As more producers turn to rotational grazing to improve productivity, soil health and climate resilience, the need for practical, trusted guidance continues to grow. To help fill this need, the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association (CFGA) established a national grazing mentor program that offers a well‑designed mix of training, support, incentives and community to help experienced producers guide others in adopting rotational grazing. 
 
Grazing mentors play a vital role in helping producers adopt and succeed with rotational grazing. They are experienced producers who understand the realities of grazing management and enjoy helping others build confidence in their own grazing plans. Mentors work directly with producers, offering one‑on‑one support, answering questions and helping them adapt grazing practices to their land, livestock and goals. 
 
Every CFGA mentor receives comprehensive training, beginning with the Advanced Grazing Systems (AGS) course for mentors. This course introduces the CFGA’s grazing approach, planning tools and program guidelines. This is followed by two virtual mentor‑training workshops that cover the fundamentals of rotational grazing, how to guide producers through the mentorship process and where to find ongoing support. 
 
The next mentor training takes place May 6 and 20, 2026, via Zoom. The deadline to register is April 22 to give participants time to complete the AGS course. Contact [email protected] for more information and to register. 
 
CFGA mentors also join a national network of peers, with monthly check‑ins and on‑demand learning resources that ensure they are never working alone. 
 
Provincial forage associations play an important role in supporting mentors by helping match them with producers and providing regional extension support. This partnership ensures that mentors have strong local connections and that producers receive guidance tailored to their specific conditions. 
 
Mentors benefit from early access to funding opportunities; higher reimbursement rates through the On‑Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Quebec; promotional support to help them find mentees; access to a national mentor community; opportunities for paid speaking engagements and funding for continuing education. For many, the greatest reward is seeing producers gain confidence and watching grasslands improve under better management. 
 
The program is well suited to producers who have experience with rotational grazing, enjoy working with others, value continuous learning and want to strengthen grazing practices in their region. For those who care deeply about pasture and grassland health and want to help shape the future of grazing in Canada, becoming a grazing mentor is a meaningful and rewarding way to make a difference. 
 
For more information about becoming a CFGA grazing mentor, visit the CFGA’s Advanced Grazing Systems – Mentors webpage.