Farms.com Home   News

Polycrops: Challenges, Triumphs and Valuable Lessons from Beef Producers

Polycrop forage blends have become a popular tool among beef producers to increase soil health, manage grazing, improve cow performance and enhance resilience to changing weather conditions. However, as with any farming practice, the results can vary based on location, weather and management strategies. 

The practice of using polycrops, also known as cover crops, forage mixtures or cocktail crops, is intended to increase the diversity of plant species in a pasture. Increased plant diversity can enhance soil health, increase water infiltration, reduce fertilizer needs and provide higher quality forages for cattle. 

One of the objectives of the Living Lab Central Prairies has been growing polycrops on producer operations and evaluating both the long- and short-term impacts.  

The Living Labs program allows producers like Erika Stewart, John Griffin and Carmen Jackson to use polycrops on their operations, and they have encountered both successes and challenges with the practice. Their experiences, combined with insights from agricultural research, highlight the complexity of adopting polycrops and offer valuable lessons for others considering this practice. 

Click here to see more...

Trending Video

AgTech Innovation at Canada's Outdoor Farm Show

Video: AgTech Innovation at Canada's Outdoor Farm Show


Welcome to Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show AgTech Breakfast. This annual Ontario outdoor farm show has always been a place where innovation thrives.

The AgTech Breakfast takes place every September to create a space where farmers and representatives from startup companies can meet and discuss innovations that bring new options to the agriculture industry. This is a great opportunity for attendees of this event to see what’s new.

At the AgTech Breakfast, attendees hear from a panel of companies, followed by a casual discussion session where farmers and representatives from startup companies can discuss new technology related to farming and share opportunities and challenges that impact Canadian agriculture.

One company featured at the 2024 AgTech Breakfast at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show was VETSon. This company connects producers and veterinarians for one-on-one consultations through online and app technology to improve options for livestock management.