Why is this research important for Alberta ag?
As the global population continues to grow, resource management in agriculture becomes increasingly important to generate healthy, safe, and nutritious food for this growing population on less available and more expensive land. Regenerative agriculture practices that protect, preserve, and regenerate healthy soils, water cycles, water sources, pastures, and native range increase production, profitability, and competitiveness of farms as well as increasing biodiversity and healthy landscapes for future generations.
What benefits can producers expect from this research?
There is a gap between research in resource management and adoption on the landscape which can be addressed through Knowledge Translation and Transfer (KTT). Through delivery of Environmental Farm Plans (EFPs), demonstrations, field days, conferences, workshops, newsletters, online platforms and one-on-one conversations, the Applied Research Associations will present primary producers with practical knowledge on ways to improve soil health, feed quality and water quality and efficiency to increase adoption of these beneficial management practices on farms across Alberta. Every Albertan will benefit from the resulting ecological goods and services.
How will these research findings reach producers on-farm?
Knowledge transfer is the base of this project. Delivery will occur regionally through individual efforts by partnering with ARAs and their partners through webinars, demonstrations, field days, one-on-one interactions, newsletters, factsheets, podcasts, workshops, conferences, websites, and social media.
Findings will also be delivered at the biennial Western Canada Conference on Soil Health and Grazing.
Funded in part by the Government of Canada under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.