Turning Marginal Land into Profit: Lessons from Michael Ferguson’s Cover Cropping Journey

At a recent SaskSoil cover cropping field tour, held on Michael Ferguson's farm near Melfort, Saskatchewan, farmers gathered to learn about innovative approaches to land management. Michael, who farms 4,500 acres alongside his wife and family, shared insights from his experience with cover crops and rotational grazing— practices that are significantly improving his farming operation by turning marginal land into profit.

Michael's story began with a common challenge: areas of his fields that, despite heavy fertilizer applications, just wouldn't produce. Recognizing that this might be more of a soil health issue than a nutrient deficiency, he turned to cover cropping as a potential solution. The results have been impressive.

"Some of our most marginal land is now contributing positively to our bottom line," Michael explained.

"We've seen improvements in crop insurance coverage, too. By shifting poorer acres into perennial forages, we’ve seen money-losing acres finally turn a profit."

SaskSoil and Ducks Unlimited offer a $2,000 rebate to farmers willing to shift unproductive acres into perennial forages. Learn more about the Marginal Areas Rehabilitation in Saskatchewan (MARS) Program.

One of the most tangible benefits Michael has observed is the increase in available moisture on his cover-cropped acres. Soil probes show an extra two inches of moisture on these fields, a result of seeding cover crops over the last four years. This moisture retention is crucial in a region where every drop counts, especially during dry seasons.

As land prices continue to rise, many farmers are faced with the challenge of expanding their operations without breaking the bank. Michael suggests that instead of purchasing more land, improving the quality of existing acreage can be a more economical and effective strategy. By shifting marginal areas into productive acreage, farmers can enhance their bottom line and make their farms more resilient.

To make informed decisions, Michael relies on data-heavy technology like yield maps and variable rate tools. This approach allows him to understand his land better and adjust his management practices to maximize returns. "It's all about knowing where to invest your resources," he said.

Economically upgrading equipment has also been a key part of Michael's strategy. He takes advantage of government funding programs and technology grants, which make these improvements more financially achievable. However, Michael is cautious about the investments he makes, knowing that the farm's success is essential not only for his own livelihood but also for supporting his parents in their retirement.

Another innovative practice Michael has adopted is reducing chemical passes and tillage. If he has a wreck, he lets the unharvested crops sit on the land over winter, tilling them in during the spring. This approach capitalizes on the root systems holding down topsoil and the organic matter, reducing the need for additional fertilizer. Michael advises other farmers to be cautious about applying extra chemicals and heavy fertilizer just because "that's how it's always been done." Regular soil testing and a more tentative approach to NPK applications can show positive results in both yields and margins.

Figure 1: Michael's neighbours beef herd grazing the marginal areas of his field intercropped canola and oats.

For those curious about cover cropping, Michael recommends starting small. He's currently practicing cover cropping on 10% of his acres and has just introduced rotational grazing with his neighbour’s beef herd.

"If you've been cultivating the same patch of soil for 40 years without seeing different results, that's a good place to start," he advised.

Michael Ferguson’s journey offers valuable lessons for farmers looking to improve their land quality and profitability. His cautious yet innovative approach to cover cropping for land improvement relies on data and economic sense and can provide a blueprint for success in today’s challenging agricultural landscape.

If you’d like to talk to Michael about his cover cropping experience, contact him directly at mike@collectiveimpactag.ca.

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If you’d like to learn more about cover cropping from experienced farmers like Michael, sign up for the free Farm Resilience Mentorship (FaRM) Program from Farmers for Climate Solutions.

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