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2026 EXPERIMENTAL ACRE PROJECTS OVERVIEW
The program is underway with another exciting group of projects and participants based across Grey and Dufferin counties. Projects range from experimental implementation of no till cover crops, to new grazing technology, to livestock watering systems.
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Andrew will be using a brassica based crop as a tool for re-seeding pastures, and will test the effect of roots as soil break up, compared to tillage and replanting.
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Comparing four methods of Jerusalem Artichoke establishment on an organic farm, Ken will experiment with no till methods.
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Robert plans to plant fall cover crop mixes and will compare their value for extended cattle grazing and soil protection.
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Planting varied combinations of cool and warm season annual mixes in separate grazing pastures, Josh will be doing extensive soil health testing and reviewing yield and crop health metrics.
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Ken will implement intensive grazing with the use of virtual fencing for a cow herd, observing pasture and herd health.
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Underseeding wheat with a cover crop mix to graze in late fall with possible bale, swath and rotational grazing.
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Gillian will be establishing perennial shrubs and flowers on a flower farm comparing their viability, commercial success and the soil health results.
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Daniela will experiment with rotational grazing for goats and chickens, testing soil health and comparing with a control section.
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Elizabeth will implement multiple methods in an attempt to extend the season for pasture grown chickens, comparing two groups of birds and comparing forage, bedding and shelter options.
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Henry will be testing the use of a white ground cover in his orchard, along with experimenting with 3 different mixes of manure tea, without using pesticides or commercial fertilizer.
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Ian plans to design and build a permanent year round watering system for his horses that is independent of electrical or connected water sources.
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Shiying is building a new composting system with the intention of achieving higher temperatures that will kill weed seeds and pathogens, resulting in a higher quality compost that will help to decrease or eliminate off farm inputs.
Applications for the 2026 program are now closed.
Thank you to all who submitted project ideas.
Submissions are being reviewed in early March and all applicants will be notified as to the outcome of their application by early April. Please contact us with any questions: 519-986-3756, info@greyagservices.ca
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Experimental Acres supports farmers in Grey County with the implementation of sustainable agricultural best practices.
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 to the farm practices in cropping, livestock or other innovations on farm.
Experimental Acres projects should aim to improve soil health, reduce environmental impact and improve climate adaptation or resiliency. 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 crop 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.
The program is extremely flexible. It aims to attracts producers of all operation sizes and experience levels, and is open to all types of 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 about it!
Please note: Experimental Acres does not fund practices already being carried out on farm, expenses involved with normal start-up of a farming business, or the costs of livestock, labour or day to day production. (For example, feed that would be purchased for livestock regardless of whether an experiment was taking place cannot be claimed as an expense through the program.) Applications from first time participants are strongly encouraged, as a program objective is to promote innovation across Grey County producers.
Applications are evaluated based on:
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Feasibility - Is it a feasible project with a realistic budget and can it be completed in the timeline projected?
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Measurability - Are there measurable outcomes identified?
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Climate change mitigation - Does it aim to improve climate resilience?
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Replicability - Can the practice be replicated on other farms?
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Experimental Nature - Is it new to you?
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Innovation - Is it a novel or innovative practice within the agriculture sector?
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Alignment with one or more of the following:
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Keeping Roots in the Ground
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Maintaining Green Cover
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Integrating Animals into the Rotation
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Reducing Mechanical Intervention
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Increasing Biodiversity
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Please reach out to Emily at info@greyagservices.ca or 519-986-3756 if you have any questions about the program or application process.
PROGRAM VIDEOS
FAQs
2025 EXPERIMENTAL ACRES PROJECTS
The Experimental Acres 2025 Project Report is now available!
Please see the pdf below for a full outline of each of this year's projects and their outcomes. Also, be sure to check out the 2024 & 2025 program video (included above) where you can hear directly from several past participants.
If you have questions - be sure to reach out by emailing info@greyagservices.ca or calling 519-986-3756.
Application is no longer available.
2024 EXPERIMENTAL ACRES PROJECT REPORT
You can also find details on projects which ran in 2023 in Dufferin, Grey and Wellington Counties here.