A weekly report prepared by the staff of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). If you require further information, regarding this report, call the Elora Resource Centre at 519-846-0941. Office hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For technical information, call the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or visit the OMAFRA website: www.ontario.ca/omafra
Birds and farmers have always coexisted, sharing the land. Pastures and hayfields provide feed for livestock as well as attracting many types of wildlife, including grassland birds.
In fact, the conversion of forest in Ontario to pasture and forage crops in the 1700s and 1800s greatly benefited grassland birds.
If your farm operation includes hay or pasture, you are likely aware of the recent focus on grassland birds, especially those that have been designated as at risk under Ontario’s Endangered Species Act.
While agricultural operations have been granted an exemption under the act with respect to Bobolink and Eastern Meadowlark until 2025, populations of many grassland birds are rapidly declining.
Farmers and other rural landowners are being asked to do their part to help these birds regain healthy populations.
Managing your lands for grassland birds versus managing for agricultural productivity does not have to be an either-or situation. Many farmers already have healthy populations of birds in their hayfields and pastures.
In fact, Ontario’s grassland birds depend on these farmland habitats for their survival. In general, good pasture management is also good for many bird species.
While forage production may be more difficult to integrate with grassland bird reproduction, this guide offers several suggestions on how this can be accomplished.
Maintaining a viable forage or grazing program that considers the needs of both birds and livestock producers is critical. Otherwise, there are two likely alternatives: the land will be converted to annual row crops, or abandoned and overtaken by shrubs and trees, resulting in lost habitat.
Finding a system that allows for coexistence is the most desirable outcome for farmers and grassland birds. This workbook is designed to:
i) Introduce the needs and characteristics of common grassland species;
ii) Assist you in evaluating the suitability of your hay and pasture fields as grassland bird habitat;
iii) Present a series of potential Best Management Practices (BMPs) that you could consider for your operation; and
iv) Guide you in developing a management plan that encompasses your overall farm goals as well as accommodation of nesting grassland birds.
For the workbook, go to website – https://bit.ly/2D34DTq.
Coming Events:
Mar. 2 – Managing Trees on your Property Workshop. Learn how to maintain and improve trees at this free workshop. Topics will include common tree diseases, invasive species and hazard trees with tours of a pine planation and hardwood forest. Register via https://managingtrees2019.eventbrite.ca, email ruralwater@grandriver.ca or call 519-621-2763 ext. 2278.
