Experimental Acres supports farmers in Grey County with the implementation of sustainable agricultural best practices. 

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Farmers know their land best, and Grey County is backing their ideas for how to improve yield, soil health and overall sustainability on the farm using new practices in cropping, livestock or other innovations on farm.  

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Experimental Acres projects should aim to improve soil health or reduce environmental impact. Three general categories describe the majority of projects:
1) Living Roots and Green Cover - projects which extend the time soil is covered and/or has living roots in it 
2) Innovation - projects which implement new technology or systems on the farm 
3) Integrating Animals on the Farm - projects which incorporate livestock into farm systems 

The program is designed to de-risk the learning season of a new practice by providing financial support of up to $3,000 as well as support for designing the trial and accessing mentorship and learning resources related to the project. Ultimately, the hope is that Experimental Acres can help producers prepare for larger scale implementation of their practices in the future.

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The program is extremely flexible. It aims to attracts producers of all operation sizes and experience levels, and is open to all types agricultural production. Whether someone would simply like to try implementing cover crops for the first time, or has a completely novel and never-before-tried idea, we'd like to hear from you! 

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Applications are evaluated based on: 

• Feasibility - Is it a feasible project with a realistic budget and can it be completed in one growing season?

• Measurability - Are there measurable outcomes identified? 

• Climate change mitigation - Does it aim to reduce greenhouse gas pollution? 

• Replicability - Can it be replicated on other farms? 

• Experimental - Is it new to you? 

• Innovation - Is it a novel or innovative practice within the agriculture sector? 

• Does it align with one or more of the following?

  • Keeping Roots in the Ground

  • Maintaining Green Cover

  • Integrating Animals into the Rotation

  • Reducing Mechanical Intervention

  • Increasing Biodiversity

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You can see examples of projects which ran in 2023 & 2024 below. Please reach out to Emily at info@greyagservices.ca or 519-986-3756 if you have any questions about the program or application process. 

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If you would like to apply, please follow this link: https://forms.office.com/r/zE0pCTYJ51  

We look forward to hearing from you!