Phase 2 is Underway!!
This project utilizes a newly developed Field Profitability and Marginality webtool to help growers identify low profitability or marginal areas in fields, assist in conversion planning and study the effects of converting marginal acres within cropland to a perennial forage mix.
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​Producers who are currently participating in Phase 2 are preparing patch(es) of marginal areas within cropland for conversion to perennial forage in 2026. Equivalent marginal “control” areas are also being studied but cropped normally.​
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Converted areas may be grazed, cut for hay, etc.
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Over the next 3 to 4 years researchers and students will conduct soil sampling, monitor beneficial insects and bird biodiversity, and measure plant productivity on the enrolled sites.
Grower precision yield data (from the combine) will continue to be collected and analyzed each year from all Phase 1 and Phase participants.
From left to right clockwise: hand probe soil sampling, an Acoustic Recording Unit (ARU) and an insect trap
Producers Receive:
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A one-time signing bonus for the preliminary year of testing.
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A land use payment of $75 per conversion acre per year for the first 2 years post-conversion with the possibility of further payments depending on funding.
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A guidance document outlining other stackable forage incentive programs offered by Ducks Unlimited, Ministry of Ag, etc.
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Forage seed is provided or reimbursed.
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Guidance on best management practices
Photo credit: Clinton Monchuk
Thank you to everyone who has enrolled!
​Research is ongoing on the sites that have enrolled for seeding forage in 2026.
If you are interested in participating for the 2027 Seeding Season please email Tamara at tamara.mcloughlin@usask.ca or click on the button below.