The Builder, The Banker, The Brewer

The Builder, The Banker, The Brewer:Balancing Soil Physics, Chemistry and Biology in Prarie Fields

Date: December 11th, 2025

Time: 1:00PM-3:30PM

Location: Foothills-Okotoks Regional Field House

This session explores how the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of soil each contribute to building productive, resilient, and economically viable cropping systems. Using the framework of the Builder, the Banker, and the Brewer, we’ll examine how soil structure, fertility, and life interact to create a thriving soil ecosystem.

Drawing on practical examples from Alberta farms, we’ll look at:

• How soil mapping supports better physical management,
• How regular soil testing guides smarter nutrient use,
• How these practices together build soil biology, and
• What microbial communites are at work beneath our feet and their functions.

With insights from two presenters—one focusing on how management practices shape soil’s physical, chemical, and biological balance, and the other on the living organisms and processes driving those functions—participants will gain a deeper understanding of how to manage soil as a dynamic, living system.

We’ll also explore how most of us naturally lean toward one of these approaches, but the greatest gains come from finding balance among all three.

Also check out other Arts events in Okotoks, Fine Arts events in Okotoks.