Sustainability was the focus of Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show 2025’s Off the Beaten Path Tour.
The event gives site visitors the opportunity to learn about agricultural product innovation and tour active crop plots. Participants were able to learn about how squid by-products can help enhance the fertilization process and how cost-effective solar panels can be on rural properties.
The plot tours also gave participants the opportunity to see the results of several research projects in action. Event tour guide Wayne Black, national sales manager for A&L Canada Laboratories, said the event is an example of how industry partners can work together to maximize research results.
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He noted that his company is working with several partners at the Field of Excellence Woodstock, located across from the farm show site, with a “focus on smart crop nutrition.” He said the research partners planted two test plots, with one treated with an improved balanced fertility blend with the goal of improving biomass production.
Results showed a 35 per cent increase in fine root hairs, which aids in the absorption of nutrients, along with larger plant production. Additionally, he said the research project found that the balanced fertility blend had a 35 per cent increase in bushels.
“It has shown that putting a proper fertilizer blend down with starter does pay off, especially if planted earlier in the season,” he said.
Other key findings included a 39 per cent increase in active carbon on the treated plot versus 6 per cent on the non-balanced plot.
He added there was also an increase in CO₂ respiration as a result of more microbial activity in the soil.
Black said the added goal of projects like those on the Off The Beaten Path tour is to not just improve yield but also the overall quality of the plant for crop storage, feed, and other uses.
Tours continue on the final day of the show beginning at 2:30 pm. Those interested in attending should meet at Booth S618.
