SaskSoil Attends Proof of Concept Field Day: Showcasing Regenerative Ag in Action

SaskSoil was pleased to be invited to attend the recent Proof of Concept Field Day, where farmers, researchers, and industry partners came together to tour a field dedicated to testing and demonstrating regenerative agriculture practices. Hosted at Wilmar Farms Ltd. in Star City, this unique site is divided into nine key project areas, each designed to showcase sustainable solutions that improve soil health, biodiversity, and water management.

The Proof of Concept Field is more than just a research project — it’s a living classroom for Saskatchewan farmers, proving that innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand.

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What We Saw on the Proof of Concept Field Tour

The field was broken into nine areas of focus, giving participants a hands-on look at the practices shaping the future of prairie agriculture.

1. Apiary

Bees are essential pollinators, and the apiary on-site showed how honeybees boost crop yields while supporting biodiversity. With canola alone benefiting from bee pollination, this stop highlighted both environmental and economic gains.

2. Improved Water Channels

Grassed waterways demonstrated how simple changes can prevent erosion, reduce runoff, and improve water quality. These natural drainage systems also provide habitat for birds and beneficial insects.

3. Shelterbelt Restoration

Visitors saw efforts to restore an aging treeline — a reminder of the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration’s legacy of soil conservation. Shelterbelts reduce wind erosion, capture carbon, and create wildlife corridors.

4. Floating Wetlands

An innovative piece, floating wetlands show how plants can naturally filter water, absorb nutrients, and improve aquatic habitat while mimicking natural ecosystems.

5. Wetlands Restoration

Existing wetlands were being restored with perennial grasses to increase biodiversity, filter runoff, and help manage water levels during wet and dry seasons.

6. Continuing ADOPT Project — Supported by SaskSoil

This stop was especially meaningful for SaskSoil. The Agriculture Demonstration of Practices and Technologies (ADOPT) project is testing both annual/biennial and perennial forage blends to create pollinator habitats, improve soil health, and make productive use of marginal acres. SaskSoil is proud to support this important initiative, which helps farmers evaluate real-world strategies for enhancing biodiversity and soil resilience while still producing marketable forage.

7. Oat, Faba Bean and Forage Mix

This intercrop showcased the benefits and challenges of growing multiple crops together for high-quality cattle feed, with oats providing fibre, faba beans delivering protein, and forage boosting animal nutrition.

8. Canola Underseeded to Clover

Farmers explored how underseeding canola with crimson clover can improve soil health, reduce erosion, fix nitrogen, and suppress weeds — all while still producing a cash crop. This practice supports both profitability and sustainability.

9. Moisture Probe Comparison

The final stop showcased technology in action. Moisture probes compared how monocropped canola fields hold water compared to a canola-clover mix. This data helps farmers make smarter decisions on irrigation, spraying, and crop management.

Why It Matters

The Proof of Concept Field proves that regenerative agriculture is practical, profitable, and scalable. From boosting pollinator populations to improving water retention and soil fertility, these practices provide benefits for both farmers and the environment.

For SaskSoil, supporting research that reflects our mission to advance soil health across Saskatchewan is important. By testing new methods and sharing results with producers, we’re helping ensure long-term sustainability for prairie agriculture.

We also want to extend our congratulations to Collective Impact for having the vision to bring the Proof of Concept Field to life. Their leadership and commitment to regenerative agriculture have created a valuable platform for innovation, collaboration, and farmer learning that will benefit Saskatchewan agriculture for years to come.

Looking Ahead

The insights gained from this Proof of Concept Field will ripple across the province as more farmers explore cover crops, water management, and biodiversity-building practices. SaskSoil is proud to be part of this journey and will continue working with producers and partners to bring regenerative agriculture into the mainstream.