Silvopasture/intercropping of fruit trees with crops; alfalfa with hazelnut tree on display by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada at Ag in Motion 2025.

Research studies fruit-forage intercropping

Agriculture Canada scientists share the potential benefits of the practice that have found in trials conducted in Saskatchewan

The benefits of shelterbelts to forages and cash crops have been known for decades, and as a result, have been a common practice across the Prairies for many years, says an AAFC scientist at Ag in Motion 2025.

Brassica crops such as radish are often used in polycrops, but they can pose a health risk to cattle if not carefully managed.  |  File photo

Caution needed when feeding brassica forages to cattle

Polycrops have become a more commonplace method of feeding beef cattle in Western Canada over the past number of years. They may also be known as intercrops, cover crops or cocktail crops but all involve a mixture of plant species that may range from three to more than 20 species. Polycrops can provide grazing when […] Read more


Avena Foods customers examine the pollinator strip planted this year on Shannon Knibbs’ organic farm near Griffin, Sask. | Karen Briere photo

Pollinator strips experiment underway

Customers of Regina-based Avena Foods see how their ingredients are grown on south Saskatchewan farms

GRIFFIN, Sask. — Organic farmer Shannon Knibbs took a leap of faith this year. She seeded nine quarters to intercrops and tried a pollinator strip. The five-acre pollinator strip is supported by Once Upon a Farm, an American organic company in which actress Jennifer Garner is involved that produces, among other things, oat bars and […] Read more