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Name: Quinn Robins Occupation: Farmer Location: Rivers, Manitoba, Canada Farm size: 640 acres Livestock: 60 head of cow/calf pairs in a grazing system Twitter: @QuinnRobins


Quinn Robins and his father Clayton each farm 320 acres on their prai- rie farm in Manitoba, Canada. Robins’ father started experimenting with cover crops 11 years ago, and he is now in his third year on his half of the land. They added cover crops to their farm management system for several reasons. First, they hoped to improve grazing system resil- iency, especially in wet and dry years. They wanted to improve soil health and boost yields as well. The fields they’re working have salinity issues and weed problems. Robins said they thought cover crops could help minimise those issues. “The special species of forages we are using are not only benefiting the soil, but also providing a lot of good quality feed for our cattle herd, so we can put more pounds on the calf before selling them,” Robins says. Robins uses the cover crop to provide high energy feed in the late fall. Doing so gives the perennial pasture additional rest during critical growth stages. Last year, Robins seeded oats, fall rye, Italian rye grass, and golden Ger- man millet, and followed it with a mix of plantain, chicory, phacelia, and clover. This year, he seeded oats, festulolium, forage peas and faba beans, and under seeded plantain, chicory, phacelia, and clover.


Since adding cover crops to their management system the improvements have been many. Salinity issues are slowly disappearing, while soil organic matter is on the rise. As a result, yields are improving. Soil structure has improved so much that places that once saw standing water in wet events now drain well. Weed control has also improved. By resting perennial pastures at critical times and carefully managing grazing, there’s been noticeable improvement in overall condition come spring. “A lot of what’s growing on these pastures should not be doing this well,” says Robins. “But I believe it’s because of the way we are managing the farm.” “These cover crops are helping in a big way,” he adds. Beyond agronomics, Robins says he’s noticed an improvement in calf health as well. The cover crop mixes they’re using include high sugar content plants that boost cattle condition, which is especially important as they get closer to calving season. Finally, cover crops help improve economics as well. “Cover cropping has helped stretch out the winter, so when it comes to feeding bales, we can hold off longer before we have to start using them,” said Robins. “It saves a lot of money, as bales are not cheap.”


Quinn’s tips for success: • Take the time to come up with a goal-oriented plan • Find the right species for your farm • Don’t be afraid to ask for help • Network with other cover croppers to learn more


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▶ SUSTAINABILITY AND WELFARE | OCTOBER 2020


PHOTO: ALEXIS STOCKFORD


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