Farming Smarter's 2024 Conservation Practices Set the Stage for 2025

By Craig Lester, Rural Roots

Southern Alberta is known for its resilient farming community, where innovative approaches are commonplace amongst farmers as they work to build on their practices.

Ashley Wagenaar, Conservation Agronomist at Farming Smarter, spearheads conservation initiatives to improve soil health, manage nitrogen efficiently, and address environmental challenges such as wind erosion.  

As the team builds on its successes in 2024, Wagenaar is already looking forward to continuing these critical projects into 2025.

2024 Conservation Projects: Innovation in Action

Wagenaar's work in 2024 focused on two main areas: nitrogen management and the use of cover crops. 

"Southern Alberta farmers are incredibly innovative, and the projects we’ve worked on are designed to address some of their unique challenges, especially during the shoulder seasons in early spring and late fall," said Wagenaar.  

These periods, marked by extreme weather conditions, can leave fields vulnerable to wind erosion and soil degradation. 

One of the standout projects of 2024 involved a canola seed farmer who used barley as a cover crop before planting canola. The barley protected the young canola plants from wind damage, but the farmer was concerned about potential competition for resources.  

"We wanted to test whether the barley was competing with the canola for nutrients and water," Wagenaar explained. "We conducted trials with different planting populations of barley and compared them to fields with no barley, and the results were surprising – the barley didn't harm the canola, and in fact, it helped prevent wind erosion." 

Wind erosion is a significant issue in Southern Alberta, especially after late harvests of crops like sugar beets and potatoes. To address this, Wagenaar’s team worked with farms to test winter cereals planted late in the season. "Late fall planting can be tricky, but we’re testing how different cereal species emerge and whether they can survive harsh winter conditions to prevent wind erosion," Wagenaar noted. "By keeping some plant cover on the field, we can protect the topsoil from blowing away during the off-season." 

In addition to these projects, Wagenaar explored the concept of intercropping, where multiple crops are grown together to improve soil health. One example included a farm experimenting with a mix of barley, peas, and legumes for horse hay. "Intercropping can be a game-changer for farmers looking to maintain living plants in the field longer," said Wagenaar. "It’s about improving biodiversity and soil structure while also promoting healthy microorganisms." 

Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond 

As Farming Smarter transitions into 2025, Wagenaar is excited to build upon the data and insights gathered from 2024. "It’s essential that we continue gathering data over multiple years. Good research takes time," Wagenaar explained. "I'm thrilled that more than half of the farms we worked with in 2024 are interested in continuing these projects in 2025." 

One of the key focus areas for 2025 is nitrogen management, particularly in alfalfa rotations.  

"Some farmers use alfalfa in a four-year perennial rotation, but there’s a lack of research on how much nitrogen it actually contributes to the soil," Wagenaar said.  

"If we can quantify how much nitrogen is fixed by the alfalfa, farmers may be able to reduce their reliance on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, which would be more cost-effective and environmentally sustainable." 

Wagenaar is also eager to continue exploring cover crop strategies.  

"The challenge in Southern Alberta is that our winters are harsh, and we don’t have the luxury of growing cover crops like other regions," she explained.  

"But by testing late-season plantings and diversifying species, we’re finding new ways to protect the soil, especially during those vulnerable fall and spring months."

How to Get Involved 

Farming Smarter’s efforts aren’t limited to just those involved in the current projects. Wagenaar invites all farmers interested in conservation practices to reach out for guidance or to explore new project opportunities.  

"If farmers have an idea or are interested in learning more about conservation, I always have room for new farms and new projects," she said.  

"My role isn't just about on-farm projects; it's about connecting farmers with resources, knowledge, and others who may have done similar things. It’s all about helping them find sustainable solutions." 

Farmers can contact Wagenaar directly through the Farming Smarter website or by phone to discuss potential collaborations.  

"We’re always open to new ideas and always excited to help farmers make their operations more sustainable," Wagenaar said. 

A Sustainable Future for Southern Alberta 

Wagenaar’s work at Farming Smarter plays an important role in shaping a more sustainable future for Southern Alberta’s farming community. With its focus on innovative approaches like cover crops, intercropping, and nitrogen management, Farming Smarter is helping local farmers address environmental challenges while maintaining productivity. 

"At the end of the day, it’s about helping farmers protect their land and improve their practices for the long term," said Wagenaar.  

"Through continued research and collaboration, we’re building a more resilient agricultural future in Southern Alberta."