Grainswest - Spring 2022

Spring 2022 Grains West 36 MARTY LAWRENCE Location: Stettler Farm description: 550 beef cattle and crops Farm size: 5,760 acres Growing cover crops since: 2019 Contact: martywlawrence@gmail.com Lawrence implemented cover crops to improve soil health and boost soil biology. Under the guidance of Kevin Elmy of Cover Crop Canada, a consultancy based in Olds, and Imperial Seed, Lawrence chose a 14- to 16-species blend with oats, barley and peas. While he started on 50 acres, he has since expanded to 500 and has seen improved leaf disease management, increased crop resilience, especially in drought- like conditions and improved cattle health. He spends many hours online watching YouTube videos on soil health and grazing. The key to success, he said, is having the right mindset. “The biggest issue is in your head.” CALVIN GAVELIN Location: McCord, SK. Farm description: Mixed cow-calf operation (200 head) and crops, including durum wheat, flax, peas and lentils Farm size: 3,840 acres of which 2,000 are seeded annually Growing cover crops since: 2017 Contact: gavelin.farms@yourlink.ca When Gavelin added cover crops to his management system, his aim was to improve soil health, fix nitrogen and improve cattle health. While seed cost is high ($37.50/ac), he’s seen improvements to his soil, in cattle health and pest management. He is concerned, though, that cover crops are not covered for losses or damage under traditional crop insurance, which he considers a potential barrier to adoption. Gavelin also worked with Kevin Elmy, who helped him select the right mix of species to meet his goals. He warns new adoptees to double check seeding depth. “Tiny seeds can’t push dirt,” he said. HAROLD PERRY Location: Taber Farm description: Mostly potatoes (1,500 acres) and grains, including spring wheat, winter wheat, peas, canola, silage corn for neighbouring feedlot Farm size: 5,000 irrigated acres In cover crops since: 2009 Contact: haroldperry4444@gmail.com When Perry decided to add cover crops to his rotation, he did so to minimize soil erosion. His focus shifted to sequester carbon, increase soil biology, improve nutrient cycling and build soil organic matter. Using multi-species mixes in a variety of ways produced plenty of benefits. Pest and disease control have improved, and soil erosion due to wind, which is a huge problem in his region, has been greatly reduced. He’s also seen improved water-holding capacity. He warns implementation of cover crops takes time, money and extra manpower. “We’re passionate and we’re trying to improve soil health, so we’re happy to do this,” he said. BRADY VALGARDSON Location: Taber Farm description: Malt barley, spring wheat, row crops, vegetables and sugar beets Farm size: 2,300 acres, mainly irrigated with 250 acres of dryland In cover crops since: 2011 Contact: bradyvalgardson@hotmail.com Valgardson added cover crops to his rotation to control erosion. His goals include improved carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, water infiltration and water-holding capacity. He faced challenges that included allelopathy, a lack of moisture in spring, termination troubles and additional labour and cost. He has also seen great results. “They for sure work for protecting soil from wind erosion, so that’s worth it right there,” he said. It’s important to choose the right crop for the task. Be sure to plan rotations and figure out how you’re going to terminate the cover crop beforehand, he suggested. He recommends reading magazines, watching YouTube videos and consulting with seed suppliers, specialists and other early adopters. FEATURE