From calving and sheep health to composting, sewing, and small‑space gardening, this year’s winter programs aim to support producers and community members with accessible, hands‑on education.
Grey County Agricultural Services has released its 2026 Winter Course List, offering one of the most diverse and community‑focused educational lineups the organization has ever assembled. Running from February through early April, this year’s program includes hands‑on livestock training, soil‑health workshops, mental‑health programming, gardening sessions, and practical skills for rural and urban residents alike.
The organization says its goal is simple: make learning accessible, affordable, and relevant to the people who rely on agriculture and rural infrastructure every day. Most courses cost just $20, with several free options and hybrid formats available to ensure broad participation.
“This year’s courses cover a wide range of topics and interests—from hands‑on agricultural skills to practical workshops for all residents looking to learn something new,” Grey Ag Services noted in its announcement. “There really is something for everyone.”
Livestock, Soil Health, and On‑Farm Management
Producers across Grey, Bruce, and surrounding counties will find no shortage of technical training tailored to their operations. Highlights include:
- Preparing for Calving (February 12) — A full‑day session with OMAFRA specialists, including a farm tour and lunch.
- Chronic Diseases of Sheep (February 17) — A hybrid course led by Markdale Veterinary Services.
- Economics of Dairy Goat Farming (February 25) — Insights from a producer with more than two decades of experience.
- Conditions of the Equine Foot (February 26) — A veterinary‑led session for horse owners.
- Building for the Future: Considerations for New Dairy Barns (March 9) — A half‑day session on barn design and planning.
- Modernizing Your Dairy Barn: Financial Aspects & Farm Tour (March 23) — A combined technical and financial workshop with FCC participation;
- Economics of Feeding Beef Calves (March 24) — A full‑day workshop with OMAFRA experts.
Producers interested in soil health will also have access to a specialized webinar, Separating the Grain from the Chaff in Soil Health and Regenerative Agriculture (March 10), featuring Washington State University’s Andrew McGuire.
Several of these courses offer Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) CEU credits, with details available on the Grey Ag Services website.
Skills for Rural Living — and Beyond
Grey Ag Services continues to broaden its reach beyond traditional farm training. This year’s lineup includes:
- From Scraps to Soil: Composting Made Easy (February 24);
- Learn & Practice 5 Basic Hand Stitches for Mending or Sewing Clothes (March 11);
- Raising Rabbits (March 14);
- Small Space, Big Impact — a gardening course for compact areas (March 31);
- Introduction to Starting a Cut‑Flower Business (April 9).
Mental health remains a priority as well. The In The Know workshop (March 26), delivered by CMHA Grey Bruce, provides tools to help participants recognize and respond to mental‑health challenges in agricultural settings.
A Community‑Driven, Non‑Profit Mission
As a non‑profit organization, Grey County Ag Services emphasizes that these programs play a vital role in supporting rural communities through education, skill‑building, and connection.
“All courses are designed to be welcoming, financially accessible, and community‑focused,” the organization said. “These programs help us continue to support the community — and we’re always grateful for the support we receive from local media in making that possible.”
Registration is now open. Full course descriptions, fees, and registration details are available at www.greyagservices.ca.
Participants can also contact Grey Ag Services directly at 519‑986‑3756 or info@greyagservices.ca.
With topics ranging from livestock health to digital fraud prevention, and from soil science to sewing, the 2026 Winter Course list offers something for every producer, homesteader, and rural resident looking to learn, connect, and build new skills this winter.