Soil erosion can be a slow process, but over the years it leads to tremendous losses for farmers.
To help farmers learn how to combat erosion, the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) will host two workshops this fall for agricultural producers.
The first will take place on Nov. 20, from 1:30 to 3:30pm at the Haldimand Agricultural Community Centre, 1084 Kohler Road, Cayuga. A second meeting will be held a week later, on Nov. 27, from 1:30 to 3:30pm at Alma Bible Church, 59 Peel Street East.
“Erosion doesn’t just happen during spring runoff,” says Anne Loeffler, GRCA conservation specialist. “We’ve also had some significant soil losses after heavy rainfall events in late spring and early summer. Producers can’t afford to lose topsoil to downstream reservoirs and lakes.”
Specialists from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) will discuss steps farmers can take to keep the soil on their land. Topics will include erosion control structures and the use of cover crops.
Staff from the GRCA will present erosion risk mapping, developed for parts of the Upper Nith and Conestoga River watersheds. This mapping shows areas of gully formation, as well as areas at highest risk for sheet erosion.
In addition, information will be presented on grants available in Waterloo Region, Wellington County, Brant County and Haldimand County to address erosion issues and support the use of cover crops. Huron County cash crop producer Stefan Zehetner will be speaking at the Alma meeting about his experiences with cover crops.
Participation is free, but pre-registration is requested. To register, contact Anne Loeffler at the Grand River Conservation Authority at ruralwater@grandriver.ca or 519-621-2763, ext. 2242.
Funding for the workshops has been provided by OMAFRA.
The Rural Water Quality Program is funded by most of the municipalities in the Grand River watershed.
