The LFA was formed in 1972 to promote the management and use of forage crops, and to identify the research needs of Northeastern Alberta. The LFA provides forage demonstrations, extension activities and coordination of forage research. The governing board of directors currently has 12 members who are elected for staggered three year terms at the LFA annual general meeting. They are responsible for the management of the Olympic Lake Grazing Lease. 

The Olympic Lake Lease, obtained by LFA in 1985, has grown to 2000 acres and has been used for two main LFA projects: the Northern Range Enhancement Project (NREP) and the Olympic Lake Heifer Project.

Under the NREP, this lease was used as a demonstration for turning boreal forest land into an enhanced sustainable rangeland. Range improvements have included clearing and breaking land, windrowing, spraying and burning. This pasture has been rotationally grazing for over 20 years (currently there are 12 paddocks) and so fencing was also involved in range improvement. Grazing capacity has almost doubled in the past 20 years. Now that the pasture has been developed, the focus has changed from development to increasing pasture longevity and rejuvenating old pastures. Projects with this goal have included yearly rotation of fertilizer application, spraying weeds (Grazon, Remedy and Restore) and introducing legumes.

Figure 1. Olympic Lake Grazing Lease.

In addition, the LFA board and its members acts as a forage and livestock advisory board for the Lakeland Agricultural Research Association.

The LFA's current board of directors are: Jay Cory (Chair), Jason Cherniwchan (Vice-Chair), Laurence Kwiatkowski (Secretary/Treasurer), Nathan Gamache, Amanda Hawthorn, Shawn Robinson, Coral Robinson, Gerald Mathiot, Jennifer O'Reilly, Ernie Melnychuk and Neil Cory.

Patron application for the Olympic Lake Pasture are accepted until January 31 of each year. Please e-mail [email protected] for more information or an application form.

See below for more information on the two main projects carried out at the Olympic Lake Grazing Lease.