The new funding is available through the Clean Water Program for farms throughout the Upper Thames River watershed, encouraging farmers to use cover crops.
OXFORD COUNTY - The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) has announced new funding for farmers.
The funding is available through the Clean Water Program for farms throughout the Upper Thames River watershed, encouraging farmers to use cover crops.
The program has provided technical assistance and financial incentives to improve and protect rural water quality since 2001.
UTRCA Conservation Services Specialist Craig Merkley says cover crops offer multiple benefits, including improving the health of soil.
“Soil erosion and nutrient runoff from farmland can negatively impact water quality in our watershed. We have found that cover crops improve soil health, increase water retention and infiltration, and reduce nutrient losses and sedimentation of watercourses. Ultimately, we hope to reduce phosphorus in the Thames River and Lake Erie.”
Funding for this initiative was made available from Environment and Climate Change Canada through the Great Lakes Protection Initiative to kick-start the new program for two years.
You can contact one of the UTRCA's Agricultural Soil & Water Quality Technicians if you have any questions regarding eligibility or you want to discuss cover crop options for your farm.
Michael Funk, funkm@thamesriver.on.ca (519) 451-2800 ext 305
Tatianna Lozier, loziert@thamesriver.on.ca (519) 451-2800 ext 233
You can visit here for details on eligibility and application form. The UTRCA are currently accepting applications for payment in the spring of next year.
Farmers who have not used cover crops before or are in an area where cover crops are not a routine practice will be given priority.
Photo credit: Flickr.com/Upper Thames River CA
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