A Brief History of Regenerative Farming in Canada
Regenerative farming may sound like a modern buzzword, but in Canada, its roots run deep. Long before the term existed, many Indigenous land stewards and early farmers practiced forms of agriculture that worked with natural systems rather than against them. Today’s regenerative movement builds on that history, blending traditional knowledge with modern soil science to address the challenges facing Canadian agriculture.
Indigenous Foundations: Stewardship Before Settlement
Long before European settlement, Indigenous peoples across what is now Canada managed land using practices that promoted soil health, biodiversity, and long-term productivity. Seasonal grazing by wild herds, controlled burning, polyculture planting, and respect for natural cycles all played a role in maintaining resilient ecosystems.
These approaches emphasized regeneration over extraction—a philosophy that lies at the heart of modern regenerative agriculture.
Early Canadian Agriculture: Working With the Land
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Canadian farming was largely shaped by necessity. Limited machinery, lower external inputs, and smaller-scale operations meant farmers relied heavily on crop rotations, manure, mixed livestock systems, and rest periods for land.
While productivity was lower by modern standards, these systems often maintained soil structure and organic matter better than many later high-input models.
Post-War Intensification and Its Consequences
Following World War II, Canadian agriculture—like much of the Western world—shifted toward intensification. Synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, monocropping, and heavy tillage increased yields dramatically, helping Canada become a global agricultural exporter.
However, by the 1970s and 1980s, cracks began to show:
- Declining soil organic matter
- Increased erosion
- Compaction and reduced water infiltration
- Rising dependency on external inputs
Producers began noticing that short-term gains often came at the expense of long-term soil health.
The Return of Soil Health Thinking
By the late 20th century, Canadian farmers, researchers, and conservation groups started re-examining soil-first approaches. Practices such as:
- Reduced and zero tillage
- Cover cropping
- Extended crop rotations
- Managed grazing
began gaining traction, particularly on the Prairies.
Organizations like Ducks Unlimited Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada played key roles in research and adoption of soil conservation practices, especially related to water management and erosion control.
The Emergence of “Regenerative” as a Framework
The term regenerative agriculture gained wider recognition in the late 20th and early 21st centuries as producers began searching for systems that restored soil health while remaining economically viable. Influential voices such as Allan Savory, Gabe Brown, and Joel Salatin (great summary article) helped shape this movement by emphasizing soil biology, managed grazing, and whole-farm thinking.
While not Canadian, their ideas strongly influenced producers across Canada—particularly in livestock and mixed-farming systems. Salatin’s work at Polyface Farm highlighted the role of intentionally managed livestock in regenerating soils, cycling nutrients, and reducing reliance on external inputs. In the Canadian context, these ideas were adapted to shorter growing seasons, longer winters, and forage-based systems, reinforcing that regeneration is not a single method, but a set of principles applied locally.
In Canada, regenerative farming became less about a strict definition and more about principles, including:
- Keeping living roots in the soil
- Minimizing disturbance
- Maximizing biodiversity
- Integrating livestock
- Managing for long-term resilience
Regenerative Farming in Canada Today
Today, regenerative practices are used across Canada in many forms:
- Adaptive multi-paddock grazing in beef operations
- Cover crops and reduced tillage in grain systems
- Integrated livestock–crop rotations
- Focus on soil biology and nutrient cycling
Importantly, regenerative agriculture in Canada often looks different than in warmer climates. Long winters, short growing seasons, and forage-based livestock systems mean Canadian producers adapt principles to local reality, not theory.
Looking Forward: Regeneration as a Practical Tool
In Canada, regenerative farming is less about labels and more about outcomes:
- Healthier soils
- More resilient operations
- Better water management
- Reduced reliance on external inputs over time
For many producers, regeneration isn’t about abandoning modern tools—it’s about using them more intentionally, with the goal of leaving land better than they found it.
Why This Matters
For Canadian producers, regenerative farming isn’t about following a trend — it’s about building resilience in an increasingly unpredictable environment. Rising input costs, tighter margins, variable weather, and soil degradation have forced many operations to ask a hard question: How do we keep farming this land long term without burning it out?
Regenerative practices offer a framework for answering that question by focusing on the foundation of every operation — soil health. Healthier soils hold more water during dry periods, drain better during wet years, support stronger root systems, and improve nutrient cycling. Over time, this can reduce reliance on external inputs, buffer against weather extremes, and stabilize production.
In Canada, where long winters, short growing seasons, and forage-based livestock systems dominate, regeneration is rarely about radical change. Instead, it’s about incremental improvements: better grazing management, smarter supplementation, longer rest periods, and practices that support soil biology rather than disrupt it. Many producers adopt regenerative principles without ever using the word — they simply focus on what works.
Ultimately, regenerative farming matters because it aligns economic viability with environmental stewardship. It recognizes that productive land, healthy livestock, and profitable farms are interconnected. By prioritizing long-term function over short-term extraction, Canadian producers can build operations that remain productive not just for the next season, but for the next generation.
Local Organizations Supporting Regenerative & Beef Producers in Alberta
One of the strongest advantages Alberta producers have is access to local, producer-led organizations that focus on education, advocacy, and practical, region-specific knowledge. Whether you’re curious about regenerative practices, grazing management, or simply want to stay informed on issues affecting beef production, these organizations offer valuable resources and community connections.
Peace Country Beef & Forage Association (PCBFA)
The Peace Country Beef & Forage Association serves producers across Northern Alberta with a strong focus on beef production, forage management, and land stewardship. PCBFA is known for hosting educational events, pasture walks, workshops, and demonstrations that are directly relevant to the Peace Region’s climate and production systems.
Through PCBFA, producers can access:
- Grazing and forage management education
- Soil health and pasture improvement information
- Producer-led discussions and field days
- Networking with local ranchers and industry experts
PCBFA is especially valuable for producers who want practical, hands-on learning rooted in real Peace Country conditions rather than one-size-fits-all recommendations.
Northern Alberta Program for Agricultural Research Association (NAPARA)
The Northern Alberta Program for Agricultural Research Association connects producers with applied agricultural research, helping bridge the gap between on-farm experience and academic study. NAPARA supports research projects that focus on soil health, crop and forage performance, and sustainable production systems suited to Northern Alberta.
By engaging with NAPARA, producers can:
- Stay informed on current agricultural research
- Participate in or learn from regional trials
- Gain insight into soil, forage, and cropping systems
- Access science-based information tailored to northern climates
NAPARA plays a key role in helping producers evaluate new ideas through research-backed evidence, making it a strong complement to hands-on producer knowledge.
Why These Organizations Matter
Regenerative agriculture thrives when education, observation, and community come together. Organizations like PCBFA and NAPARA provide local producers with opportunities to learn, ask questions, and adapt practices in a way that makes sense for their land, livestock, and goals.
Joining or engaging with these groups doesn’t mean committing to a specific philosophy—it means staying informed, connected, and open to practices that can improve resilience and long-term productivity.
Getting Involved
If you’re interested in learning more about regenerative practices, forage management, or sustainable beef production in Northern Alberta, both PCBFA and NAPARA are excellent places to start. Attending a field day, workshop, or meeting can provide insights that no article or video ever could.
At 56 North Ranch Supply, we encourage producers to take advantage of local knowledge and community-based learning as part of building resilient operations for the future. We believe regeneration begins with education, practical tools, and informed decision-making, rooted in the realities of Northern agriculture.