From Grain to Glass: Red Shed Malting’s Journey
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.
Resilient Grasslands and a Family Legacy
In the Paintearth county of Alberta, the Younger family are ranching with a regenerative mindset and a whole lot of care for the land. We spoke to them about ranching with the next generation, shifting to a regenerative mindset and the power of producer networks.
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.
Seeding Change: Polycultures at Work at Muddy Creek Ranch
At Muddy Creek Ranch in Fairview, Alberta, rancher Garth Shaw is blending generations of farming tradition with new regenerative approaches to create a more resilient future for his land, livestock and family.
Rooted in the rolling grasslands of the Peace Country, Garth’s operation is centred on cattle, community and a growing commitment to soil health. His journey into regenerative agriculture began with a healthy dose of skepticism and a nudge from his daughter to try something new: polycultures.
What started as a small trial turned into a game-changer. Diverse forage mixes not only kept Garth’s cattle grazing through the harsh Alberta winter, but helped reduce feed costs, improved soil structure and sparked curiosity among his neighbours.
This blog explores how Garth’s shift to polycultures is transforming more than just his fields. From balancing winter feeding strategies to building community resilience, Garth’s story highlights the power of staying open to learning and leading with care—for the land, the animals and the people connected to both.
Whether you’re a seasoned rancher, just starting your regenerative journey or simply curious about what’s possible when you plant diversity, this story offers insights and inspiration from the ground up.
EP 76 Partners in the Ecosystem – SoR Part Eight
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Meet Rebecca Harbut and Mike Bomford from Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) in Richmond, BC—prime examples of such trailblazers. Now, you might wonder, how do university professors fit the description of being ‘on the ground’? Well, let me tell you, KPU isn’t just any university; it boasts a farm that lies at the heart of Rebecca and Mike’s endeavors.
Moreover, as we’ve touched upon throughout this podcast series, with Canada’s population nearing the 40 million mark, farm and ranch operators, along with farm laborers, represent a mere fraction—around 1%—of the populace. The takeaway here? It’s going to require a collective effort, involving many of us outside the traditional farming community, to partner with that crucial 1%. This collaboration is key to expanding regenerative agriculture from a niche practice to a widespread one.
EP 69 Loyal to the Soil – SoR Part Two
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During the growing season of 2023, Rural Routes to Climate Solutions teamed up with Regeneration Canada to connect with agricultural producers across Canada who are tackling the pressing social and environmental crises through the adoption of regenerative agriculture.
One such farm is Axten Farms, situated in Minton, Saskatchewan. With a steadfast commitment to growing healthy grains, Axten Farms takes a regenerative approach focused on enhancing their land’s soil biodiversity, creating a thriving environment for food production. Their unwavering dedication is captured in their motto, “Loyal to the Soil.”