2024 PolyCrop Soil Health Project

The objective of this trial is to evaluate the impact of a polycrop blend on soil health. Soil health is important because it directly impacts plant growth, crop productivity and quality. By understanding and applying some of the soil health principles such as optimizing crop blends and adjusting management strategies productivity can be improved while maintaining soil health. This site has historically had soil compaction issues, so when deciding on the blend, deep rooted species and species that aid in soil structure were chosen. Other factors in creating a blend were weed suppression species and species that adds organic matter. Each species was chosen for its ability to improve different soil characteristics. For example, clover is a nitrogen-fixer and adds organic matter. Japanese millet reduces soil degradation and is a drought-resistant species. Flax helps fight soil compaction and performs well in drought conditions. Sunflowers alleviate soil compaction and can absorb chemicals from the soil.

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Quarter 2 Forage Cost Survey!

We would love for you to share what forage rates you are seeing in your area!

Click here to complete the survey!

Our New Board Director

Tamara Salmon

Born in remote northern BC and raised between the Okanagan and Alberta as a young person, I was able to appreciate both urban and rural living.

Having lived across Canada, in Quebec, New Brunswick, and Ontario while raising my own family, I feel extremely fortunate to have experienced the variety of landscapes Canada offers. I developed a keen interest in invasive plant management while living in Ontario in 2013 and explored the science of targeted grazing with goats. Starting my own invasive vegetation management company in 2015 in BC was a huge challenge and adventure, and I would love to share the lessons I have learned and support moving the science forward as well. I have lived in Lac Ste. Anne County full-time for the past five years and am employed as an Agronomics Inspector for the County.

I am excited to meet and develop positive working relationships with local producers in the agricultural industry as a Board Director of Farming Forward.

Newsworthy Shares

Antiparasitic activity of chicory (Cichorium intybus) and its natural bioactive compounds in livestock: a review

By: Miguel Peña-Espinoza1*, Angela H. Valente2, Stig M. Thamsborg2, Henrik T. Simonsen3, Ulrik Boas4, Heidi L. Enemark5, Rodrigo López-Muñoz1 and Andrew R. Williams2

Click here to read this article!

Selecting Replacement Heifers: Boosting Longevity and Return on Investment

-Beef Cattle Research Council-

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Summer Staff Introductions

Re-Introduction

Justin Almost is returning this year!

You would have seen him around last year, and we are so glad to have him back!

My name is Justin Almost and I was raised on a 1st generation farm in Tiger Lily, Alberta, (North-West of Barrhead). I have been heavily involved with my local 4-H Club through various projects that have impacted my agricultural experience in many ways. My leadership skills were encouraged there also as I have served as both the President(2 Terms) and Secretary(1 Term).

I strongly believe in the importance of sustainability in Agriculture for our future. Farming Forward is both excited about and taking steps to make farming more Sustainable and Accessible for many generations to come. And I am excited for this opportunity to work with a company such as Farming Forward this summer!