Regenerative Agriculture
Regenerative Agriculture is the use of farming and grazing practices to regenerate the foundation of agriculture, soil, by rebuilding soil organic matter and restoring degraded soil biodiversity. Building back organic matter and the biological functioning of soil contributes to increased soil fertility which is crucial to crop health. Incorporating regenerative agriculture into your farm production can reduce soil erosion, assist in water infiltration, and increase the soil water retention rate. This encourages healthy water quality, decreases nutrient runoff, and improves water availability for your crop.
5 Principles of Regenerative Agriculture
Maintain Soil Armor
Minimize Soil Disturbance
Maintain Continuity of Living Roots
Increase Biodiversity
Incorporate Livestock
Regenerative Agriculture Project Funding
Take a step into the world of Regenerative Agriculture with the financial assistance provided through an ALUS program!
The AWSA has a program to ease you into regenerative practices for your farm. Seeding a cover crop or intercrop can provide you with a $35/acre annual payment for 3 years. Seed marginal cropland into perennial forage with the assistance of a $35/acre annual payment for 5 years plus an additional establishment payment of $50/acre (or $100/acre along waterways). Seeding perennial forage or a cover crop on marginal land can lead to economic gains from coarse textured, saline, flood-prone, or hard to access acres on your farm.
We are currently seeking 30 new participants for our cover crop/intercrop program.
Contact the Assiniboine Watershed Stewardship Association to find out how you can get involved!