Norstar Agriculture

Land is a farmer’s greatest asset, and soil must be replenished to preserve its health and productivity. Guided by this principle, Norstar Agriculture is on a mission to make farming sustainable for future generations through science-based soil management solutions.

A healthy soil environment contributes to effective crop growth with a more efficient use of fertilizers. To that end, Norstar provides education and hands-on support to help growers understand both the “how” and the “why” of soil improvement.

Its comprehensive suite of scientifically backed soil-health improvement products, including cement kiln dust (NorCal), gypsum and humic products, are designed to enhance soil vitality. These solutions address a wide range of challenges, including pH imbalances, salinity, nutrient deficiencies and toxicity.

“We work closely with farmers to provide guidance and monitor progress rather than simply selling a product,” says Meaghan Vinet, special project manager.

Reviving Soils, Strengthening Crops

Norstar’s flagship product, NorCal, offers an effective alternative to traditional ag lime derived from calcium carbonate. Composed of calcium oxide, NorCal reacts rapidly in the soil, making calcium more readily available to plants.

In Canadian regions like Saskatchewan, Alberta and the Prairies soils are becoming increasingly acidic and calcium-deficient. NorCal provides a lasting solution. This lime-based product delivers a consistent source of calcium that raises soil pH and can last 7–10 years before requiring a top-up application. Its long-term stability reduces the need for frequent amendments, helping farmers lower input costs while maintaining balanced nutrient levels and sustained soil performance across multiple growing seasons.

Norstar has earned a reputation for helping farms thrive in challenging environments. The impact is evident from a farm in northern Alberta with highly acidic soil registering a pH of around 4.0 and low calcium saturation. Despite receiving less than three inches of rainfall, the soil’s pH rose to 4.8 and base saturation increased from 20 to 27 in under a year after NorCal was applied.

A similar transformation took place near Daysland, where an unproductive plot with a soil pH of 5.1 was revitalized into highly fertile land with a pH of 6.7 and healthy calcium levels. Once considered a useless field, it is now among the most productive areas on the farm.

Tests conducted in collaboration with Cargill further validated these outcomes, confirming measurable improvements in soil chemistry and crop performance. Other retail partners have also verified these results through their own independent testing. These proven outcomes have turned skeptical farmers into strong advocates who now integrate Norstar’s soil-building practices into their operations.

Norstar’s gypsum further supports soil balance and crop vitality. A natural source of calcium sulfate, it improves soil structure while supplying essential sulfur for healthy plant growth. By providing a steady sulfur source, helping remove excess salts, and improving soil structure, gypsum offers a holistic, balanced approach to soil enrichment. Its composition reflects Norstar’s philosophy of providing sustainable, agronomically proven solutions that keep farmland productive for generations.

Its humic products complement these benefits, enhancing soil vitality by stimulating microbial activity and improving the organic component of soil. Humic acid is a naturally occurring compound that facilitates nutrient transport within plant tissues. Concentrated liquid humic serves as a carbon source, building humus in the root zone and increasing fertilizer efficiency.

Ongoing Support for Maximum Soil and Crop Performance

Norstar’s success is anchored in scientific expertise and a dedicated team. It collaborates with researchers from the University of Alberta and other experts to validate product performance and develop new solutions. The team is passionate about farmers’ success and provides guidance, support and continuous learning to ensure the best outcomes. Its collective dedication reflects a shared mission of supporting growers, ensuring that all agriculture thrives.

“Our focus is on working in tandem with farmers and their agronomists to make soil health a central part of every decision,” says Vinet.

Distinguishing Norstar is its commitment to follow up as a true partner. It supports growers beyond the first application, ensuring products perform as intended. If results fall short, soil chemistry and environmental factors are analyzed to identify solutions. Initial treatments are carefully calibrated and follow-up testing and applications optimize long-term effectiveness. Combining technical expertise with ongoing support, Norstar helps farmers maintain healthy soils and sustainable yields over time.

Operations are being expanded further into the prairie region, with a current focus on Central and Northern Alberta, as well as Regina and Saskatoon in Saskatchewan. It is also exploring potential growth in Manitoba. Norstar is also developing new product blends and seeking partnerships with other companies to create innovative soil management solutions that improve farm productivity. By combining materials such as gypsum or NorCal with compost and other components, it strives to deliver practical solutions that boost agricultural outcomes.

With Norstar Agriculture by their side, farmers gain the guidance, tools and expertise needed to make every acre perform at its best.