Cover Cropping: Nourish Your Soil, Protect the Planet
Cover cropping is a powerful climate-smart practice that can significantly improve soil health, reduce erosion, and sequester carbon in Alberta’s agricultural lands. By planting crops like legumes, grasses, or brassicas between main crop cycles, farmers can protect and nourish their soil while contributing to a more sustainable future.
Leguminous cover crops, such as clover, alfalfa, or field peas, fix atmospheric nitrogen in the soil, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. This not only saves farmers money but also minimizes greenhouse gas emissions …

Embrace climate-smart agriculture – a transformative approach that empowers farmers to boost productivity, build resilience, and protect our planet. In Alberta, the heartland of Canadian agriculture, innovative growers are leading the charge by adopting practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water, and regenerate soils. From precision nutrient management to cover cropping and rotational grazing, these forward-thinking strategies are not only good for the environment – they also make economic sense. By harnessing the power of nature and technology, climate-smart farmers are securing a sustainable future for …

Adopt climate-smart practices to build your farm’s resilience against the impacts of climate change. Diversify your crops to spread risk and improve soil health. Implement water-saving irrigation techniques like drip irrigation or cover crops to conserve moisture. Plant windbreaks and shelterbelts to protect against erosion and create microclimates that support crop growth. By taking proactive steps now, you can ensure your farm remains productive and profitable for generations to come, despite the …

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

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Livestock farming’s carbon hoofprint is undeniable. Methane-belching cattle, land cleared for grazing, and emissions-intensive supply chains have made animal agriculture a leading contributor to climate change. In Alberta, where cattle outnumber people, livestock account for nearly half the province’s agricultural emissions.
Yet there is hope. Alberta farmers unite to pioneer climate-smart livestock practices that reduce emissions while bolstering their bottom line. From rotational grazing to …

Implement no-till farming to minimize soil disturbance, reduce erosion, and improve soil health. Plant cover crops to protect and enrich the soil, suppress weeds, and provide forage for livestock. Adopt crop rotation to optimize nutrient cycling, break pest and disease cycles, and increase biodiversity. Utilize precision agriculture technologies like GPS guidance, variable rate application, and remote sensing to optimize inputs and minimize environmental impact.

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Alberta’s environment is at a critical juncture. Decades of oil and gas development, agricultural expansion, and urban sprawl have taken a heavy toll on the province’s natural ecosystems. Wetlands have been drained, forests fragmented, and grasslands plowed under. Species are disappearing at an alarming rate as habitat loss, pollution, and climate change threaten their survival.
Yet amidst this environmental crisis, there is reason for hope. A growing movement of Albertans are standing up to protect the wild spaces and creatures they cherish. Indigenous communities are reclaiming their role as stewards of the land. …

Conduct a comprehensive carbon audit to identify your farm’s biggest emission sources and opportunities for reduction. Implement no-till farming practices to minimize soil disturbance, reduce fuel consumption, and increase carbon sequestration. Optimize fertilizer management by using precision application techniques, split applications, and slow-release formulations to minimize nitrous oxide emissions. Plant cover crops to combat climate change by improving soil health, reducing erosion, and sequestering carbon …

Alberta’s 2023 crop report paints a vivid picture of resilience and potential amidst a changing agricultural landscape. Despite facing drought conditions in some regions, Alberta farmers have harnessed cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices to ensure a bountiful harvest. From the lush fields of the Peace Region to the sun-drenched plains of Southern Alberta, this comprehensive overview delves into the current state of crops, seeding progress, and projected yields across the province. Join us as we explore the triumphs and challenges of Alberta’s agricultural community, and discover how their unwavering dedication is …