My name is Faye Boutin-Hecktor, and like many Alberta farm kids, my boots hit the soil early. Growing up near Carbon, I was a total country cowgirl, happiest outdoors, with a deep-seated love for nature and the rhythm of agriculture. This wasn't just a backdrop to my childhood; it was the beginning of a lifelong passion, a path deeply influenced by my father, Ron Boutin.

For those who know Alberta agriculture, you might know Ron. His insatiable appetite for agriculture and horticulture started on his own family farm years ago. After a 35 year long career elsewhere, he jumped back into the world of soil and plants with both feet, founding Y Not Goats LTD with a clear mission: natural soil and plant health, aiming to reduce farmer's costs, minimize chemical use, and get the absolute maximum output from every single plant. His motto, "If you have a problem in the field or yard, call us because we can fix it!" isn't just a saying—it's a commitment that has defined Y Not Goats. It was in the heart of this problem-solving, results-driven environment at Y Not Goats, working in the office, that my own passion for the science behind healthy crops and productive pastures truly ignited.

Witnessing firsthand the difference that practical, well-applied knowledge could make for farmers, I knew this was my calling. I pursued my diploma from Olds College, hungry for knowledge. But like any good country kid, I also knew that the best learning often happens with your hands in the dirt and by seeking out every bit of wisdom you can find. That's why I'm continuing to build on my education, working towards my Bachelor of Science degree and currently practicing as an Agronomist in Training.

My journey is a blend of that old-fashioned farm wisdom, gleaned from years watching and learning from Dad at Y Not Goats – understanding his focus on high-quality inputs like OMEX products because they consistently deliver – and the new frontiers of agricultural science.

That’s why In the Black Soil and Plant Services was born. I saw a need, much like other independent consultants who value that direct, personal connection with farmers, to offer truly personalized, boots-on-the-ground consulting. My focus is clear: crop production and pasture management designed to make a tangible difference to your operation. It’s about taking that deep-rooted love for Alberta agriculture, the practical, problem-solving ethos of Y Not Goats, and my growing technical expertise, and putting it to work for you.

And because modern farming involves navigating complex programs, I also bring expertise in Carbon Asset Consulting and RDAR (Results Driven Agriculture Research) Consulting. My aim is to help you not only optimize what’s happening in your fields but also access opportunities that can further support your farm's sustainability and profitability.

At In the Black Soil and Plant Services, it’s not just about advice; it’s about partnership. It’s about understanding your unique challenges, your land, and your goals, and then rolling up our sleeves together to find practical solutions that help put your farm "in the black." This is more than a business for me; it's carrying on a family legacy of passion for agriculture and a genuine commitment to seeing Alberta's hardworking farmers thrive.