Agricultural Producers
Caring for your riparian areas as an agricultural producer will benefit both your farm and the natural resources on your property. Some beneficial management practices for agricultural producers include:
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Maintain the natural wetlands on your property and the natural width of the riparian area to act as a buffer between agricultural land and water bodies
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Develop an Environmental Farm Plan
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Create a grazing management plan that considers sensitive periods in riparian areas. Consult Cows and Fish or your local Forage Association
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Manage livestock access to water bodies through techniques such as off-site watering systems, riparian fencing and seasonal grazing
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For crops, manage runoff and reduce erosion through low-till or direct seeding systems and planting crop rows across slopes (not up and down)
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Practice nutrient management and integrated pest management to prevent water pollution and support biodiversity
Quick Learning Resources
Alberta Conservation Association
This factsheet offers and overview of riparian management techniques, including streambank fencing, off-site watering and bank stabilization.
Cows and Fish
This 4-page factsheet explains why wetlands are a critical part of an ecosystem and how they provide many goods and services for people and communities.
Cows and Fish
This 4-page factsheet explains the relationship between riparian areas and crops. It also provides tips for helpful cropping practices and ways to maintain healthy riparian areas.
Growing Forward 2
A practical guide for producers on planning and managing riparian planting projects to improve water quality, control erosion, and enhance farm resilience by using appropriate native species and sustainable land management practices.
Miistakis Institute
A resource hub for producers and land managers offering quick‑learning tools like fact sheets and videos working about working with beavers as a nature‑based solution for improving water storage and reducing flood and drought risk.
Canadian Agricultural Partnership
A regulatory overview for Alberta producers outlining manure application requirements, such as setback distances, incorporation timing, and nutrient limits; to protect water quality, reduce runoff risk, and ensure environmentally responsible nutrient management.
Rural Routes to Climate Solutions
A podcast series highlighting practical ways (like regenerative practices, Indigenous knowledge, and innovative land management) to improve farm resilience, profitability, and environmental outcomes on the Prairies.
Fertilizer Canada
A short video highlighting how 4R Nutrient Stewardship helps producers improve fertilizer management by applying the right source, rate, time, and place to reduce environmental impact while maintaining profitability. Learn more on their webiste.
Government of Alberta
A brief brochure for Alberta landowners (especially ranchers and grazing managers) explaining the value of riparian areas and providing practical stewardship guidance.
Assessment Support
Alberta EFP
The Alberta Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) is a self - assessment tool designed for agricultural producers to identify and address potential environmental risks on their farms. There are also support videos and workshops.
Government of Alberta
Range, pasture, grassland & other assessments help determine overall rangeland health.
Cows and Fish
Cows & Fish offer DIY short assessments, more comprehensive site assessments, and in-person assessments by qualified technicians.
The Association of Alberta
Agricultural Fieldmen
Association of Alberta Agricultural Fieldmen can help farmers with weed inspections and weed management plans.
In-Depth Resources
Government of Alberta
This manual identifies issues that will maintain or improve your farm’s soil, water, air and wildlife habitat resources. These factors contribute to the farmstead’s overall economic and environmental sustainability.
Government of Alberta
This manual covers environmental and water issues related to livestock manure production, storage and application.
Government of Alberta
This manual informs producers about water supply, grazing and manure management specific to cattle.
Government of Alberta
This manual addresses how cropping practices, handling of agricultural inputs and crop storage can impact soil and water quality.
Manitoba Forage Council (MFC)
This grazing guide considers the interaction of the producer, seasons, forage, and land to create quality grazing while sustaining the surrounding ecosystem.
Government of Alberta
Range, pasture, grassland & other assessments help determine overall rangeland health.
Government of Alberta
This in-depth guide explains to crop producers how to assess their site and create a plan for safe nutrient management and application.
Government of Alberta
A regulatory overview for Alberta producers outlining manure application requirements, such as setback distances, incorporation timing, and nutrient limits; to protect water quality, reduce runoff risk, and ensure environmentally responsible nutrient management.
Government of Alberta
An overview of remote watering systems and considerations with various styles by Alberta Agriculture.
Cows and Fish
This guidebook explains the benefits of restoring and conserving your green areas near water when working with livestock.
Government of Canada
Learn about Integrated Pest Management, which follows pollinator-friendly practices throughout the growing season.
Government of Canada
This web page explains how soil and crop types, forage buffers, setbacks and are all part of sustainable land practices near wetland areas.
Government of Canada
A how-to guide about buffer design for cropland with questions, case studies and photos.
Agroforestry and Woodlot Extension Society (AWES)
This AWES Manual explains site selection, planning, and planting to establish tree and shrub buffers on various types of properties.
ALUS
Use this to enhance, create, and maintain wetlands through practical measures such as wetland buffers, alternative livestock watering systems, riparian fencing, dug outs.
Funding & Support
Government of Alberta
A funding program for Alberta producers that provides cost shared grants and services to improve farm competitiveness, adopt new technologies, manage risks, and enhance environmental sustainability and resilience in agriculture.
Government fo Alberta
A funding program that supports producers in improving grazing management and rangeland stewardship through research, education, and on‑the‑ground projects that enhance ecosystem health, productivity, and sustainability.
ALUS
A voluntary program that provides funding and technical support to help producers turn marginal farmland into nature‑based projects that improve water quality, biodiversity, and resilience while supporting farm productivity and community outcomes.
Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB)
The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef promotes sustainable benchmarking, a voluntary certification framework and sustainability projects.
Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Crops (CRSC)
The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Crops is a multi-stakeholder forum which discusses grain sector issues and opportunities from a sustainable perspective.
Alberta NAWMP Partnership
This is a long-standing collaborative initiative that coordinates governments and NGOs (Ducks Unlimited Canada and Nature Conservancy of Canada) to conserve and restore Alberta’s wetlands and associated habitats under the North American Waterfowl Management Plan.