Early adopters are spreading the message to fellow producers.

Saskatchewan Crop Insurance statistics indicate 72,410 acres of intercropping this year— nearly double last year’s total. The actual number will be higher because producers without crop insurance were not included.

Two crops are seeded together, harvested and then separated. Benefits can include higher total production, better harvestability and reduced disease pressure.

Lana Shaw is a leading advocate for intercropping and has tried 25 different combinations in field trials in her position as manager of the Southeast Research Farm at Redvers.

She believes intercropping acres will continue to rise in a period when commodity prices are lower.

“I think when times are tough, that is when people make changes,” said Shaw following a presentation at the Farm Forum Event in Saskatoon. “When they are comfortable, they don’t make changes. Profitability tends to be an attraction for intercropping.”

Producers considering intercropping should start making plans now and start on a smaller scale.

Shaw has developed an informal network of producers on Twitter who are also able to answer questions. The hashtag is #IntercropInnovators. The interview with Shaw can be heard here.