Why do some Farm Fields Look Messy after Harvest?

Jan 23, 2019

Some farm fields this time of year look messier than others. The January 22nd Sustainable, Secure Food blog explains what drives a grower’s decision when it comes to managing their fields in the winter.

“Some farmers will leave the field as-is over the winter and plant right over it in the spring,” writes blogger Timothy Durham, Ferrum College. “In their view, the residue is beneficial. Others will remove and repurpose as much of the organic ‘litter’ as possible—it’s seen as an obstacle in the field.“

Durham lays out a grower’s options:

Use the non-grain part of the crop—the stalk, leaves, etc.—to use in biofuels like ethanol or as grazing for livestock.
Plow and bury the residue. “These tillage systems ensure the residues will slowly decompose and release nutrients. It also keeps the field clean for planting next season.”
Adopt a no-till system. This has the advantage of keeping valuable carbon from the plants in the soil. “This provides a number of benefits like better nutrient/water retention and soil structure. Carbon glues soil particles together—think about cooking without a binding agent like eggs. It also supports a diverse ecosystem of underground critters, many of which recycle nutrients and troll disease-causing organisms.”

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Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.