Axten Farms
Axten Farms, nestled in Southern Saskatchewan, Canada, is a remarkable no-till farm with gently rolling terrain and intermingled pastureland between fields. What’s truly exceptional is that they thrive in the challenging conditions of an Extremely Brittle Area, where rainfall is scarce, receiving just 12-14 inches annually. The farm’s unique feature is the symbiotic relationship between crops and cattle, as most cropland is fenced, allowing cattle to graze on crop residues and cover crops. They cultivate a diverse range of crops, including various grains, lentils, mustard, peas, buckwheat, chickpeas, and flax. Innovative techniques like stripper headers retain crop residues, while pollinator strips support biodiversity, creating a sustainable and harmonious farming environment. This commitment to regenerative practices sets Axten Farms apart, as they continuously strive to balance agriculture and nature.
Product Types
Operation Highlights
Region Conditions:
Southern Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan has a continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. The province experiences moderate precipitation, with the growing season being relatively short. Agriculture is a cornerstone of the economy, with wheat, barley, canola, and lentils being major crops. Livestock farming, including cattle and hogs, is also important, particularly in the southern regions.
The Principals of Soil Health Put Into Practice on Axten Farms
Nurturing the soil is the foundation of regenerative agriculture. At Regenified, we measure the implementation of all six soil health principles because they are essential for regeneration. Each principle contributes to the soil’s overall health, creating a system greater than the sum of its parts.
Right Context
100% of crops grown are appropriate for region
Right Context
Farmers prioritize growing plants and animals suited to their specific environment. By understanding their unique context, they can optimize production while minimizing external inputs.
Minimized Disturbance
100% no-till on all crop acres
Minimized Disturbance
Rather than tilling or using chemicals that disrupt soil structure and microbial life, regenerative farmers embrace no-till practices and minimize chemical inputs to preserve the integrity of the soil.
Soil Armor
100% of soil is covered by crops and decomposing plant residue.
Soil Armor
Keeping the soil covered with organic matter such as cover crops or crop residues prevents erosion, improves water infiltration and retention while also providing habitat for beneficial organisms.
Enhanced Diversity
Exceptionally diverse mixture and rotation of crops
Enhanced Diversity
Maximizing diversity within both plant species and beneficial organisms above and below ground enhances ecosystem resilience and promotes natural pest control.
Living Root
100% of operations maintain living roots over the active growing season.
Living Root
Maintaining living roots in the soil at all times ensures continuous nutrient cycling by supporting microbial activity crucial for healthy soils.
Animal Integration
Livestock integrated in cropland for grazing and natural fertilization.
Animal Integration
Integrating livestock into farming systems allows for the symbiotic relationship between animals and the land. Their grazing patterns contribute to nutrient cycling and improve soil fertility.
Right Context
100% of crops grown are appropriate for region
Right Context
Farmers prioritize growing plants and animals suited to their specific environment. By understanding their unique context, they can optimize production while minimizing external inputs.
Minimized Disturbance
100% no-till on all crop acres
Minimized Disturbance
Rather than tilling or using chemicals that disrupt soil structure and microbial life, regenerative farmers embrace no-till practices and minimize chemical inputs to preserve the integrity of the soil.
Soil Armor
100% of soil is covered by crops and decomposing plant residue.
Soil Armor
Keeping the soil covered with organic matter such as cover crops or crop residues prevents erosion, improves water infiltration and retention while also providing habitat for beneficial organisms.
Enhanced Diversity
Exceptionally diverse mixture and rotation of crops
Enhanced Diversity
Maximizing diversity within both plant species and beneficial organisms above and below ground enhances ecosystem resilience and promotes natural pest control.
Living Root
100% of operations maintain living roots over the active growing season.
Living Root
Maintaining living roots in the soil at all times ensures continuous nutrient cycling by supporting microbial activity crucial for healthy soils.
Animal Integration
Livestock integrated in cropland for grazing and natural fertilization.
Animal Integration
Integrating livestock into farming systems allows for the symbiotic relationship between animals and the land. Their grazing patterns contribute to nutrient cycling and improve soil fertility.
A Word From the Farm
Ecosystem Outcomes
Ecosystem processes are the interconnected systems that drive the health and resilience of our land and water resources. Good land management positively impacts those ecosystem processes. Our Verification Standard evaluates these vital processes, ensuring the regeneration of the ecosystem.
Energy Flow
Diverse crops are effectively capturing sunlight and converting it into stored soil carbon.
Energy Flow
Energy flow is all about solar energy or photosynthesis. Unlike the water cycle and mineral cycle, solar energy does not cycle. It flows from the sun to the earth. It is necessary for everything on the planet to survive. Leaving enough plant material behind for its process to occur is crucial to all life.
Water Cycle
Deliberate practices improve water infiltration in all fields.
Water Cycle
In the water cycle, when precipitation reaches the land, farmers and ranchers play a crucial role in determining the water available for plants and animals. With good management practices, they can capture and retain more water, ensuring a healthier ecosystem.
Nutrient Cycle
Soil biology enhances nutrients, cutting synthetic input requirements.
Nutrient Cycle
The nutrient cycle only works effectively when we have good soil biology and microbiology working for us. Bacteria, fungi and other microscopic life in the soil play important roles in cycling nutrients from air and water, making the nutrients accessible to plants.
Diversity
Growing practices in sync with nature are inviting diversity and enriching the soil.
Diversity
The greater the diversity that exists in our ecosystem, the better everything functions. This includes plant, insect, bird and other wildlife species diversity. This is also sometimes called biological succession. It involves the changes in the development of all living things.
Energy Flow
Diverse crops are effectively capturing sunlight and converting it into stored soil carbon.
Energy Flow
Energy flow is all about solar energy or photosynthesis. Unlike the water cycle and mineral cycle, solar energy does not cycle. It flows from the sun to the earth. It is necessary for everything on the planet to survive. Leaving enough plant material behind for its process to occur is crucial to all life.
Water Cycle
Deliberate practices improve water infiltration in all fields.
Water Cycle
In the water cycle, when precipitation reaches the land, farmers and ranchers play a crucial role in determining the water available for plants and animals. With good management practices, they can capture and retain more water, ensuring a healthier ecosystem.
Nutrient Cycle
Soil biology enhances nutrients, cutting synthetic input requirements.
Nutrient Cycle
The nutrient cycle only works effectively when we have good soil biology and microbiology working for us. Bacteria, fungi and other microscopic life in the soil play important roles in cycling nutrients from air and water, making the nutrients accessible to plants.
Diversity
Growing practices in sync with nature are inviting diversity and enriching the soil.
Diversity
The greater the diversity that exists in our ecosystem, the better everything functions. This includes plant, insect, bird and other wildlife species diversity. This is also sometimes called biological succession. It involves the changes in the development of all living things.
Axten Farms - Gallery
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