The Forage Specialist plays a critical role in supporting sustainable forage and grazing management practices in Alberta and Saskatchewan. This position is responsible for delivering research-based extension services, developing producer-focused programs and fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders to enhance knowledge transfer and adoption of best management practices (BMPs).

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibility – Extension and Outreach

● Design and deliver educational programs, workshops and field demonstrations focused on forage and grazing systems.

● Develop content tailored to various target audiences, including those in the brown soil zone, dairy operations, small ruminant farming and multispecies grazing.

● Foster peer-to-peer learning by building a network of producers and mentors to participate in educational events.

● Create and distribute fact sheets and other extension materials on BMPs for rotational grazing and pasture improvement.

Producer Support and Consultation

● Provide one-on-one consultations to producers on sustainable forage production, pasture management and grazing strategies.

● Focus on working with CFGA OFCAF recipients, collaborative partnerships, demonstration sites and research organizations.

● Assist producers in developing and refining grazing plans tailored to their specific needs.

Program Development and Stakeholder Engagement

● Collaborate with producer groups, industry associations and other stakeholders to enhance knowledge transfer and extension outreach.

● Work with regional stakeholders to identify gaps and develop new programs that address producer needs.

● Partner with grazing clubs and forage and research associations to provide extension and outreach relative to OFCAF BMPs.

Field Demonstrations and Research Application

● Establish and manage a standardized setup, intake interview and data collection process for current and future demonstration sites.

● Organize and participate in field days at CFGA demonstration sites and partner locations.

● Complete interim and follow-up reports to document results and assess the impact of demonstration sites.

Program Monitoring and Impact Assessment

● Track and evaluate the effectiveness of extension programs through monthly activity and event reporting.

● Contribute to regional extension content for CFGA monthly newsletters and partner publications.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

● Expertise in forage and grazing systems, with knowledge of regional forage species and grazing strategies.

● Proficiency in grassland identification and range health assessments.

● Strong communication skills, including public speaking, report writing and content creation.

● Ability to build and maintain relationships with producers, industry groups and researchers.

● Experience using technology for data collection, analysis and presentations.

● Self-motivated, organized and capable of working independently and collaboratively.

● Be able to work independently in a dispersed, online team of contractors and professionals.

● Valid driver’s license with the ability to travel extensively within Alberta and Saskatchewan.

To apply, send your resume to Sonja Shank at sonja@areca.ab.ca.

Funding for this position is provided in part through the Agricultural Climate Solutions – On-Farm Climate Action Fund