What is a Living Lab?
Where Research Meets Reality.
A living lab is a chance for real life to influence research. Your experience and expertise as a producer is valuable to taking the next steps forward in agricultural research. Collaboration between traditional science and (your) boots on the ground to prove the value of what you do every day in your operation.
Curious? Read our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Alberta Agrisystems Living Lab is focused on measuring the impacts of beneficial management practices (BMPs)
What are we looking for?
We are looking at beneficial management practices in the following areas: cropping systems and rotations, land use changes, nutrient/fertilizer management, livestock and grazing management, and optimizing carbon storage in production systems. The results from this project will be used to help direct government policy makers, and through demonstration, help to quantify the value of the environmental goods and services provided by producers every day.
Who are we looking for?
The AALL is fully subscribed for most BMPs in the 2024 season. Please contact us with your ideas for 2024 projects related to feed additives, wetland restoration and 4R fertilizer management.
The AALL is looking for beef, forage, and cropping producers interested in partnering with researchers to implement or adapt certain BMPs on their operations and also:
· Obtain data on the impacts of a practice change
· Validate how certain practices may improve productivity and/or profitability
· Measure and validate environmental benefits
· Explore the integration of crop and livestock production systems
This is a unique opportunity for producers to be “hands-on” at every step of the process – from design through to implementation – ensuring that the work occurring on-farm is relevant to the farm where it’s happening.
What’s in it for you?
Producer participants will receive personalized cost of production reports, technical information such as soil mapping, forage yields, crop rotation recommendations, carbon sequestration data or potential greenhouse gas emission reduction data (depending on the BMPs selected). They will be compensated for providing their time and expertise for surveys, workshops, and interviews.
Funding and support received from the AALL would be on top of any implementation funding that may be applied for from other programs or organizations.
How to get involved?
Interested in learning more? Contact us via email llextension@albertabeef.org or attend a Living Labs Event.
