Managing Marginal Acres: Lessons from a Saskatchewan Grain Farm
- SaskSoil
- Aug 28
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 17
Farming on marginal land has long been a challenge for grain producers across the prairies. At a recent SaskSoil webinar, Michael Ferguson—a fourth-generation grain farmer from Star City, Saskatchewan—shared practical strategies his family farm uses to turn unprofitable acres into opportunities. From cover crops and variable rate fertilization to collaborative grazing partnerships, Michael emphasized how financial discipline, experimentation, and stewardship can transform land once considered a liability.
Watch the full webinar here.
What Are Marginal Acres?
On Ferguson’s farm, marginal acres a
re those areas that consistently underperform due to:
Poor soil quality or salinity
Slopes and topography that impact yield
Flood-prone or gravel areas
Small, logistically challenging corners
By identifying these unprofitable zones, the family adjusted their approach: instead of treating every acre equally, they focused inputs where returns were strongest and introduced cover crops or grazing in weaker areas.
Strategies That Work
1. Variable Rate (VR) Fertilization & Seeding
Using precision maps, Ferguson reduces fertilizer in low-yield zones while maintaining or increasing it in high-potential areas. He applies the same approach to seeding cover crops, tailoring inputs to field conditions.
2. Cover Crops for Soil Health & Profitability
Blends of clover, radish, sunflower, grasses, and turnip are seeded into marginal areas. The results?
Improved soil organic matter and water infiltration (two extra inches of available water were measured in cover crop fields).
Reduced erosion and runoff.
Increased biodiversity—Michael even noted more butterflies where cover crops thrived.
3. Partnership Grazing
In creekside and bush areas previously unproductive, the Fergusons partnered with a young cattle producer to graze livestock. This not only generated revenue but also improved land use efficiency.
4. Cost Reduction as Risk Management
By cutting inputs on unproductive land, the farm became a lower-cost producer. During the 2021 drought, their most profitable acres were those seeded with cover crops—demonstrating resilience when it mattered most.
5. Intercropping for Flexibility
To balance risks, Ferguson grows peas and oats together. In dry years, peas thrive; in wet years, oats perform better. This system stabilizes returns and improves nitrogen efficiency.
Environmental & Community Benefits
Michael stressed that profitability goes hand-in-hand with stewardship. By managing marginal acres strategically, the farm:
Prevents soil degradation and erosion.
Promotes biodiversity and pollinator habitats.
Reduces reliance on chemical inputs.
Strengthens ties within the local farming community by sharing knowledge and collaborating with neighbours.
Lessons for Farmers
Start small. Test cover crops or intercropping on a few acres before scaling up.
Focus on numbers. Track input costs, yields, and profitability—don’t farm “by tradition.”
Adapt to context. Every farm is different; tailor strategies to soil type, topography, and resources.
Tell your story. Agriculture benefits when producers share how they’re improving land health for future generations.
Managing marginal acres isn’t about farming harder—it’s about farming smarter. By blending modern technology with a commitment to soil health and financial discipline, Michael Ferguson’s farm demonstrates how prairie grain producers can unlock profitability while protecting the environment.
As Michael put it: “I don’t need to hit a home run every year. If I can keep hitting doubles, I’ll be farming for a long time.”
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