Peace Region Living Lab

🐛 Turning waste into something useful — with a little help from worms!
One of the hands-on stops at our Beyond Fertilizer as Usual event was a look at the vermicomposting system at the Water & Doler Enns farm.
Charissa Wilson walked us through how they’re using worms to transform organic material into biologically active vermicompost, and how their approach to incorporating biology into their farm system has evolved through some good old-fashioned trial and error.
It was a great chance to see the system up close, ask questions, and talk about where vermicompost and other biological inputs might fit into practical farm fertility programs.
A big thank you to Charissa and the Enns family for opening up their yard and sharing what they’ve been learning with us — and to everyone who joined us for Beyond Fertilizer as Usual!

There’s no shortage of equipment to be toted around when our students are out collecting data! From taking yield clippings to determining soil compaction, our students stay busy and have a lot to keep track of!

Our summer students often come across curious bugs and critters, but it’s rare that they want to catch a ride!

Beyond Fertilizer As Usual
A one-day workshop exploring biological amendments, soil biology and practical field-scale production.
✔ Presentations
✔ Equipment & drone demos
✔ On-farm showcase
✔ Lunch provided
📅 Aug. 12
🎟 https://AlternativeFertilizer.Eventbrite.com

Is soil biology the next frontier in crop production?
Join the conversation on Aug. 12 as researchers and experienced practitioners explore practical field-scale applications of biological amendments and nutrient efficiency.
🎟 https://AlternativeFertilizer.Eventbrite.com

Beyond Fertilizer as Usual Join us in person to explore ways to reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizer while maintaining productivity and profitability!

Beyond Fertilizer As Usual – Join the Conversation
Where is crop production heading over the next decade?
Across Western Canada, producers are asking new questions about nutrient efficiency, soil biology and biological amendments—but finding practical, science-based information can be challenging.
Beyond Fertilizer As Usual brings together researchers, agronomists and experienced practitioners for a full day of discussion focused on what these emerging practices could mean for field-scale production.
Whether you're looking to:
🌱 Better understand soil biology
🌱 Explore biological amendments
🌱 Improve nutrient efficiency
🌱 Stay ahead of emerging trends in crop production
..this workshop is an opportunity to learn, ask questions and connect with others exploring the same challenges.
📅 Wednesday, August 12
🕘 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Cherry Canyon Hall, & Creek Bank Farm, Clayhurst
🍽 Lunch provided
Registration is free, but advance registration helps us finalize catering and event logistics.
🎟 Reserve your spot today:
https://AlternativeFertilizer.Eventbrite.com
We look forward to seeing you there!

🌱 What if you could reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers without sacrificing productivity?
Join the Peace Region Living Lab for Beyond Fertilizer As Usual, a full-day workshop exploring practical, research-based approaches to improving nutrient efficiency and building resilient cropping systems.
You'll learn about:
• Plant-microbe relationships
• Biological soil amendments
• Liquid extract applications
• Equipment and drone demonstrations
• An on-farm showcase
Whether you're just beginning to explore biological approaches or looking to refine your current management, this event is designed to provide practical ideas you can evaluate on your own farm.
📅 Wednesday, August 12
🕘 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM BC Times
📍 Cherry Canyon Hall & Creek Bank Farms (near Clayhurst)
🍽️ Lunch is provided.
🎟️ Register today:
https://AlternativeFertilizer.eventbrite.com