BMO donation to USask supports research in regenative agriculture

Apr 14, 2023

A significant contribution to the University of Saskatchewan (USask) will be used to push forward research focused on the future of food in Canada.

BMO Financial Groups will contribute $2 million to the institution based in Saskatoon for a soil analytical lab as well as a new research chair position.

BMO Private Wealth Canada Regional President June Zimmer said after touring the university facilities, she said it was exciting to see the incredible work the graduate students are already doing.

“We’re looking to support critical research into regenerative agriculture. The investment is also going to help support the harnessing digital capabilities, which will share data and grow understanding from those labs,” she said. “Thirdly, we’re really excited to be able to enable world leading training for students in advanced agricultural practices.”

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Video: Residue Management

Residue Management conservation practice manages the amount, orientation, and distribution of crop and other plant residue on the soil surface year-round while limiting soil-disturbing activities used to grow and harvest crops in systems where the field surface is tilled prior to planting. This video explores how Ryan McKenzie implemented this conservation practice on his farm in Samson, Alabama.

Practice benefits:

• Increases organic matter

• Improves air quality

• Decreases energy costs

• Reduces erosion

• Improves soil health

The Conservation at Work video series was created to increase producer awareness of common conservation practices and was filmed at various locations throughout the country. Because conservation plans are specific to the unique resource needs on each farm and also soil type, weather conditions, etc., these videos were designed to serve as a general guide to the benefits of soil and water conservation and landowners should contact their local USDA office for individual consultation.