2026 Grazing and Field Day at Howpark Farms

This farm tour is hosted in collaboration with Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association (MFGA).

Overview

Join MFGA and MO for a Grazing and Field Day at Howpark Farms, hosted by Zach Grossart. The day will feature a new field-scale research trial exploring how intercropping legumes and using grazing as a cover crop termination method can improve nitrogen cycling while supporting farm profitability. Building on University of Manitoba research, the trial compares harvested pea-oat intercrops with underseeded legumes to forage pea-oat green manure systems that are either grazed or incorporated into the soil. In addition to the research component, participants will learn about innovative grazing management, biodiversity, water management, and funding opportunities for Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs). The event will also feature a presentation on biochar as a soil amendment, along with a cost-benefit analysis being conducted by Assiniboine Community College, highlighting its potential role in improving soil health and farm sustainability. Connect with fellow producers, discover practical strategies you can apply on your own farm, and see this exciting new research in the field. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required to help us prepare for the day.

Linda, Ian & Zach Grossart | Image Courtesy the Grossarts.

Dr. Baljeet Singh | Image courtesy Assiniboine College

Ian Grossart & Michelle Carkner | Image Courtesy the Grossarts.

Speakers

Baljeet Singh, Ph.D., P.Ag., C.A.E.

• Dr. Singh will be presenting insights from a two-year research project that investigates the potential of biochar to improve soil health and reduce erosion on top-slope positions in Manitoba's undulating and hummocky agricultural landscapes. The study will be conducted on three participating farms representing different farming systems and environmental conditions: Foxton Farm in Minnedosa, a conventional wheat-canola rotation farm; Howpark Farm near Brandon, a certified organic farm; and Frans and Jolanda Van Meijl Farm near Rapid City, a conventional grain-producing farm. Field trials will evaluate different biochar application rates and their effects on soil physical, chemical, and biological properties, as well as crop productivity. By improving soil structure, water retention, nutrient availability, and microbial activity, biochar has the potential to restore degraded top-slope soils, reduce erosion, and enhance long-term agricultural sustainability. The project's findings will provide science-based recommendations for Manitoba producers while supporting regenerative agriculture and carbon sequestration initiatives across diverse farming systems. This project is funded by Living Lab Manitoba.

Michelle Carkner, Ph. D., MSc., BSc. (Agr.)

• Dr. Michelle Carkner from the University of Manitoba’s department of Plant Sciences has been conducting research related to the efficiency of green manure versus legume intercropping and rotational grazing. She is looking for the best economical way to increase available Nitrogen in your fields - one way we know works is cover cropping and incorporating the green manure into the soil. At the event, we will go through the initial results of soil samples taken at the beginning of the season, and Dr. Carkner will elaborate on more of her findings.

A heartfelt thank you to 8Acres for generously supplying the beef for lunch at this event.

Thank you to this farm tour's sponsors, we can't do it without you: