Thompson Rivers University (TRU) is hosting another of its Applied Sustainable Rancher program workshops – but this time, it's being held in 100 Mile House.
It's a joint effort between the South Cariboo Cattlemen's Association (SCCA), the South Cariboo Agri-Culture Enterprise Centre and the Interlakes Cattle Belles, says Gillian Watt, the program's co-ordinator.
"Elaine Froese is a really big international name – she works with people all over – so it's really big to have her come to 100 Mile."
Transitioning these farms and ranches successfully to pass them down to the next generation is also a huge concern in the South Cariboo, so all the organizers at TRU and those locally are all extremely happy to have Froese sharing her expansive knowledge base at this local seminar, Watt explains.
She says this includes succession planning, where it is difficult to maintain the business capacity in order to keep the successful family ranch economy.
"About 40 per cent of our students right now are from the 100 Mile area. It's pretty cool that we have so many, and that's why we want to have it down there."
The SCCA donated $500, the British Columbia Cattlemen's Association put in another $2,000 and the Growing Forward 2 federal-provincial funding partner provided another $5,000 to help TRU in presenting this seminar, she explains.
The Cattle Belles and Ag-Centre are supplying food, refreshments and volunteers.
Froese will also be available afterward for pre-booked, private consultations from 4 to 7 p.m., Watt says, noting these sessions are limited (so book soon to avoid disappointment). Even 15 minutes to co-ordinate a future discussion with the expert can be a huge help, she adds.
Watts explains the organizers are thrilled to offer these sessions for those folks who may not attend the public seminar to have a chance to learn more about some practical tools for successfully transitioning their private ranch. More on Froese and her past experience dealing with family issues, from isolation to in-laws, is online at www.elainefroese.com.
Advance registration is wide open to ranchers, their adult children and anyone else with a vested interest in ranching and farming for the seminar, which happens April 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Creekside Seniors Activity Centre.
The $89 (plus GST) registration fee includes the workshop and/or private consultations, lunch, refreshments, and a beef-and-brew social hour afterward, beginning at 4 p.m.
They ask everyone interested to register by March 31. For more information or to register, call Gillian at 250-319-2367 or e-mail to holmwoodfarm@gmail.com.