The Producer Research and Evaluation Program (PREP), offered by RDAR, provides Alberta producers with funding of up to $20,000 to conduct on-farm research trials. This initiative enables farmers to assess emerging technologies and production practices within their unique farm conditions, facilitating data-driven decisions to enhance profitability, competitiveness, and sustainability. Eligible applicants include primary producers operating in Alberta with at least $25,000 in annual farm cash receipts. The program supports activities such as testing new technologies and evaluating innovative
farming methods, with cost-sharing arrangements covering up to 80% of project expenses. By participating in PREP, producers can gain valuable insights tailored to their operations, contributing to informed decision-making and potential improvements in farm management practices.

An example of this program is happening in northwestern Alberta’s St. Isidore. Claude Lavoie is conducting research through the Producer Research and Evaluation  Program (PREP) to enhance cattle feed quality. He has established 10 test plots, each 12 acres, cultivating two varieties of wheat, oats, millet, silage corn, and sunflowers, along with barley, peas, and alfalfa.By analyzing protein content, fiber levels, and other nutritional components, Claude aims to identify crops that offer the highest nutritional
value per acre for his livestock. His research has revealed that rainfall timing and amount significantly impact feed quality, sometimes more than crop type or soil quality. This insight has shifted his approach to focus on crop resilience to varying weather patterns, aiming to develop strategies that ensure consistent feed quality despite Alberta’s unpredictable precipitation.

For more info:
https://rdar.ca/funding-opportunities/producer-research-and-evaluation-program
https://rdar.ca/latest/blogs/rdar-blog:-producer-research-and-evaluation-program-prep-:-
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