“Our team is quite happy with the communication the PPSN team had throughout the season. [Our] farm team only had good things to say about how the project was managed this summer.”
Phase 2 is Underway!!
Phase 2 utilizes our 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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​The first year of study involves sampling patch(es) of marginal areas within cropland (green polygon) that are enrolled for conversion to perennial forage in 2027. These areas are farmed normally the first year. Equivalent marginal “control” areas (blue polygon) are also studied but cropped normally throughout the project.​
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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 2 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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Forage seed will be reimbursed.
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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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Expert advice on best management practices.
Photo credit: Clinton Monchuk
Looking for New Participants!!
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.
Accepting applications until Mar 31, 2026.
On-farm research for new sites will begin May 2026.