In the rolling plains of Stettler County, Alberta, the Sorensen family are steering their 300-plus cow/calf operation through the challenges of farming. In 2023, faced with one of the toughest droughts he’s ever experienced, Kirk Sorensen knew he had to adapt to ensure the survival of his farm. Through the support of the On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF), delivered by RDAR, he found the courage and the means to make transformative changes to his daily operations.
“Honestly, OFCAF couldn’t have come at a better time,” Kirk recalls. “I’ve never witnessed a drought like that. We were limited on our grass, and we were limited on our water supplies. But by being able to manage the grass and graze it in stages, the cows were able to make the most of it. I actually got more cow days off the same land.” Kirk’s OFCAF application focused on implementing rotational grazing strategies, including the purchase of a water distribution system and moveable electric fencing.
For Kirk, the results were clear. Despite the challenging conditions, he still saw an increase in calf weight—a surprising outcome given the poorer year. “I owe it to the fresh water,” Kirk explained. “And with the cows not having to walk in the mud, another thing I noticed was that we had zero foot rot.”
Kirk also experimented with comparing two fields—one with a creep feeder and one without. By using rotational grazing and fresh water from a water buggy, he discovered that the calves in both fields had the same weight gain. This realization led him to rethink his approach entirely.
“The cost of a water buggy is similar to a new creep feeder, but with a better 10-year return,” he explains. Fresh water proved to be a more economical and effective option, leading him to consider fully switching to rotational grazing with water buggies, leaving the creep feeders behind.
Beyond managing his cattle, Kirk has a deep appreciation for the native plants on his land and has developed a system that allows these grasses to thrive. “I sure noticed it on my natives,” Kirk says. “What I’ve been doing is using up my tame grasses early in the spring and later summer, which allows my native grasses to grow until fall.” By letting the native grasses reach their full height and go to seed, Kirk has seen an improvement in the vitality of the grass and a resurgence of biodiversity in his pastures.
This approach has made his land more productive, with pastures that support grazing well into the fall and beyond. “It really made you think about your farm in a different way,” he reflects. “And it was good to do that reset. Taking a step back and looking at the overall big picture—what are we doing here? Are we going the right way?”
The courage to try something new, supported by OFCAF, has made a lasting impact on Kirk’s operation. He applied for and received funding across two of the three activity categories—nitrogen management and rotational grazing—each contributing to the farm’s resilience. “(OFCAF) gives you the courage to step out of what you know works and try something new,” Kirk says.
As Kirk looks to the future, he remains committed to sharing his experiences with other producers. “If something works, I’m not afraid to tell other people,” he says. “It’s all about survival in this damn farming lately.” For Kirk Sorensen, survival is not just about getting through the tough times—it’s about thriving, innovating, and ensuring that his farm is stronger and more sustainable for the next generation.
Kirk Sorensen’s experience is a powerful example of how targeted funding and support can drive positive change in agriculture, ensuring that Alberta’s producers are equipped to meet the challenges of a changing climate while maintaining profitable, sustainable, and resilient.
Water Buggy Image from @ClearFabManufacturing