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What if some of the least productive acres on a farm could become an opportunity to improve farm efficiency and support biodiversity? In this episode of the Rural Routes to Climate Solutions podcast, host Derek Leahy speaks with Joe Lovell, a crop producer near Clive, Alberta, about his experience participating in a research project led by the Prairie Precision Sustainability Network (PPSN). Together, they explore how harvest data, satellite imagery and farm profitability information can help producers identify marginal land and consider alternatives to farming areas that consistently underperform. Joe shares how the project has encouraged him to look more closely at the costs of farming certain areas, from awkward field corners to a reclaimed gravel pit. Around 20 acres of his farm are being converted to a perennial forage blend, although unusually dry spring conditions delayed seeding. Their conversation also turns to shelterbelts and beneficial insects, and the potential role of habitat in supporting more diverse and resilient farming systems. Joe talks about how research can help him understand what it costs to farm his least productive acres and whether there are better alternatives. For him, the work needs to go beyond a report, giving producers real numbers and practical solutions they can act on.  For Joe, the question is where farming makes economic sense and where another use, such as perennial forage or beneficial habitat, could better serve the operation over the long term. His perspective looks beyond the next growing season to the future of family farms and rural communities. “I’m more than happy watching my neighbors replicate my success.” — Joe Lovell In this episode 00:00 – Introduction to the Restoring the Margins series 04:07 – Meet Joe Lovell and learn about his family’s farming background 05:06 – Connecting with PPSN and the marginal land project 07:55 – Identifying marginal land and selecting areas for perennial forage 09:37 – Using farm data to understand profitability 10:27 – Making field operations more efficient 12:21 – Dry conditions and the challenges of seeding 14:49 – Rethinking profitability and the cost of farming marginal land 15:41 – A stewardship-based approach to farming for the long term 16:54 – Biodiversity, shelterbelts and beneficial insects 19:54 – Monitoring pest pressure and the role of beneficial insects 21:17 – Turning agricultural research into practical solutions 23:21 – Knowledge sharing and learning from other producers 24:43 – Prairie pest research and early-seeding findings 27:18 – Supporting family farms and rural communities   Useful Links Prairie Precision Sustainability Network   This podcast has been funded by the Prairie Precision Sustainability Network and the University of Saskatchewan.

What would it take for marginal land restoration to make sense for the farm family, not just the field? In this episode of the Rural Routes to Climate Solutions podcast, Derek Leahy speaks with Dr. Jeremy Pittman, an associate professor in the School of Planning at the University of Waterloo, about the human side of adopting sustainable agriculture practices. It is the second episode of Restoring the Margins, a series produced in partnership with the Prairie Precision Sustainability Network (PPSN). Jeremy shares early findings from his research into what motivates producers to restore marginally producing areas, including the role of family, economics, risk and social relationships. He describes producers as “citizen scientists” and explains how research can validate what they already know from working their land. Together, they explore what makes restoration workable, from financial support and decision-making tools to the logistics of reaching a patch in the middle of a field. Jeremy also explains how social pressures can hold some producers back, how communities of practice offer support and how small changes across the Prairies can add up to benefits for pollinators, birds and carbon storage. “Sometimes we assume there’s a bit of a difference … between a farmer and a scientist. But end of the day, there’s a lot more similarities there than we realize.” — Dr. Jeremy Pittman  In this episode 02:00 – Meet Dr. Jeremy Pittman 03:49 – What is social and ecological sustainability? 04:58 – The human side of restoring marginal land 06:56 – Why producers choose to restore marginal land 09:10 – Producers as citizen scientists 10:50 – What is PPSN and the Marginal Lands project? 15:01 – How researchers study producer motivations 17:01 – The role of family and future generations 19:00 – Using data to support on-farm decisions 21:10 – When research validates lived experience 22:28 – Making data useful for producers and policymakers 25:03 – Designing tools around lived experience 26:33 – What supports producers in restoring marginal land? 31:11 – Conservation easements, family and land succession 33:29 – The practical barriers to restoration 35:44 – The landscape-level benefits of small changes 39:12 – The role of policy and government programs 41:58 – Local communities and regional approaches 43:03 – The bigger challenges facing prairie sustainability 45:11 – Social pressure and being the “village idiot” 47:42 – Communities of practice and finding support 49:06 – Closing remarks   Useful Links Prairie Precision Sustainability Network (PPSN)   This podcast has been funded by the Prairie Precision Sustainability Network and the University of Saskatchewan.

What does it mean to care for the land–not simply as a resource, but as a living relative? In this episode of the Rural Routes to Climate Solutions podcast, Tawnya Plain Eagle speaks with Dr. Linda ManyGuns, a member of Siksika Nation, retired professor and advisor to the Siksikaitsitapi Agriculture Project (SAP). Together, they explore Blackfoot food systems, agriculture and  food sovereignty–from traditional harvesting practices and historic trade routes to the deep knowledge Blackfoot people hold  about the land. Linda also shares why regeneration is more than restoring soil or ecosystems. It is about renewing relationships–with the land, with culture and across generations. Their conversation looks at the importance of land-based learning, creating opportunities for young people to reconnect with traditional knowledge and understanding agriculture as a responsibility to care for the land and those who come after us.  The episode closes with a powerful story about Linda’s grandfather–and how it inspired her to begin a journey of her own. “Our elders loved the land and we have to learn to love the land again.” — Dr. Linda ManyGuns In this episode 03:54 – Meet Dr. Linda ManyGuns 05:05 – Linda’s connection to agriculture and the land 06:50 – Food sovereignty, trade and relationships 10:20 – Blackfoot ecological knowledge and Western science 13:14 – Sakomitapi and understanding the land as a person 14:54 – What does regeneration mean? 17:47 – Indigenous food sovereignty and future generations 21:38 – Traditional food systems and harvesting practices 26:19 – Land-based learning and reconnecting with knowledge 29:30 – Agriculture and responsibility to the land 31:54 – Encouraging younger generations to explore agriculture 35:06 – Linda’s story about her grandfather 37:22 – Closing remarks

In this episode of the Rural Routes to Climate Solutions podcast, we welcome Christen Falcon, from the Amskapi Piikani (Blackfeet Nation) in Montana. Christen has worked across food sovereignty, community wellness, education and Indigenous health, bringing together Blackfoot ways of knowing with modern approaches to nutrition, agriculture and holistic wellbeing. Drawing from both personal experience and professional work, she shares how reconnecting with land, food and culture can help individuals and communities heal from trauma while strengthening relationships with each other and the environment. Joining our host, Derek Leahy, Christen reflects on her journey into this work, her involvement with the Blackfeet Agricultural Resource Management Plan (ARMP), and why food security cannot be separated from mental health, culture and community. Together, they explore how traditional ecological knowledge, buffalo and beaver restoration, and stronger collaboration across the Blackfoot Confederacy can help build healthier people and healthier landscapes. Throughout the conversation, Christen offers a hopeful vision for the future: one where communities are more self-reliant, connected to their traditional foods and medicines, and leading land stewardship through Blackfoot ways of knowing. Highlights 05:35 – Christen introduces herself and shares how childhood experiences shaped her passion for food, health and Blackfeet Ways of Knowing. 16:44 – Derek asks how Christen got involved with the Blackfeet Agricultural Resource Management Plan (ARMP) and its vision for food sovereignty. 20:35 – Christen began contacting and connecting with partnerships, meat processing and reconnecting people with traditional foods. 23:51 – Why addressing trauma and survival mode is essential before people can reconnect with land, culture and environmental stewardship. 29:14 – Derek asks Christen about the healing power of spending time on the land, and how traditional knowledge deepens that connection. 31:59 – Christen discusses what it will take to achieve Blackfeet food sovereignty. 37:51 – How Blackfeet Ways of Knowing and agriculture can work together or have common threads?  45:33 – Christen shares her vision for healthier communities, stronger cultural connections and Indigenous-led stewardship for future generations. Useful links: Siksikaitsitapi Agriculture Project Blackfeet Agricultural Resource Management Plan Want to learn more? To listen to our other podcast episodes from the SAP project, visit the producers resource hub.

In this bonus episode of the SAP series, we sit down with two of our coordinators from our Siksikaitsitapi Agriculture Project (SAP): Riel Houle and Nathan Provost. Both are proud members of the Piikani First Nation and bring Blackfoot cultural knowledge and their own personal connections to the land and agriculture to their work.  This conversation explores what regenerative agriculture can look like in Blackfoot communities and how traditional knowledge and community leadership are shaping the future of Blackfoot agriculture in Alberta. Riel and Nathan reflect on their personal connections to farming and food systems, the evolution of agriculture in Piikani over the years and the importance of restoring local food systems to address food security in their communities. They also introduce listeners to the SAP advisory committee, made up of representatives from the four nations of the Blackfoot Confederacy—Piikani, Kainai, Siksika and Amskapi Piikani—and share their thoughts on the potential of community-led agricultural projects. This episode offers valuable insights into land stewardship, the importance of community consultation and how Blackfoot knowledge can guide meaningful climate solutions for farming and ranching in southern Alberta and beyond. Highlights: 03:06 – Riel Houle introduces himself and the Siksikaitsitipi Agriculture Project 05:27 – Nathan Provost shares his background and connection to the land 06:12 – Nathan and Riel reflect on agriculture in Piikani past and present 10:37 – The role of regenerative agriculture on Blackfoot ancestral lands 13:07 – Blackfoot cultural identity and its influence on land stewardship 16:10 – Food security and building agricultural capacity in Piikani 20:51 – Introduction to the SAP advisory committee 25:17 – Talking Circles, partnerships and community engagement Useful links: Siksikaitsitapi Agriculture Project Want to learn more? To listen to our other podcast episodes from the SAP project, visit the producers resource hub.

In this episode of the Rural Routes to Climate Solutions podcast, we’re reconnecting with an old friend of the podcast, Api’soomaahka (translation: Running Coyote). His English name is William Singer III. Api’soomaahka is an artist, land-based educator and founder of Naapi’s Garden and Katoyiss Seed Bank. He returns to the podcast to share updates on his powerful work around restoring native plants, reconnecting people with land-based wellness and revitalizing Blackfoot ecological knowledge in his community. Joining our Siksikaitsitapi Agricultural Project host, Lance Tailfeathers, is guest host Riel Houle, Outreach Coordinator at RR2CS, for a thoughtful roundtable conversation about the transformative power of land stewardship and traditional food systems. In this episode, we hear stories of restoring sweetgrass, wild turnip, wild carrot and combating invasive species. This episode goes deeper than land restoration, we are introduced to the story of Katoyiss – a Blackfoot hero who travelled across the land setting things right and restoring balance. Api’soomaahka draws compelling parallels between Katoyiss’ story and the modern-day work of land stewards: restoring balance to ecosystems, food systems and community health. Highlights: 04:09 – Api’soomaahka (William Singer) introduces himself 06:15 – Reflections on how farming has impacted land on Blackfoot territory over the years 07:31 – Explanation of the work at Naapi’s Garden to restore the land 09:45 – Riel asks if there are any invasive species on Kainai reserve lands? 12:03 – Reflections on the lake drying out and its impact on birds and ecosystems 14:39 – Api’soomaahka explains what Blackfoot ecological knowledge is and his involvement in raising awareness in his community 20:06 – Lance asks Api’soomaahka to expand on food security and healthier eating in the community 24:29 – Introduction and background of Naapi’s Garden and Katoyiss Seed Bank project 27:40 – Api’soomaahka reflects on how he teaches youth and the importance of education 30:25 – The urgency of taking action – to grow native plants and educate youth to have the power to restore lands Useful links: Kainai Ecosystem Protection Agency Naapi’s Garden Want to learn more? Listen to our earlier interview with Api’soomaaahka on native plants here.

Welcome to Restoring the Margins, our brand new podcast series, in partnership with the Prairie Precision Sustainability Network (PPSN). This series explores how agriculture producers in the Prairies can take their marginal lands and turn them into something both more profitable and more beneficial for the environment. In this opening episode, we’re joined by Dr. Christy Morrissey, a professor at the University of Saskatchewan and a lead researcher with the PPSN. Dr. Morrissey walks us through the PPSN project; a prairies-wide project that uses satellite imagery combined with yield and profit data to help identify marginal lands, with the goal of supporting producers to restore them. Together, we explore how restoring these lands can be a win-win: helping producers improve their bottom line while also supporting biodiversity and the environment. Highlights: 2:05 – First off – what are marginal lands? 8:22 – Dr. Morrissey explains the history of PPSN and how the project came to fruition 12:24 – An overview of PPSN, phase 1 of the project and Dr. Morrissey’s role  14:47 – Is it a lot of work for the producer to restore marginal lands? 16:55 – Dr. Morrissey talks about the plans for phase 2, Marginal Land Solutions 19:17 – Are you looking for more producers to be involved? 22:27 – How do they identify the marginal land areas? 26:46 – Dr. Morrissey explains why they use profit to define marginal areas, not yield 29:06 – When looking for participants, are you interested in a certain type of grower? 30:44 – Dr. Morrissey’s background and how she got into this area of work 33:30 – How you can go about restoring marginal lands and why it matters 37:30 – Dr. Morrissey explains some of the species that, when planted, help restore margins 41:20 – How can you get involved if you’re a producer who’s interested in benefitting from the margins? 43:09 – Dr. Morrissey closes with her long term ambitions for the project and its impact Useful links: PPSN Website This podcast has been funded by the Prairie Precision Sustainability Network and the University of Saskatchewan.  Music credits: We’d like to thank Floating Temples for the use of their track Spring Wood in this series. Want to learn more? Our Farmer’s Blog is also a great source for stories of producers in Alberta who are going the extra mile with their management practices for the land, food and their communities.

In this episode of the Siksikaitsitapi Agriculture Project (SAP) podcast series, Lance Tailfeathers sits down with Wolf Caller (Elliot Fox), a leader in land management and now a member of Kainai First Nation’s Council. They discuss the past, present and future of agriculture in Kainai First Nation in southern Alberta, exploring how Blackfoot ways of knowing can help to protect water systems against droughts, enhance food security and protect native species. Wolf Caller (Elliot) shares his journey in environmental conservation and land management, from his early days with Parks Canada to his work with the Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council. The conversation then dives into the historical significance of agriculture on the Kainai Reserve, how colonial policies disrupted that self-sufficiency and the potential for sustainable, community-based food production today. Highlights: 5:21 – Wolf Caller introduces himself and talks about his history working in conservation and land management and his role with the Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council. 7:20 – What is your personal connection to agriculture and conservation, growing up on the Blood reserve? 10:26 – Wolf Caller shares his thoughts on potential drought solutions and irrigation within the Blackfoot Confederacy 15:43 – Is there a difference between our Blackfoot ways of knowing compared to the more “typical” farming practices we’ve been exposed to through colonization? 20:25 – Being the former director of the Blood Tribe Lands Management Department, what were those relationships like with farmers on the reserve? 22:10 – Wolf Caller reflects on ensuring producers were using best management practices during his time as director. 25:11 – What are your thoughts on where the Kainai Nation could go with respect to food security and becoming more self-sufficient? 32:00 – Wolf Caller’s thoughts on the potential to re-introduce native grasses and Bison to cultivated land on Kainai. Useful links: Blood Tribe Agriculture Project Want to learn more? We’ve got more podcast episodes, and a Farmer’s Blog from members of the Blackfoot community. If you want to learn more, check out the Siksikaitsitapi Agriculture section of our resource package. Mentioned in this episode: Episode 30, William Singer Norma Wolfchild, farmers blog

Wrapping up our Stories of Regeneration tour, we land in Ottawa at Just Food Community Farm, a 150-acre farmstead located in Ottawa’s Greenbelt that is championing small-scale, viable agriculture businesses and initiatives like Chi Garden and Urban Fresh Produce. Dedicated to cultivating a thriving local food economy and sustainable farming sector, Just Food integrates agroecology-based conservation with land stewardship. The farm is a testament to how community-led initiatives can redefine our food systems, offering food sovereignty for all, including newcomers to Canada. Its Start-up Farm Program addresses the critical barrier of land access, turning aspiring individuals into farmers and fostering community regeneration. Highlighting this unique model, Chadwick Lewis (Urban Fresh Produce) and Sun Shan (Chi Garden), participants of the program, share their experiences in our series finale, underscoring the farm’s role in sustainable agriculture and community building. Highlights: 6:45 – What is Just Food Community Farm? 15:25 – Chadwick and Sun Shan talk about their individual farms and how they got involved in agriculture. 23:14 – What regenerative practices do they implement on their individual farms? 34:33 – Sun Shan and Chadwick talk about food sovereignty. 46:02 – How can we support new Canadians who want to get involved in agriculture and ensure economic viability? 1:02:31 – Why did Sun Shan and Chadwick choose farming? Useful links: Stories of Regeneration Stories of Regeneration Short Film Series Regeneration Canada’s Farm Map Just Food Community Farm Want to learn more? If you want to learn more, we recommend you check out the following: EP 47 – The Regen Mindset EP 67 – Total Grazing – SoR Part 1 EP 69 – Loyal to the Soil – SoR Part 2 EP 70 – Maximizing Soil Function – SoR Part 3 EP 71 – Sharing the Land – SoR Part 4 EP 72 – Connecting People to Place – SoR Part 5 EP 73 – Diversity is Resiliency – SoR Part 6 EP 75 – From Pastures to Cheese – SoR Part 7 EP 76 – Partners in the Ecosystem – SoR Part 8 EP 77 – Healthy Food, Healthy Communities – SoR Part 9   Our Farmers Blog shares stories about Alberta farmers who do an exceptional job of caring for the land, producing food, and building up their communities. This podcast has been partially funded by Agriculture and Agri-food Canada

On the second-last stop in our Stories of Regeneration tour, we returned to Alberta, making a stop at Peony Farms in Lacombe. Facing his daughter’s health issues, rancher Craig Cameron and his family turned to regenerative farming to grow the healthiest food possible for her. Craig, alongside his father-in-law Peter DenOudsten, shifted their traditional beef farm to a regenerative model. They now grow over 10 types of grass and clover, use less fertilizer, and produce some of the healthiest, most nutritious beef you can find. Highlights: 5:22 – Peter shares the history of Peony Farms. 6:46 – How did Peter become aware of regenerative agriculture principles and practices? 9:15 – Why did the farm start heading down the regenerative agriculture path? 15:25 – Peter and Craig talk about the regenerative practices they use on the farm. 22:48 – Have Peter and Craig seen benefits from implementing regenerative agriculture? 25:06 – What is forage-finished beef? 30:53 – Why raise piedmontese cattle? 36:35 – Peter and Craig talk about testing. 46:34 – What role can consumers play in supporting the adoption of regenerative agriculture? 51:29 – What is the regenerative mindset? Useful links: Stories of Regeneration Stories of Regeneration Short Film Series Regeneration Canada’s Farm Map Peony Farms Want to learn more? If you want to learn more, we recommend you check out the following: EP 47 – The Regen Mindset EP 67 – Total Grazing – SoR Part 1 EP 69 – Loyal to the Soil – SoR Part 2 EP 70 – Maximizing Soil Function – SoR Part 3 EP 71 – Sharing the Land – SoR Part 4 EP 72 – Connecting People to Place – SoR Part 5 EP 73 – Diversity is Resiliency – SoR Part 6 EP 75 – From Pastures to Cheese – SoR Part 7 EP 76 – Partners in the Ecosystem – SoR Part 8 Our Farmers Blog shares stories about Alberta farmers who do an exceptional job of caring for the land, producing food, and building up their communities. This podcast has been partially funded by Agriculture and Agri-food Canada

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.

For this very special French-language episode of the Rural Routes to Climate Solutions podcast, recorded in the late summer of 2023 during the Stories of Regeneration tour, Sara Maranda-Gauvin of Regeneration Canada talked with brothers Vincent and Simon-Pierre Bolduc of La Station: an organic farm and cheese factory in the Eastern Townships of Quebec.

You never know what Mother Nature is going to dish out, whether it is going to be the good, the bad or the ugly, so being able to observe, learn and adapt can be just as handy as mechanical skills. And now we have educational programs that blend Blackfoot ways of knowing and agriculture. In this episode of Rural Routes to Climate Solutions, we are taking a look at the Red Crow Community College’s Niitsitapi Agriculture Certificate Program with JR Weasel Fat of Kainai, Alberta.

During the growing season of 2023 as summer turned into fall, the Rural Routes to Climate Solutions podcast and Regeneration Canada were on the final leg of the Stories of Regeneration tour. After covering most of the Prairies and most of central and eastern Canada in the summer, our months-long journey came to an end in Canada’s two most western provinces around harvest time. This next phase of our journey brought us to Cawston, British Columbia, acclaimed as the Organic Farming Capital of Canada. At Snowy Mountain Farms, managed by Aaron Goddard and his family, you will find a 12-acre farm that boasts over 70 varieties of fruits such as cherries, apricots, peaches, plums, pears, apples, and quince. Aaron employs regenerative agriculture practices to cultivate and sustain living soils, which are essential for producing fruit that is not only delicious but also rich in nutrients.

2023 was a challenging year for Canadian farmers and ranchers and for humanity in general. We had droughts, wildfires, floods, an affordability crisis and a number of armed conflicts. According to scientists working with the European Union, 2023 smashed temperature records globally. And yet, someone like Nova Scotia agricultural producer Rachel Lightfoot still finds ways of being optimistic even after her farm got hit by a polar vortex, a dry spring and a very rainy summer all in the same year.