Farming as though the Earth Matters – Brenlea Farms – Camrose, AB
Brenda Bohmer, a grain farmer at Brenlea Farm in central Alberta, realized she’d been draining sloughs for years in an attempt to farm more acres. She would seed around duck nests, but in order to deal with weeds, she’d farm right up to the edges of the wetland. “It’s a mindset you get locked into,” she admits. Bohmer’s goal? Create a year-round wetland and invite nature to help rehabilitate the natural wetland ecosystem and water cycle.
Several years ago, Bohmer partnered with Cows and Fish – Alberta Riparian Habitat Management Society. Within a year, nature took over the wetland and Bohmer was amazed to see the transformation of the riparian habitat. “I can still grow crops between the wetlands,” explains Bohmer. “But now I have a buffer which provides a separation between farming operations and the natural habitat. Bohmer points out that 80 percent of all types of wildlife in Alberta spend all, or part of their lives in a riparian area. “We can co-exist,” she says. “I like to think of this as farming as though the earth really matters.”
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Hear about the farmers, ranchers, scientists, industry experts and people in Alberta who are leading the way in good land stewardship and reducing agriculture’s carbon footprint.
Balanced Regeneration on an Irrigated Forage Farm
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From their farm near Penhold, the Hamill family is closing the loop from field to pint. At Red Shed Malting, they grow and malt their own barley, and supply craft breweries across the province — keeping the benefits local. We spoke to Matt Hamill about how they run their operation, the sustainable practices they’ve built into the farm and the malthouse and building community.
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A Day In The Field: Grazing, Grains and Growth
Join us for a day of learning, connection and practical insights into regenerative agriculture. Hear from experts on soil health, livestock integration and cropping systems.
EP 82 – Meet The Coordinators
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In this bonus episode, we sit down with Riel Houle and Nathan Provost of the Siksikaitsitapi Agriculture Project to talk regenerative agriculture, Blackfoot stewardship and building food sovereignty in Piikani Nation. A powerful conversation rooted in community and connection to the land.
Yaks, Polycultures and the Power of Community
Near Castor, Alberta, fourth-generation farmer Dave Weber is raising yaks and experimenting with polycultures to build soil health, extend grazing and keep his operation resilient. Blending tradition with innovation, Dave is proving that even in challenging prairie conditions, there’s room to grow differently.