Environmental health is a top priority for Credit Valley Conservation and landowners across the Credit River watershed.
Shane Baghai, owner of Paradise Farms in Caledon, is dedicated to protecting water quality and wildlife habitat. His actions demonstrate it.
In 2008, Baghai bought 200 acres of rural property in Caledon and began raising Angus Scottish highland and waygu cattle to support local food and farmland. He recently opened three Prime Beef Bistros, in Caledon, Erin and Toronto. He believes it is important to minimize the distance food travels from producer to consumer.
In 2014, Baghai went further. He committed to improving local wildlife habitat by purchasing bird-friendly certified hay grown by a neighbouring farm.
Bird-friendly certified hay fields allow threatened grassland birds such as bobolink and eastern meadowlark to finish their breeding and nesting cycles before the hay is cut.
“When I buy hay it’s my way of contributing to bird sanctuaries and it’s good for my business,” he said. “It also adds to my farm’s credibility and my cattle enjoy the hay as well.” During the first year of the program, eight farmers grew 143 acres of the hay, providing habitat for at least 78 bobolink and eastern meadowlark in the watershed. Baghai purchased the late-cut hay, he explained. For more information call 905-670-1615 ext. 430 or email Mark Eastman at meastman@creditvalleyca.ca.
