Sowing Innovation: How One Trial Could Reshape Farming in Westlock County

2024 Rural Resiliency: Gateway Research Organization

What if the future of farming in Westlock could be both more sustainable and more profitable?

That’s the question at the heart of the 2024 Innovative Cropping Trial, led by the Gateway Research Organization (GRO) and supported by the Westlock Community Foundation. GRO has long been committed to helping local producers find the most reliable and environmentally sound cropping options — and this year, their trial planted seeds of both discovery and potential.

The Challenge

In recent years, GRO has tested everything from monocropping to intercropping, with the goal of identifying crop combinations that:

• Reduce fertilizer use

• Support soil health

• Improve environmental outcomes

• Deliver economic value for local producers

But unpredictable weather, shifting soil conditions, and limited funding have made it difficult to find a clear answer — until now.

The 2024 Trial

With support from WCF, GRO launched a new phase of replicated cropping trials in 2024. These weren’t just experimental plots — they were carefully designed tests to generate statistically reliable data for farmers across Westlock County. The focus: intercropping pulses and oilseeds, testing underutilized crops like lupins and hemp, and measuring everything from yield to environmental impact.

Despite a late seeding date in June, the trial proved both practical and insightful. Here’s what they learned:

• Soybeans for forage could be a game-changer. While they didn’t produce seed, the plant volume was impressive — sparking plans for new forage trials.

• Mung beans and chickpeas struggled in local conditions, helping farmers steer clear of unproductive options.

• Hemp for seed emerged as a strong contender, showing solid returns with standard equipment.

• Lupins and flax showed promise — not as silver bullets, but as crops worth exploring.

Beyond the Plots

The impact of the project extended beyond the soil. GRO’s field days drew strong attendance, and results were shared widely through social media and their annual report — turning research into community conversation.

Perhaps most importantly, the trial helped producers see both what’s possible and what’s practical. It showed that innovation doesn’t always mean instant success — sometimes, failure is a valuable answer, too.

Why It Matters

This project wasn’t just about crops. It was about capacity — equipping farmers with real, local data to make better decisions. It was about sustainability — finding ways to reduce nitrogen fertilizer and greenhouse gas emissions. And it was about economic development — laying the groundwork for new industries in food, cosmetics, and pet feed, right here in Westlock County.

With continued curiosity, commitment, and community support, GRO is helping local agriculture grow into something even greater.