2025 Innovation Exchange: Living Lab-ON Research Forum
Co-developing solutions for resilient farms
Join us for the 2025 Innovation Exchange: Living Lab–ON Research Forum — a four-part virtual series exploring climate-friendly solutions co-developed by farmers and researchers.
Across four Wednesday sessions this fall (Nov 26, Dec 3, Dec 10, Dec 17), we’ll dig into practical innovations and the latest research on:
Nov. 26th – 11:00am
Unlocking the Science of Liquid Manure Methane Emissions
Liquid manure storages can be a significant source of methane—a potent greenhouse gas—on Ontario dairy and swine farms. Methane-producing bacteria (methanogens) thrive in these anaerobic environments, increasing emissions from dairy and swine operations. Join Living Lab – Ontario researcher, Andy Vanderzag (AAFC) and farmers as they dig into their research so far about how it is measured, and when methane is released from liquid manure storage systems—and explore innovative strategies to reduce emissions and support more climate-friendly farms. Margot McComb (AAFC) will also be on-hand to provide initial insights into the costs and benefits of emerging Manure Treatment System strategies.
APPROVED CEU CREDITS: Nutrient Management CEUs: 1
December 3rd – 2:00pm
Cover Cropping Innovation
Living Lab – Ontario researchers are exploring innovative practices for cover crops in two different ways. Join Jake Munroe (Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness) to learn about drone seeding cover crops into grain corn and soybeans, and Kim Schneider (University of Guelph) to learn about the benefits of cover crop grazing. The researchers are joined by farmer-cooperators participating in each of the trials who will share their experiences with trialing these practices.
APPROVED CEU CREDITS: Crop Management CEUs: 1
This session is also an approved OFCAF KSE
Participants must attend sessions to receive these credits
Dec. 10th – 2:30pm
Nitrogen Management
Optimizing your nitrogen applications is a complex management decision. Apply too much and lose returns on your investment or increase the loss of nitrogen as nitrous oxide (a potent greenhouse gas). Join Living Lab – Ontario researchers, Craig Drury (AAFC) studying nitrification and urease inhibitors to understand how these products can benefit the environment and your crops. We will also hear from Researcher, Aaron Delaporte (UofG) on how these practices can improve your ROI and a Living Lab farmer-cooperator exploring ways to optimize nitrogen management using plant-available nitrogen from cover crops. Hear how their first set of trials has gone, and how they are adapting their management strategies on their farm going forward.
APPROVED CEU CREDITS: Nutrient Management CEUs: 1
This session is also an approved OFCAF KSE
Participants must attend sessions to receive these credits
December 17th – 12:30pm
Managing Marginal Lands
While marginal lands are unsuitable for crop production, they can offer a range of environmental benefits – which if managed well, will still benefit your agricultural operations. Living Lab researchers, Lauren Des Marteaux (AAFC) and Kara Looyenga (UofGuelph) are studying field boundary areas to assess how different boundary types affect carbon sequestration, and how habitat restoration can support beneficial insect populations, like pollinators. Aaron Breimar from MooseAg will also share how tools like profit maps can provide field specific guidance to optimize management of low value areas and how to decide whether marginal lands are worth keeping in production.
APPROVED CEU CREDITS: Soil & Water Management CEUs: 1
This forum brings together researchers, farmers, and agri-professionals to share insights, results, and real-world experiences on beneficial management practices that address climate change while strengthening farm resilience.
Be part of the conversation. Be part of the innovation.
