Frequently Asked Questions
We are looking for producers interested in wetland restoration, feed additives and 4R fertilizer management.
Introduction Session
Learn more about the Living Lab with this prerecorded session. We go through what makes a living lab different, potential projects, and answer questions.
Where Research Meets Reality.
What is a Living Lab (LL)?
No one knows your land, production, and challenges better than you. A LL is an adoption of a research initiative where your expertise as a producer is recognized and valued. Your input and hands-on experience is part of the process from the very beginning. Ranchers and farmers are the original problem solvers, a LL takes your skills and combines them with research scientists’ expertise to address challenges you’re facing on-farm. Through a process called co-development with researchers and other industry stakeholders, various beneficial management practices (BMPs) are identified, adapted if necessary, implemented on-farm, and the impacts of those BMPs are measured.
What is a BMP?
A BMP is a Beneficial Management Practice or in this context is any production practice, management system, or even a technology, that has an environmental benefit while being practical and affordable.
Who is running the project?
Alberta Beef Producers is leading the Alberta AgriSystems Living Lab (AALL), along with several crop commissions, non-governmental organizations, research institutions, and other agricultural industry stakeholders.
Who is funding the AALL?
Funding for this $8.5M project is provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Agricultural Climate Solutions – Living Laboratories Initiative, as well as contributions from partner organizations.
What is the goal of the AALL?
Alberta Beef Producers, along with our partner organizations, want to be able to demonstrate the value of the work producers do every day on their land. There is lots of talk about climate and carbon, this project will show what it really costs to adopt new practices and how much real benefit you might be able to expect. At the end of the day, producers need to be able to improve productivity and profitability, and if we can improve environmental outcomes at the same time, that is a win-win for everyone.
Results from the AALL will be used to verify the impacts of BMP adoption and demonstrate the importance of the work you do every day.
Who can participate in the AALL?
Any beef, forage, or cropping producer that has an interest in on-farm adoption of BMPs is welcome! We are hoping to target around 51 producers (including 2-3 feedlots and 2-3 Indigenous participants) primarily located in the Peace, west central, or southern parts of Alberta.
What if I don’t live in the Peace, west central or southern Alberta?
While these are the current target geographic regions of the AALL, we may be able to accommodate some producers outside of these target regions depending on exact location. Contact us to discuss further.
What type of production systems is the AALL interested in?
The AALL is looking for beef, forage, or crop producers interested in starting, or expanding practices like:
Different crop rotations, fall seeded crops, adding livestock to graze crop residues, cover crops, 4R nutrient application, variable rate fertilizer, nitrification inhibitors, manure management and application, feed additives, precision feeding, forage mixes, marginal lands converted to forage production, wetland restoration, grazing management, etc.
It’s a big list and doesn’t include all the practices we may be interested in. If you have an idea and want to know if it fits, reach out to us for a chat. The AALL depends on your experiences, expertise, and practical realities on the farm and ranch.
What if I have an idea that isn’t on the list?
AALL is about innovation and discovery, if you have a project or a practice idea that you’ve been thinking about trying, please contact us to discuss your idea and how we might work together on it.
I am already doing this kind of work on my land; can I still participate?
Yes! We are also looking for producers who have already adopted BMPs and may be looking to expand or adjust BMPs.
What’s in it for me or my operation?
To recognize your expertise and the value of your time, we are offering producers compensation for their time and expertise. You’ll also receive an annual, personalized cost of production report for your operation. Based on your BMPs of interest, you will work with an expert who will help you refine (aka co-develop) your implementation plan, identify any potential challenges you might encounter, provide you with some helpful tips, and help you adapt your BMPs if needed as time goes on. You’ll also have the opportunity to network with like minded producers, share ideas and experiences, and participate in field days or other learning events.
What kind of time commitment is there to participate?
Each producers’ time commitment will be unique depending on the BMP(s) they choose to implement on farm. However, there will be some additional time requirements from participating producers to participate in workshops, fill out surveys, conduct short interviews about their operation and management practices, and provide feedback to the program (both overall and at a BMP specific level). This additional time commitment has been very roughly estimated at 68 hours or 8.5 days annually – don’t worry they won’t be all at once!
Do I have to write a proposal or give presentations?
Producers do not have to write a proposal or give a presentation. Producers may be asked to share their experiences in whatever way they feel comfortable.
I’m not a scientist, does this apply to me?
Absolutely! No one knows your land and your production systems better than you do. Your real-life experiences are valuable to this project and to improving the work that scientists are doing in this area. These projects are ‘co-developed’ between producers and scientists. This means that you take an active role with decision making and applying the research to the real world.
Does the AALL cover BMP implementation costs?
AALL does not cover implementation costs related to the project. There are other funding programs that do cover implementation costs, and we would be happy to help you with finding a program that may cover a portion of your implementation costs.
I don’t have cattle, does this program apply to me?
Definitely! We are looking for producers who grow crops and forages as well.
I don’t believe in climate change, why should I participate?
The AALL is about improving our understanding of how the practices and processes we use every day on the farm benefit the land we rely on. Understanding the costs and benefits of these practices and how we might improve on them can improve your productivity and profitability, not just the environment.