Learning the benefits of regenerative agriculture

A livestock producer from southeastern Manitoba says he is seeing the results of using regenerative agriculture principles on their farm. Guy Bouchard farms in the Gardenton area. He explains that regenerative agriculture is farming with a sense of soil health and livestock health. Bouchard adds it is about thinking long-term and not just of short-term gains. When it comes to soil health, Bouchard says there are six principles to consider. The first principle is to keep the soil covered at all times. Soil that is bare is susceptible to wind or water erosion. Further to that, hot summer days can kill soil microbes in unprotected black soil. The second principle is to limit disturbance, which includes tilling. Tilling can break down the structure of soil and its ability to be able to hold nutrients. Also, chemicals like fertilizers, fungicides, and herbicides can destroy soil biology. Another principle is to have as much diversity as possible on the land. Diversity can prevent dis