the skills they need to get involved in beef farming in the region. These efforts are an important element of our government’s Northern Livestock Pilot Project and will help grow Ontario’s beef sector and ultimately provide our farmers with the tools they need to succeed.”
Source: Beef Farmers