Kashechewan residents undergoing beef cattle farming training: the pilot project introduces participants to the key principles of responsible beef production.

• Position: GREEN REPORT

Eight residents from Kashechewan First Nation are participating in an eight-week training program to learn how to farm beef cattle.

The program--called Introduction to Beef Cattle Farming in Northern Ontario--is an initiative of the Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO), the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and the participation of the Kashechewan First Nation, and the Kapuskasing campus of College Boreal.

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.

College Boreal is collaborating on the 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," said Matt Bowman, president of BFO, in a release.

"Our collaboration with...