Agronomy ResearchWe change the way people farm through experimentation and collaboration |
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This program focuses on leveraging grants to deliver unbiased, science-based, and relevant knowledge from small plot research to drive innovation at the farm-level. Its focus is agronomic management of crop production systems in southern Alberta. We evaluate agronomic best management practices for common cereal, pulse, and oilseed crops. We also study management practices such as cover cropping, intercropping, winter crops, forage crops etc. Regional variety trials help farmers select crop varieties based on production zones through the Alberta Seed Guide. Soil health and resource stewardship are major research priorities as they are critical for long-term sustainable crop production. Some of our focus areas include how crop management practices affect soil health, carbon sequestration, nutrient use efficiency, and soil erosion. We are experts and leaders in the adoption of novel and high-value specialty crops in southern Alberta and western Canada. Hemp, quinoa, grain corn, sorghum, and winter crops such as lentils, peas, durum, oats etc. are some of the most recent examples. |
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Gritty, innovative and achievable researchGrounded and practical results
We bring together farmers, agronomists, scientists, and other collaborators to co-develop project ideas. Our experienced staff design innovative practices, technology, and agronomy-based project proposals to submit for funding. We conduct up to 75-80 trials annually, including 25 regionally important research projects in collaboration or led by Farming Smarter. We ensure top-quality research through regular staff training, effective protocol development, and trial audits. A producer-majority board leads Farming Smarter and sets our long-term objectives. We turn to engaged crop producers and agronomists to set priorities. We solicit their ideas and feedback on a regular basis at our extension and networking events. |
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Keeping Farmers Competitive and Viable
For a complex and dynamic environmentFarming Smarter fills a need for unbiased, agriculture research into practice and technology innovations. As an independent, non-profit organization, people trust our research and adaptations because they know we’re driven by innovation and not profit. We strive for maximum relevance to western Canadian production and address priorities communicated to us through our network of engaged producers, agronomists, and industry leaders. Agriculture production is an industry that changes constantly worldwide. For Canada to remain competitive, innovation must continue non-stop. |
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Innovative NetworkWe bridge the gap from lab to soil |
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Innovators can rest easy knowing we scan the world for new and old ideas that may apply locally. When they turn to us, they are confident we provide grounded and relevant information. They are part of a diverse community that enjoys learning, networking, and bouncing ideas off each other. Farming Smarter works with federal and provincial researchers; agriculture researchers from western Canadian post-secondary institutions; InnoTech Alberta and research organizations i.e., SARDA Agriculture Research. We connect with crop producers, agronomists, and agriculture value-added/input industry representatives for the purposes of strategic planning, and progress assessment. We network and collaborate to identify and conduct research on regional agricultural challenges and opportunities in southern Alberta. We also collaborate with scientists working in research stations and universities across Western Canada. |
Featured Projects
2022-2026
In response to growing interest of cover crops, we have begun a 4-year project investigating the viability, management, and benefits of their adoption. While it is known that cover crops have many benefits for erosion control and weed suppression, we want to explore the lengths of their benefits for your soil.
2019-2023
Biostimulants are a relatively new class of crop additive that are suggested to promote healthy growth of crops resulting in higher yield/quality crops. Their use has expanded after the changes in regulations on fertilizers in Canada
2016-2018
Hailstorms can be responsible for significant economic loss to the agricultural sector in Alberta, Canada. Foliar applications of certain fungicides and nutrient blends have been advocated to promote recovery and yield of hail-damaged crop