About Us
About Us
Background
The forage industry is significant in Alberta. According to the most recent census of Agriculture (Statistics Canada) there are 28.8 million acres of forage land in Alberta.
Up until 2002 the the Alberta Forage Council represented the interests of the forage industry in Alberta. However, in 2002, the Council merged with applied research associations to become the Agricultural Research and Extension Council of Alberta (ARECA). ARECA has evolved to become a a broader umbrella organization representing the whole agriculture industry in Alberta. Several consultations were held with all facets of the Alberta forage industry between the years 2007 and 2010 to see if there was an interest/need to to have an organization representing the forages in Alberta. This resulted in the formation of the Alberta Forage Industry Network Society or “AFIN” in 2010.
AFIN is directed and managed by an eight member board of directors along with an advisor from Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development and an advisor from the Agri-environment Services Branch of AAFC. The board Members are located across the province. For more information and contact information about the AFIN board of directors please referred to the “Contact Us” section of the AFIN Website.
Background
The forage industry is significant in Alberta. According to the most recent census of Agriculture (Statistics Canada) there are 28.8 million acres of forage land in Alberta.
Up until 2002 the the Alberta Forage Council represented the interests of the forage industry in Alberta. However, in 2002, the Council merged with applied research associations to become the Agricultural Research and Extension Council of Alberta (ARECA). ARECA has evovled to become a a broader umbrella organization representing the whole agriculture industry in Alberta. Several consultations were held with all facets of the Alberta forage industry between the years 2007 and 2010 to see if there was an interest/need to to have an organization representing the forages in Alberta. This resulted in the formation of the Alberta Forage Industry Network Society or “AFIN” in 2010.
AFIN is directed and managed by an eight member board of directors along with an advisor from Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development and an advisor from the Agri-environment Services Branch of AAFC. The board Members are located across the province. For more information and contact information about the AFIN board of directors please referred to the “Contact Us” section of the AFIN Website.
Our Objectives
To provide a forum for the exchange of ideas among producers and other stakeholders in the forage industry
To champion research, education and extension for the management and use of forages
To foster communication between the forage industry, governments and the public
To represent the Alberta forage industry nationally and internationally
To manage, sell, lease, mortgage, dispose of, or otherwise deal with the property of the Society
Our Objectives
To provide a forum for the exchange of ideas among producers and other stakeholders in the forage industry
To champion research, education and extension for the management and use of forages
To foster communication between the forage industry, governments and the public
To represent the Alberta forage industry nationally and internationally
To manage, sell, lease, mortgage, dispose of, or otherwise deal with the property of the Society
Meet the Team!
Surya Acharya
Grant Lastiwka
Mary Jane Block
Darren Bruhjell
Greg Earle
Ed Shaw
John Bland
Kim Cornish
Alan Hall
Nora Paulovich
Doug Wray
Cole Zacharias
Courtney O'Keefe
Chris Fulkerth
Josée Aitken
Brent Thygesen
Duane Vandenberg
Amanda Bustard
Meet the Team!
Surya Acharya
Alex Robertson
Grant Lastiwka
Lori Kinnee
Mary Jane Block
Ed Shaw
John Bland
Kim Cornish
Alan Hall
Greg Earle
Nora Paulovich
Doug Wray
Cole Zacharias
Holly Mayer
Courtney O'Keefe
Chris Fulkerth
Amber Kenyon
Brent Thygesen
Duane Vandenberg
Darren Bruhjell
Amanda Bustard
What does an AFIN membership look like?
Member Benefits of the Alberta Forage Industry Network (AFIN)
- As a voice for the diverse forage industry, AFIN’s input and insight into key regulatory and policy issues affecting the industry is taken seriously by policy makers.
- Special member rates for AFIN’s Annual Conference and AGM.
- Special rates for advertising on Farming the Web – Powered by AFIN online agricultural marketplace.
- Access to our Directory of Members and network opportunities.
- A subscription to AFIN’s quarterly electronic newsletter which provides the updates on industry developments and issues.
- Access to webinars and training, at no cost or AFIN member rate.
- Opportunity to participate in AFIN sub-committees and influence decisions on policy.
- A free job posting service that gets your position in front of the agricultural community.
- A forum to discuss forage related topics and learn about the diverse forage industry.
- Opportunities to have first hand knowledge of research initiatives supported by AFIN.
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Individual
$55 | 1 vote per individual
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Farm Corporation
$55 per voter to 1 vote per designated shareholder or employee
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Agricultural Business
$275 | Up to 4 designated voters
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Agriculture-Related
Non-Government Organization
$275 | Up to 4 designated voters
-
Agriculture-Related
Government department, branch, educational institution or agency
$275 | Up to 4 designated voters
-
Others
(as approved by the AFIN Board of Directors)
$55 | 1 vote per individual
What does an AFIN membership look like?
Member Benefits of the Alberta Forage Industry Network (AFIN)
- As a voice for the diverse forage industry, AFIN’s input and insight into key regulatory and policy issues affecting the industry is taken seriously by policy makers.
- Special member rates for AFIN’s Annual Conference and AGM.
- Special rates for advertising on Farming the Web – Powered by AFIN online agricultural marketplace.
- Access to our Directory of Members and network opportunities.
- A subscription to AFIN’s quarterly electronic newsletter which provides the updates on industry developments and issues.
- Access to webinars and training, at no cost or AFIN member rate.
- Opportunity to participate in AFIN sub-committees and influence decisions on policy.
- A free job posting service that gets your position in front of the agricultural community.
- A forum to discuss forage related topics and learn about the diverse forage industry.
- Opportunities to have first hand knowledge of research initiatives supported by AFIN.
-
Individual Farmer
$55 | 1 vote individual
-
Farm Corporation
$50 per voter to 1 vote per designated shareholder or employee max of $200 to a max of 4
-
Agricultural Business
$250 | Up to 4 designated voters
-
Agriculture-Related
Non-Government Organization
$250 | Up to 4 designated voters
-
Agriculture-Related
Government department, branch, educational institution or agency
$250 | Up to 4 designated voters
-
Others
(as approved by the AFIN Board of Directors)
$50 | 1 vote per individual
Letter from the Chair for Prospective Members
Dear “Prospective Member”,
The Alberta Forage Industry Network (AFIN) formed in 2010 to represent the Forage and Grasslands Industry in the province of Alberta. The Board of Directors is comprised of volunteers representing this multi-faceted industry and hail from all corners of Alberta. Our Board has been working diligently and somewhat behind the scenes to establish and move the organization forward.
The purpose of this message is to encourage you and/or your company to become a member of the Alberta Forage Industry Network. Accordingly please find a membership application/invoice for your use.
Until now we have basically been in start-up mode ensuring that the formation of this association is up to date, accurate and functioning smoothly. Attracting new membership is now our foremost priority.
Currently membership fees are our main source of operational funding and the Board has been challenged to “prove ourselves” while having a limited amount of funds available.
We believe that we are now in a position to say that our initial “behind the scenes” work, and the activities that we have planned and supported have value for the future of the Forage and Grasslands Industry. However, to continue the momentum and maintain credibility as the “voice” of Forages and Grasslands, we need your membership.
We are asking for your support in our future endeavors, on behalf of both yourself and the rest of the Alberta Forage and Grasslands Industry, by becoming a member of AFIN.
If you have any questions please email us at albertaforages@gmail.com or call me at 403-330-2918.
Sincerely,
Surya Acharya
Board Chair
Letter from the Chair for Prospective Members
Dear “Prospective Member”,
The Alberta Forage Industry Network (AFIN) formed in 2010 to represent the Forage and Grasslands Industry in the province of Alberta. The Board of Directors is comprised of volunteers representing this multi-faceted industry and hail from all corners of Alberta. Our Board has been working diligently and somewhat behind the scenes to establish and move the organization forward.
The purpose of this message is to encourage you and/or your company to become a member of the Alberta Forage Industry Network. Accordingly please find a membership application/invoice for your use.
Until now we have basically been in start-up mode ensuring that the formation of this association is up to date, accurate and functioning smoothly. Attracting new membership is now our foremost priority.
Currently membership fees are our main source of operational funding and the Board has been challenged to “prove ourselves” while having a limited amount of funds available.
We believe that we are now in a position to say that our initial “behind the scenes” work, and the activities that we have planned and supported have value for the future of the Forage and Grasslands Industry. However, to continue the momentum and maintain credibility as the “voice” of Forages and Grasslands, we need your membership.
We are asking for your support in our future endeavors, on behalf of both yourself and the rest of the Alberta Forage and Grasslands Industry, by becoming a member of AFIN.
If you have any questions please email us at albertaforages@gmail.com or call me at 403-330-2918.
Sincerely,
Surya Acharya
Board Chair
Our Position Statements
Our Position Statements
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“The specific roles that forages and grasslands can play include:
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reducing greenhouse gas emissions generated per pound of ruminant protein – well managed forage systems improve the diets and productivity of ruminants;
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increasing agricultural carbon sequestration – forages and grasslands are a carbon sink that can be further enhanced by well managed grazing of livestock;
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decreasing soil erosion – permanent plant cover prevents large scale erosion events;
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revitalizing watersheds – permanent plant cover filters, reduces runoff and increases soil/water infiltration thereby increasing surface water quality, replenishing aquifers and reducing the risk of flooding in rural areas and urban centers;
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supporting regenerative agriculture practices – use of cover crops, perennial forages and livestock improves soil structure, soil biology and nutrient cycling; and,
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maintaining biodiversity – a variety of flora and fauna, soil organisms, beneficial insects and wildlife species prosper under the protection of permanent forage and grassland cover.”
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“The The Alberta Forage Industry Network (AFIN) represents the stakeholders that have the ability to address Climate Change in a sustainable manner.
The roles that forages and grasslands can play include:
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Decreasing erosion, areas of permanent cover prevent large scale erosion events
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Enhancing carbon sequestration of perennial stands, grasslands act as carbon sinks
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Reducing reliance on chemical fertilizer products especially using legumes to add nitrogen
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Well-managed forage systems improving the diets for ruminants increasing productivity and
lowering Green House Gas (GHG) generated/pound of protein (i.e. meat & milk)
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Use of forage cover crops and integrating livestock in annual crop rotation for soil carbon
capture improvements”
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