Resource Library

Cover crops are a key component of building soil health, cycling nutrients, and practicing ecological and regenerative agriculture – but it takes some learning to find the right cover cropping mixes, timing, termination strategies, and rotations for your context.

What are the most successful cover crops for northern climates? What are the benefits and challenges of adding cover crops to field crop rotations? Find the answers to these questions and more at this comprehensive webinar for field crop producers

A online session from the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario (EFAO)’s 2020 Conference: Rooted & Reaching. 

An introduction to cover crops, including why they are used, how they are used, species to use, seeds sources, and more.

Discover how diverse cover cropping systems in strawberries and artichokes can improve long-term weed suppression, boost soil health, and support resilient yields.

Explore the potential benefits of cover crops for vegetables and learn about the impact cover crops have on soil fertility, weed suppression, crop yield, and more.

This webinar features research cases and insights into the successful cultivation of organic vegetables, including pumpkins, cabbages, zucchinis, and eggplants, using conservative agricultural systems and cover crops.

Gain insights into soil organic carbon accumulation potential of organic agriculture by leveraging research findings from Rodale Institute’s Farming Systems Trial.

Learn how replacing plastic mulches with cover crops and living mulches, along with no-till and reduced till, affects vegetable growth, yield, quality and more.

Join Dr. Kristie Wendelberger, Climate Smart Project Director at the Rodale Institute, to learn about the benefits of cover cropping on soil health, the soil microbial community, and Climate Smart Agriculture.

Join a panel of farmer and research experts as they discuss the use of cover crops in organic no-till and rotational tillage grain systems, including best practices and innovative equipment.

What’s advanced grazing and how does it differ from what many do? In this video, dig into using cattle, fencing, frequent moves, and planning to manage the above-ground growth to feed the soil below.

Axle from FenceFast uses two common energizers to explain both how energizers work and how to choose the right energizer for your unique needs.

Aubyn of Spray Creek Ranch demonstrates how they use a rotational grazing grid system to move their sheep and poultry around the field.

Quick and easy, this 4 strand tape gate from Gallagher allows you to keep your whole system electrified, especially important for keeping bears out of this bee yard!

This instructional video guides viewers through the proper use of electric netting, demonstrating step-by-step procedures for setting up and maintaining an effective enclosure.

Tristan of Spray Creek Ranch explains how to install Gallagher Insulated Line posts and insulators for various fencing types, sharing practical techniques to create stronger, more durable, and resilient fences.

Julia from Blue Sky Ranch demonstrates the Gallagher “Tumblewheel” portable fencing solution which allows you to easily roll a fence line to a new position in minutes.

Julia from Blue Sky Ranch demonstrates the Gallagher “Smart Fence,” a completely portable, instant, all in one electric fence system.

Learn how to properly set up a high tensile electric fencing by choosing the right corner/brace post and line post locations while considering any change of direction that might be needed.

Free online courses from the FaRM Resilience Mentorship Program. Discover the fundamentals of cover cropping and how it can benefit your soil, add nitrogen and build resilience on your farm.

Free online courses from the FaRM Resilience Mentorship Program. Learn how advanced grazing systems can improve the land, the animals and your bottom line.

Aubyn of Spray Creek Ranch demonstrates her rotational grazing system for hogs including choosing a paddock location and portable fencing, housing and feeding infrastructure

Visit Blue Sky Ranch in the Nicola Valley, where farmer Julia Smith is working hard to keep a healthy pasture in the face of climate change by following the principles of rotational grazing.

Join the Rodale Institute to learn about the recent research findings related to the impact of management practices on vegetable nutrient quality and soil health.

Learn about the recent research findings related to the impact of various combinations of cover crops and chicken manure on soil health and vegetable nutrient content in this USDA Organic Transitions funded three-year project.

In this webinar, Rodale Institute Organic Consultant Sage Dennis will go over how to take a soil test, how to interpret a soil test, and how to enact a plan to successfully address soil fertility.

Join Jo Tobias as she explores the intricate ways that plants and microbes have co-evolved in a mutualistic relationship to promote nutrient cycling and increase soil health.

Learn how to take a soil sample, where to send it, and understand the results and what your nutrient and biological goals should be.

A look at how three farms make and use compost teas.

Webinar recording: Learn how to manage this key nutrient in your small grain crops.

A co-op of organic producers and like minded consumers who wish to see organic agriculture grow within Prince Edward Island.

From seed to farmer to consumer, ACORN is a network and resource for all Atlantic Canadians interested in organic food and agriculture.

A non-profit organization dedicated to the development of Quebec’s organic sector.

A membership-based non-profit association that represents Ontario’s organic sector at both the provincial and national level.

Promotes organic practices and provides support, education, and advocacy about organic growing and processing in the Yukon.

Manitoba Organics grows the organic community in the province by bridging the gap between farmers and consumers.

A farmer-led membership non-profit organization, serving all certified organic entities throughout the value chain in Saskatchewan.

Organic Alberta represents, supports and grows Alberta’s entire organic industry.

A national organization, OACC serves Canada’s organic sector through science and education.

The membership-based association for the organic sector in Canada.

Canada’s national organic farmer and consumer association.

The national organization which represents the organic sector to the federal government on matters of regulation of the industry.

Learn how cover crops can cut down on tillage while boosting soil health and yields.

This web-based tool assists in choosing the right rate and nutrient source for your crops.

Discover how Spray Creek Ranch has made a remarkable impact in terms of strengthening the health and vitality of their soil, pasture, livestock, community, and livelihood.

DeLisa Lewis’s journey so far with integrating livestock with vegetables on Green Fire Farm.

An off-the-grid rancher shares the inspiring story of how she made it through a summer of fierce BC wildfires.

Are there really enough small-scale meat producers to play a serious role in BC’s economy today? And how much potential does this industry have? Learn how the Small-Scale Meat Producers Association aims to address both of these issues.

From cover cropping to beneficial management practices to protecting the delicate ecosystem, this article explore the many ways we can care for our soil.

Are multi-species cover crop mixes any better than their less sophisticated counterparts?

Free online courses from the FaRM Resilience Mentorship Program. Learn how to sharpen your expertise of nitrogen use efficiency to prevent nitrogen losses and protect your profits.

In this episode of the Organic BC Podcast, a discussion about on-farm research trials and some of the challenges growers face managing soil nutrients for multiple outcomes.

In this episode of the Organic BC Podcast, a look at organic practices that can lead to nutrient pollution of our air and waterways, versus ones that tend to limit such outcomes.

In this episode of the Organic BC Podcast, learn how to find the right balance between meeting a crop’s nitrogen needs and our collective responsibility to avoid nitrogen pollution.

A look at Tatlo Road Farm’s nutrient and nitrogen management program, with a focus on nutrient tracking and making decisions around nutrient applications.

In this video from the Small-Scale Meat Producers Association, learn about the types of materials to use in your grounding system plus tips and tricks to ensure a properly functioning system.

In this video from the Small-Scale Meat Producers Association, learn the techniques, tools and hardware required to properly install a stand-off wire on an existing fence.

These free online tools from Oregon State University allow you to compare the nutrient value and cost of cover crops, organic and synthetic fertilizers and compost in acre and 1,000 ft2 units.

A virtual farm tour of Claremont Ranch Organics, where owner Molly Thurston walks through the optimal soil for growing tree fruits, the benefits of cover crops, weed control, and more.

Vegetable producers, don’t miss this tour of Wild Flight Farms in Mara, BC, featuring countless ways to build nutrient-rich, healthy soil.

Watch Organic BC’s Innovative Cover Cropping series, showcasing new and diverse cover cropping practices, each followed by a Q&A session with cover cropping experts.

Visit Holberg Farm in Agassiz, where they are trialing “relay” cropping to improve soil health and provide nutritious on-farm feed for cattle.

Economic and environmental impacts of organic agriculture and policy recommendations for Canada.

A virtual field day that focuses on the practice of feeding seaweed to cattle for methane reduction and all-around cattle health.

Fruit tree ground cover management, innovative inter-alleyway chickpea cover crop trials, and more in the South Okanagan.

Dive into the Peace region of British Columbia, examining various cover cropping methods in both the grain and cattle sectors.

The philosophy, transition process, challenges and benefits of converting 1,200 acres of vineyards to organic.

Explore low inputs, extensive cover cropping and long rotations—all key to building soil health and fertility.

Learn how Nicomen Farm is incorporating legumes to help with nitrogen balancing, soil health, and more.

A look at inter-row cover cropping trials, with a special focus on incorporating legumes.

Discover Tatlo Farm’s nutrient and nitrogen management program.

A guide exploring the benefits of cover cropping along with tips on selecting the perfect cover crop.

An overview of winter grazing methods, including stockpile grazing, bale grazing and preparing for winter.